Celerion to relocate to new Belfast clinical trials hub

Celerion will relocate its Phase I clinical research site to the iREACH Health clinical research innovation center at Queen’s University Belfast.

The relocation – due to be completed in 2027 – is part of a effort to create a Northern Ireland hub for clinical trials being carried out in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Currently, Celerion is based a little over a mile away at a facility on the Lisburn Road in the southern half of Belfast.

Phil Bach, Celerion’s executive vice president of global clinical research, said, “Our new home at iREACH Health will enhance the speed and efficiency of our Phase 1 clinical trials, supporting our clients in accelerating drug development timelines.”

Judy Bradley, CEO of iREACH Health, said, “This partnership with Celerion will help deliver significant benefits for the region and beyond, driving advancements in healthcare whilst supporting economic and social outcomes.”

The new center, which will be situated beside Belfast City Hospital, will include a 100-bed Phase I clinical study unit designed in accordance with Celerion’s specifications.

Construction

In related news, engineering company Graham announced it had started work on the iREACH Health facility where Celerion will be based.

According to the firm, the £64 million, 8,500-square-meter facility will accommodate up to 360 staff and bring together all the essential parts of the clinical trial ecosystem in one space.

The project will create up to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and generate an additional £733 million GDP for the region.

In a press statement Sir Ian Greer, president and vice-chancellor of Queen's University, said, “iREACH Health signifies a new era for clinical trials in Northern Ireland, bringing together world-class expertise and cutting-edge facilities to accelerate the development and deployment of new medical treatments.”

DepositPhotos/putilich