EULAR Launches ENTRI Initiative to Boost Rheumatic Disease Research Across Europe

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) is proud to announce the launch of the EULAR Network of TRIal Centres (ENTRI) initiative. This groundbreaking program is designed to support emerging and experienced investigators in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) research across Europe, by widening their participation in internationally competitive research.

ENTRI aims to:

1. Create a network of clinical trial centres, accessible to all investigators and sponsors from both public and private sectors.
2. Build capacity and training in clinical trials and experimental medicine studies.
3. Provide RMD-related clinical trials toolkits underpinned by best practice.

By facilitating the delivery of incisive research trial studies, ENTRI helps generate the evidence required to implement changes in clinical practice that are meaningful and beneficial to patients. ENTRI members will be invited to participate in cutting-edge projects sponsored by both public and private sectors. Facilitating faster translation of results into clinical practice requires active engagement and participation from practicing clinicians and investigators. ENTRI will help establish platforms for prosecuting scientifically rigorous trials, addressing the most pressing clinical needs, engaging and reaching out to eligible patients in a faster and more efficient way. By applying a portfolio of carefully designed operating procedures, ENTRI will therefore help streamline efforts of investigators and sponsors to deliver trials in a timely manner, optimizing administrative processes, and reducing costs.

Through training programs, ENTRI also aims to support investigators to develop and build research capacity and clinical trial skill sets. Within a few years, EULAR hopes to provide investigators with programs tailored to their needs, focusing on good clinical practice and related skills for investigators across the full spectrum of expertise.

The EULAR Research Centre will oversee a two-step application process, starting with an Expression of Interest (EoI). This will be followed by an invitation to complete a full application, which aims to capture in more detail the resources and experience of each Centre.

EULAR invites EoI from any organization or institution:

• Promoting excellence in patient care.
• Demonstrating commitment to clinical research.
• With oversight into capacity and capabilities in clinical trials and experimental medicine studies and/or
• Experience in sponsoring clinical research (desirable, but not essential).
• Demonstrating expertise, or a clear willingness to further develop the skills in recruiting patients with RMDs to research studies.