French drugmaker Sanofi has named NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Greater Manchester as its first UK Premier Site, marking a “landmark” clinical research partnership that will help accelerate R&D to address the medical need of patients.

According to the parties, Premier Site status “creates a mutually beneficial environment” that closely links clinical trials sponsored by Sanofi with CRN Greater Manchester’s network of R&D experts and suite of primary and secondary research centres. The move should help research institutions boost patient recruitment rates, thus improving efficiencies and slashing costs, as well as improving data quality and providing greater opportunities for sites to participate in Sanofi studies.

CRN Greater Manchester supports the delivery of health research across a population of almost three million people, working hand in hand with 14 NHS trusts and 11 Clinical Commissioning Groups.

“We are delighted to have been chosen as Sanofi’s first UK Premier Site and are excited by the opportunities this closer working relationship offers our network and, most importantly, patient care,” commented Sarah Fallon, CRN Greater Manchester Life-Sciences Industry Delivery Lead. “Premier Site status with Sanofi will allow us even better opportunities to maximise our expertise and resources and improve patient access to clinical studies at centres around Greater Manchester.”