Clinical Research Center Transforming Patient Care and Trials
The Clinical Research Center at UConn Health demonstrates how coordinated teams turn long-term scientific efforts into immediate patient benefit. This piece explores concrete examples — from a global trial that led to an FDA-approved therapy to the center’s broad portfolio of ongoing studies — while following the patient experience as a guiding thread.
Clinical Research Center as a hub for Translational Care and Innovation
The Clinical Research Center (CRC) acts as an operational bridge between laboratory discovery and everyday clinical practice. By aligning clinicians, research nurses, coordinators, and patients, the CRC advances both science and quality of care in parallel.
- Team coordination: investigators, nurses, coordinators and patients collaborate continuously.
- Patient-centered protocols: designs that prioritize safety, access, and meaningful outcomes.
- Long-term commitment: multi-year trials supported with sustained resources and follow-up.
| Role | Primary Contribution | Example at CRC |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Investigator | Scientific leadership and protocol oversight | Dr. Mark Metersky leading bronchiectasis trials since Phase II (2018) |
| Research Nurse | Participant care, protocol adherence, and rapport | Sheila Thurlow coordinating Phase III operations at UConn Health |
| Patients | Essential contributors to safety and efficacy data | Volunteers like Cindy who participated in multiple studies |
The operational model fosters PatientFirstResearch and creates an environment where innovations move toward routine care faster. This integrated approach is what enables the CRC to be a true CareAdvanceCenter.
Visibility into patient journeys helps teams design better trials and improves retention, an insight that leads naturally to examining a landmark success at the CRC.
Brinsupri (brensocatib) approval: a trial-to-care case study
From multi-continent trial to FDA approval and patient impact
The CRC’s participation in a global randomized study contributed data that supported the FDA approval of Brinsupri (brensocatib) for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in patients aged 12 and older. The trial involved over 1,700 patients across five continents and published pivotal results in a leading medical journal in April before regulatory clearance in August 2025.
- Mechanism: targets inflammation to reduce exacerbations and slow lung function decline.
- Outcome: nearly half of participants remained exacerbation-free at one year.
- Access: clinicians can now prescribe the once-daily pill to eligible patients.
| Metric | Trial Finding | Clinical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Annualized exacerbation rate | Statistically reduced | Fewer hospitalizations and improved daily function |
| Exacerbation-free proportion | ~50% remained symptom-free at 12 months | Significant quality-of-life gains for many patients |
| Regulatory milestone | FDA approval (August 2025) | First approved treatment for bronchiectasis |
Key personnel at UConn—Dr. Mark Metersky, the site principal investigator, and study leaders—ensured protocol fidelity and patient safety across both Phase II and Phase III stages. Research nurses like Sheila Thurlow provided continuity and close patient engagement that made long-term follow-up possible.
- Patient testimonial: Cindy reported symptomatic relief and enthusiasm for the new prescription pathway.
- Operational lesson: sustained site engagement speeds translation from trial result to clinical availability.
| Contributor | Specific Role in Brinsupri Study | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| CRC Research Staff | Recruitment, coordination, and patient follow-up | High retention and data completeness |
| Industry Sponsor | Funding and global trial management (Insmed, Inc.) | Enabled multi-continent scale and regulatory submission |
| Patients | Participation and feedback on tolerability | Direct contribution to efficacy and safety conclusions |
The Brinsupri story reflects a TrialTransform moment where decades of clinical effort produced a tangible change in care — a clear sign of ResearchForward systems at work.
Patient-centered trial conduct, illustrated by this approval, poses the question: how can centers scale these successes across diverse conditions?
Scaling research impact: portfolio diversity and patient access
The CRC currently supports over 80 active trials spanning neurology, gastroenterology, respiratory disease, and more. This breadth demonstrates how a single center can simultaneously pursue NextGenClinical studies while maintaining close clinical care integration.
- Therapeutic diversity: epilepsy, Parkinson’s, gastroenterology, respiratory innovations.
- Patient access strategies: community outreach, referral networks, and telehealth follow-ups.
- Workforce development: sustained training pathways for coordinators and nurses.
| Therapy Area | Typical Trial Phase | Patient Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Neurology (epilepsy, Parkinson’s) | Phase II–III | Potential for disease-modifying approaches |
| Gastroenterology | Phase I–II | Targeted symptom reduction and metabolic health |
| Respiratory (bronchiectasis) | Phase III / post-approval studies | Improved lung function and fewer exacerbations |
Investing in training and career pathways keeps sites resilient; resources such as articles on training pathways in clinical research and profiles like the profile of a researcher underscore how professional development fuels innovation.
- Operational resilience: adapting to workforce shifts highlighted in reports like workforce shifts in research institutions.
- Cross-disciplinary learning: recognition of scientific excellence informs trial design — see examples in recent medical awards in cell biology.
- Community health tie-ins: initiatives such as produce prescription programs integrate prevention with therapeutic research.
| Strategy | Action | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Community partnerships | Screening events and local referrals | Broader, more representative enrollment |
| Telehealth follow-up | Remote monitoring and virtual visits | Improved retention and convenience |
| Staff development | Mentorship and continuing education | Higher-quality data and patient care |
By centering patients and building systems that support long timelines, the CRC embodies a model of ClinicalCareConnect and PatientLeap — a practical route from study design to everyday health impact.
These operational choices invite other centers to adopt a similar combination of patient-centered practice and rigorous trial standards, a recipe for sustainable AdvanceTrialsHub success.
What made the Brinsupri trial successful at the CRC?
Success rested on long-term site commitment, meticulous protocol management by investigators and research nurses, and strong patient engagement; these elements produced high-quality data that supported regulatory approval.
How do patients benefit from participating in clinical trials at the CRC?
Participants gain access to novel therapies, close clinical monitoring, and attentive research staff support, with many reporting improved symptoms and contributing to treatments that help future patients.
How does the CRC balance research workload with routine patient care?
The CRC integrates dedicated research staff and resources so that clinicians can maintain clinical responsibilities while trials proceed; this ensures safety and continuity for both research participants and regular patients.
How can other centers replicate the CRC’s model?
Key steps include investing in workforce development, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, prioritizing patient-centric trial design, and building community referral networks to diversify enrollment.