Creating a better landscape for paediatric clinical trials requires input from all actors and from all disciplines. From industry sponsors, CROs, decision-makers, to researchers and academics to parents, children, and young people, your contribution to c4c-S is invaluable. Find out how you can get involved below.
For Patients and Families
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a type of research study that tests new medical interventions, such as drugs, devices, or treatments, to evaluate their effects on human health. These trials are conducted in phases to ensure safety and effectiveness:
PHASE 1
SAFETY
Tests a new drug or treatment in a small group to evaluate safety and dosage.
10 - 80 participants
PHASE 2
SAFETY & DOSING
Expands the study to a larger group to monitor for side effects and effectiveness.
100 - 300 participants
PHASE 3
SAFETY & EFFICACY
Involves even larger groups to confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare with standard treatments.
300 - 3000 participants
PHASE 4
POST-APPROVAL
Conducted after a treatment is approved to gather more information on its long-term effects.
Did you know that clinical trials are crucial for several reasons?
They play a vital role in ensuring that new medical treatments are safe and effective for human use. By rigorously testing new drugs, devices, or therapies, clinical trials help identify any potential side effects and determine the appropriate dosages. This process is essential for advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments that can improve health outcomes.
Additionally, clinical trials contribute to setting new standards of care, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments that might not be available otherwise. They also ensure diverse representation, which is important for understanding how treatments work across different populations.
Overall, clinical trials are fundamental to the progress of medical science and the enhancement of patient care.
Join the PPI network
We are always on the lookout to expand our European footprint and pool of Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) experts and patient parent representatives. Are you interested to join our PPI community? Contact us directly through our contact form!
PPI experts and patient parent representatives play a crucial role in ensuring that the perspectives of patients and families are integrated into clinical trial design and implementation. This helps make trials more patient-centred and relevant to the needs of children and their families.
Joining the PPI network is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the development of paediatric clinical trials. You will participate in various activities, such as:
- Providing input on trial design and protocols.
- Reviewing patient information materials.
- Participating in advisory panels and meetings.
- Sharing your experiences and insights to improve trial processes.
To join as a PPI expert or patient parent representative, you should have experience or a strong interest in paediatric healthcare and clinical trials. Personal experience as a parent of a child who has participated in clinical trials or has a chronic illness can be particularly valuable.
Parent stories
It was very easy. All those who participated were very kind and their interest in improving the quality of life of children and families was very noticeable. They were very interested in the parents’ opinion and in explaining everything very well and extrapolating to try to understand similar situations experienced in other places (taking into account, for example, travel times to reference hospitals if you are not in the same Autonomous Community).
– A parent
The c4c team was interested in our views and experience. I really enjoyed the fact that they took our answers into serious consideration.
– A parent
I really appreciated the opportunity to have the patient voice heard and incorporated into the study design.
– A parent
Great to be talking about my child’s disease in this setting.
– A parent
The possibility of contributing my opinion in a sincere way is perceived valuable.
– A parent
For industry sponsors and CROs
Collaborate with us
At c4c-S, we believe in the power of collaboration to advance paediatric clinical research. We invite industry sponsors and Contract Research Organisations (CROs) to join our network and contribute to the development of innovative treatments for children. Our services are designed to facilitate the development of new drugs and therapies for the entire paediatric population. Here’s how you can collaborate with us.
Through strategic membership
Strategic memberships involve long-term collaborations with industry sponsors and CROs to co-develop and execute paediatric clinical trials. These partnerships are designed to foster innovation and leverage the strengths of both parties to achieve common goals.
- Eligibility: Open to pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, medical device companies, and CROs.
- Benefits: Full members gain access to our extensive network of trial-ready sites, expert advisory services, and participation in our governance and decision-making processes as advisors. This membership provides opportunities to influence the direction of paediatric clinical research and contribute to the development of best practices.
- Requirements: Full members are expected to actively participate in c4c-S initiatives, share insights, and adhere to our ethical guidelines and standards.
Through project-based collaborations
Project-based collaborations focus on specific clinical trials or research initiatives. These collaborations are ideal for sponsors and CROs looking to address particular research questions or develop targeted therapies.
This model allows for flexibility and targeted resource allocation, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and effectively. It also provides opportunities for sponsors and CROs to contribute to high-impact research without long-term commitments.
- Eligibility: Open to all companies, academic institutions, and non-profit organisations.
- Benefits: Access to our extensive network of trial-ready sites and expert advisory services, as needed to achieve the goals of the project in scope.
- Requirements: Sponsors are encouraged to engage in c4c-S activities and support our mission through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
To explore membership opportunities and collaboration models, please contact us.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
For Researchers and healthcare practitioners
Training and Development
At c4c-S, we believer that continuous learning and professional development are essential for advancing paediatric research. In addition to helping achieve better medicines for babies, children, and young people, by joining the network researchers and healthcare practitioners can benefit from training resources developed by the conect4children project for over almost a decade. Our training and development programs are designed to equip researchers with knowledge and skills needed to conduct high-quality paediatric clinical trials. Gain greater insight and expertise into all relevant aspects of the organisation, implementation, and delivery of paediatric clinical trials by joining c4c-S’s network.
Join the network
We are always on the lookout to expand our European footprint and expertise. Are you interested to join our network of National Hubs, sites or Experts? Contact us directly through our contact form!
Contact us
At c4c-S, we aim to make your experience seamless and efficient with our Single Point of Contact (SPoC) system. When you reach out to us, you will be assigned a dedicated SPoC who will be your primary liaison. This person will understand your needs, coordinate communication, and ensure you have access to all necessary resources. Your SPoC will provide continuous support, address any questions or concerns, and facilitate additional services as needed.
Cookie policy