- Clinical trials are an important focus of this Theme, and often build from descriptive studies carried out among patients. The CEM Theme focus is on early phase trials, with late phase trials in collaboration with Maternal and Child Health, Vaccines and Population Health Themes. Currently, CEM includes DBRCT and open trials of vaccines, drugs and diagnostics, phase 1-4, including rotavirus, malaria, typhoid, non-typhoidal salmonella, pneumococcus, and tuberculosis as well as high-flow vs standard flow oxygen. More trials including controlled human infection model (CHIM) trials are planned as MLW develops strategic projects addressing specific pathogens (e.g. cholera). Observational studies (e.g. Pre-BREATHE, our completed study of the aetiology of breathlessness) are carried out to purposefully inform future intervention trial designs (e.g. BREATHE, current study of standard vs high flow oxygen).
- Multi-site international studies. We demonstrate both leadership of, and participation in, multi-centre studies of global importance. Currently, we lead the MULTILINK study of multi-morbidity and are the fastest recruiting site in BREATHE, studying oxygen delivery. New studies include the M72 TB vaccine study.
- Trial protocols. We have a strategic objective to develop and maintain model trial protocols both pre-approved (e.g. ISARIC) and as tools for new studies (e.g. CHIM vaccine studies). We are supporting CRSU in the development of early phase trial support by linkage with the Phase 1 Unit in Liverpool.
