NIH unveils clinical trial supply facility; plans service expansion

The NIH Clinical Center's Pharmaceutical Development Section is readying to cash in on a seven-year effort by moving into a new $12-million facility. The June move to the 1,115-square-meter drug-making plant marks a big change from the 743-square-meter workspace it has occupied for 50 years.

The PDS's 20 chemists, pharmacists, pharmacokineticists and technicians produce investigational treatments used in many of the hundreds of the Clinical Center's ongoing studies--about one-third of the 1,000 drugs, including placebos. Drug forms include solid oral dosage, injection, IV, ointments and creams.

NIH hosted reporters on a walk-through in late March.

The center's plans include services provided not just to on-site NIH researchers and clients but also to outside clinical investigators. The current one-shift operation is eventually expected to run 24/7.

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