{"id":13194,"date":"2025-12-09T17:13:47","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T17:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/?p=13194"},"modified":"2025-12-15T16:54:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:54:45","slug":"without-trials-there-are-no-treatments-how-irish-research-facility-transforms-patient-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/healthcare-innovations\/without-trials-there-are-no-treatments-how-irish-research-facility-transforms-patient-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Without trials, there are no treatments: how Irish research facility transforms patient care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2;color:#32373c\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-profile-box round ab-has-avatar ab-font-size-14 ab-block-profile ab-profile-columns\"><div class=\"ab-profile-column ab-profile-avatar-wrap\"><div class=\"ab-profile-image-wrap\"><figure class=\"ab-profile-image-square\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" class=\"ab-profile-avatar wp-image-13195\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170211\/vicky-1765299730-Harry-Friel-on-LEFT.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170211\/vicky-1765299730-Harry-Friel-on-LEFT.jpg 600w, https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170211\/vicky-1765299730-Harry-Friel-on-LEFT-125x125.jpg 125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ab-profile-column ab-profile-content-wrap\"><h2 class=\"ab-profile-name\" style=\"color:#32373c\">Harry Friel<\/h2><p class=\"ab-profile-title\" style=\"color:#32373c\">Patient in Cardiology Trial<\/p><div class=\"ab-profile-text\"><\/div><ul class=\"ab-social-links\"><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2;color:#32373c\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-profile-box round ab-has-avatar ab-font-size-14 ab-block-profile ab-profile-columns\"><div class=\"ab-profile-column ab-profile-avatar-wrap\"><div class=\"ab-profile-image-wrap\"><figure class=\"ab-profile-image-square\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" class=\"ab-profile-avatar wp-image-13196\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170225\/vicky-1765299745-David-McCarthy-on-LEFT.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170225\/vicky-1765299745-David-McCarthy-on-LEFT.jpg 600w, https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170225\/vicky-1765299745-David-McCarthy-on-LEFT-125x125.jpg 125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ab-profile-column ab-profile-content-wrap\"><h2 class=\"ab-profile-name\" style=\"color:#32373c\">David Mccarthy<\/h2><p class=\"ab-profile-title\" style=\"color:#32373c\">Patient in Metabolic Trial<\/p><div class=\"ab-profile-text\"><\/div><ul class=\"ab-social-links\"><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2;color:#32373c\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-profile-box round ab-has-avatar ab-font-size-14 ab-block-profile ab-profile-columns\"><div class=\"ab-profile-column ab-profile-avatar-wrap\"><div class=\"ab-profile-image-wrap\"><figure class=\"ab-profile-image-square\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" class=\"ab-profile-avatar wp-image-13197\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170240\/vicky-1765299760-Katie-Coyle-on-RIGHT.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170240\/vicky-1765299760-Katie-Coyle-on-RIGHT.jpg 600w, https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170240\/vicky-1765299760-Katie-Coyle-on-RIGHT-125x125.jpg 125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ab-profile-column ab-profile-content-wrap\"><h2 class=\"ab-profile-name\" style=\"color:#32373c\">Kate Coyle<\/h2><p class=\"ab-profile-title\" style=\"color:#32373c\">Parent of Patient in a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Phase 1 clinical trial<\/p><div class=\"ab-profile-text\"><\/div><ul class=\"ab-social-links\"><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2;color:#32373c\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-profile-box round ab-has-avatar ab-font-size-14 ab-block-profile ab-profile-columns\"><div class=\"ab-profile-column ab-profile-avatar-wrap\"><div class=\"ab-profile-image-wrap\"><figure class=\"ab-profile-image-square\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" class=\"ab-profile-avatar wp-image-13198\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170252\/vicky-1765299772-Martina-Nolan-on-LEFT.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170252\/vicky-1765299772-Martina-Nolan-on-LEFT.jpg 600w, https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09170252\/vicky-1765299772-Martina-Nolan-on-LEFT-125x125.jpg 125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ab-profile-column ab-profile-content-wrap\"><h2 class=\"ab-profile-name\" style=\"color:#32373c\">Martina Nolan<\/h2><p class=\"ab-profile-title\" style=\"color:#32373c\">Patient in Phase 3 Clinical Trial relating to Polymyalgia Rheumatica<\/p><div class=\"ab-profile-text\"><\/div><ul class=\"ab-social-links\"><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Clinical Research Facility showcases the real-world impact of clinical trial involvement, with patient case studies spanning neurology, cardiology and metabolic disorders.