Written by Professor Chris Griffiths, Theme Lead for Skin and Wound Healing
There is a substantial and diverse collection of dermatology studies being conducted in the region. Current work ranges from efforts to increase our understanding of skin aging and inflammation, to commercial trials of state of the art treatments for psoriasis.
The number of trials adopted onto the NIHR Clinical Research Network portfolio is increasing, along with the number of patients taking part in dermatology research in the area. We now have approximately 20 NIHR adopted trials, of which six are commercially sponsored.
I am delighted to be leading the IMPACT programme of research, which aims to improve the care of people with psoriasis. IMPACT (Identification and Management of Psoriasis Associated CommorbidiTy) has been awarded a £2m NIHR grant and is only the second NIHR programme nationally to be awarded in the field of dermatology. Psoriasis can have a major impact upon patient’s quality of life, and it appears that many psoriasis patients may be at increased risk of developing other conditions, including depression and cardiovascular disease. I believe that this five year programme will allow us ascertain the true association between psoriasis and these conditions and will enable us to design community-based services that will be of direct benefit to this overlooked group of people. One of the key aspects of the programme is its multi-disciplinary nature, involving professionals with wide ranging expertise.
Considerable progress has been made over the last decade in our quest to find the cause of psoriasis. The consequence has been the development of more effective treatment options in the form of targeted ‘biologics’. NICE has recommended registration for all UK patients receiving these new therapies for psoriasis, and we are proud to be an active recruitment site for the British Association of Dermatologists Biologic Intervention Registry (BADBIR).
As an increasing number of clinical trials in dermatology are on mild to moderate severity disease we are starting to actively engage with primary care for recruitment. Additionally we have been asked to manage the dermatology portfolio in the Cumbria and Lancs CLRN.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome any interests of collaboration, particularly from primary care. I believe that forging closer links with centres will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of dermatology research in the region. Please contact Susan Moschogianis, Research Assistant for more information.
Professor Chris Griffiths (pictured) has been GM CLRN’s Theme Lead for Skin and Wound Healing since 2008. He is Professor of Dermatology at The University of Manchester and Consultant Dermatologist at Salford Royal NHS Trust.
