During the last year, ECFS and EuroCareCF have worked together to pave the way for an ECFS –Clinical Trial Network (ECFS-CTN). The aim of this network is to intensify clinical research in the field of CF in terms of quality and quantity to ensure people with CF in Europe and beyond have access to effective treatment as quickly as possible. At a recent joint meeting of the EuroCareCF Workpackage 3 and the ECFS Board in Leuven, Belgium, the decision was made to proceed with the development of this network.

The ECFS–CTN will be a network in which independent CF Centres that fulfil a certain set of criteria (number of patients, human resources, track record in clinical trials and infrastructure support) voluntarily form an alliance. In the first wave, a limited number of sites will constitute the network. This will allow the network to pilot working practices, ethical approval, standard operating procedures and interaction with sponsors. A second wave of recruitment, in 18-24 months, will encourage more centres to join the network. All interested sites will be solicited to participate in phase III studies that require a large number of patients.

Many CF centres replied favourably to the survey sampling interest to participate in a clinical trials network that was sent out earlier this year from the ECFS office. This is a very positive message.

To help in the selection of the most appropriate sites for the start of the network, an application form will be sent out to all centres which replied favourably to the first survey and have in the mean time also responded to the second survey requesting more detailed information about the centre. Applicants have to be active ECFS members. An Evaluation Board will be appointed by the ECFS. The Board will not include physicians from centres applying to participate in the network

If you missed the survey or have not yet found time to answer the first and second surveys, you can still declare your interest in participating in the ECFS-CTN by filling out both surveys available at the ECFS office (Sarah.Young@ecfsoc.org or Christine.Dubois@ecfsoc.org)