La Unidad de Investigación Clínica pediátrica del Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona

✏️ Do you know what a clinical trial is or how it can be carried out? 👩‍⚕️ At Sant Joan de Déu, over 50 professionals coordinate paediatric clinical research projects, supporting patients and families, researchers, clinical teams, laboratory staff, technical specialists, and pharmacists, among others. 🔬 It is the largest Clinical Research Unit in children and adolescents in Spain and the second largest in Europe in terms of trial volume. Currently, there are 220 active clinical trials involving medicinal products, covering more than 30 medical specialties and engaging over 75 researchers. In addition, there are 15 clinical trials with medical devices. 🧬 In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of rare childhood diseases being studied. This Unit receives patients who have no available treatment options or for whom existing treatments are ineffective—many of whom travel from other parts of Spain or even from abroad. 🔎 Future challenges in clinical research include the integration of new therapies and technologies, as well as managing increasing complexity. Some current clinical trials involve collaboration among 8 to 10 different hospital departments.