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>For many, clinical trials are something you hear about from a distance, but for some, it\u2019s an everyday reality. The Wellcome <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjhcrf.ie\/\">HRB Clinical Research Facility<\/a> at St James&#8217;s Hospital, a state-of-the-art research facility in Ireland, hopes to highlight the real-world impact of clinical trials on everyday people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s something really comforting about the consistency you get when you participate in a clinical trial,\u201d explains Harry Freed, currently involved in a trial targeting cardiac amyloidosis, a hereditary condition that also affected his brother. \u201cMy brother also participated in clinical trials and believed deeply in contributing to new knowledge \u2014 that perspective stayed with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>My brother also participated in clinical trials and believed deeply in contributing to new knowledge \u2014 that perspective stayed with me.<a id=\"_msocom_1\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-world-outcomes\"><strong>Real-world outcomes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinical trials represent the difference between the standard of care and therapeutic innovation, often looking at the current therapeutic landscape through a new lens to discover new treatments. While not knowing whether you\u2019re on a placebo or an active drug can be unsettling, tangible clinical outcomes and drug approvals can help address these concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBecause my condition is so common, I expected treatments to be available,\u201d explains Martina Norman, who has been involved in a Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) clinical trial for the last 18 months. \u201cI recently saw a new drug announced for my condition, and it made me feel proud. Being part of research that helps get these drugs approved is incredibly rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dave McCarthy, who has worked in St James Hospital for many years, has seen a range of life-changing and measurable clinical outcomes from his involvement in an obesity drug treatment trial. Losing four stone through the trial has significantly improved his BMI, cholesterol and blood pressure. \u201cThis trial has genuinely given me my life back; I am healthier and more energised than I\u2019ve ever been.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some, clinical trials mean the difference between life and death. With no curative treatments currently available for Muscular Dystrophy, Catherine, mother of 13-year-old patient Ingus, views clinical trial involvement as an act of remarkable courage, paving the way for the discovery of new treatments. \u201cThe level of care is definitely higher within a research facility, likely because clinical trials are run to specific standards and procedures,\u201d she explains. \u201cThere are so many people working hard behind the scenes to make these trials possible, and everyone who participates in a clinical trial is very courageous, giving up their time and data for the benefit of others facing the same illness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur family owes a huge debt of gratitude to St James\u2019s for having the vision and courage to repeatedly seek the funding needed to bring its facilities to the highest standard. Their commitment has helped make it possible for organisations and pharmaceutical partners to invest in Ireland, and, most importantly, to invest in the people of Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><div style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-button ab-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjhcrf.ie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"ab-button ab-button-shape-rounded ab-button-size-medium fb-pixel\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000\">Click here to learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Clinical Research Facility showcases the real-world impact of clinical trial involvement, with patient case studies spanning neurology, cardiology and metabolic disorders. For many, clinical trials are something you hear about from a distance, but for some, it\u2019s an everyday reality. The Wellcome HRB Clinical Research Facility at St James&#8217;s Hospital, a state-of-the-art research facility in &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/healthcare-innovations\/without-trials-there-are-no-treatments-how-irish-research-facility-transforms-patient-care\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":163,"featured_media":13200,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5973],"tags":[5995],"class_list":["post-13194","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthcare-innovations","tag-healthcare-innovations"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09171254\/vicky-1765300373-group-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\/cdn-site.mediaplanet.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2025\/12\/09171254\/vicky-1765300373-group-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Mica Robertson","author_link":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/author\/micarobertson\/"},"vicky_category_order":[{"category_id":5973,"order":"0"}],"vicky_index_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/163"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13194"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13194\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13259,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13194\/revisions\/13259"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthnews.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}