Global clinical research leader, Celerion, has announced plans to relocate its U.K. Phase 1 clinical research operations to the state-of-the-art iREACH Health centre in Belfast. Set to be completed in early 2027, the new facility will become a central hub for clinical research and innovation in Northern Ireland’s growing life sciences sector.
The iREACH Health clinical research centre, a joint venture between Queen’s University Belfast and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, is being designed as a cutting-edge research and innovation space. Upon its completion, it will feature a 100-bed Phase 1 facility tailored to Celerion’s specifications, enabling more efficient and innovative clinical trials. The centre will be strategically located near Belfast City Hospital, providing access to key medical and academic resources.
Celerion’s move to the iREACH Health centre marks an important step in its long-standing presence in Belfast. The company’s clinical research operations in the city have spanned over 30 years, and the relocation is set to further enhance its capabilities. By joining the iREACH Health facility, Celerion will be positioned at the forefront of clinical research, providing state-of-the-art services for its clients and partners.
Phil Bach, Executive Vice President of Global Clinical Research at Celerion, expressed excitement about the move, stating, “We’re thrilled to build on our long-standing relationship with Queen’s University Belfast by relocating to this world-class centre. 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.”
The iREACH Health innovation centre aims to advance clinical trials by adopting a more agile, data-driven, and digitally enabled approach. Professor Judy Bradley, CEO of iREACH Health, emphasized the importance of this partnership with Celerion, stating, “Our aim is to deliver agile, people-centered clinical trials that are innovative, data-driven, and digitally enabled. We are delighted to work with Celerion to tackle some of Northern Ireland’s most pressing healthcare challenges, driving advancements in healthcare while supporting economic and social outcomes.”
The relocation to iREACH Health aligns with Celerion’s mission to deliver high-quality early-phase clinical research. The company will bring its full-service data management, medical writing, and biometrics team to the new facility, where they will continue to specialize in adaptive study design, protocol development, clinical data sciences, PK/PD analysis, and statistical reporting. This team of experts is dedicated to providing data-driven insights that help reduce risk and optimize trial outcomes for pharmaceutical companies.
The iREACH Health centre is expected to become a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s life sciences ecosystem. Its development is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s economic and healthcare sectors, offering vital support for the growth of innovative treatments and drug development initiatives.
As Celerion prepares for the move, the company’s collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast and iREACH Health is poised to have a lasting impact on the future of clinical research in the region and beyond.
