Clinical Research Unit for Children at OUS celebrates 10 years
Thanks to the idea and perseverance of study nurse Anne Marie Halstensen and pediatrician Heidi Glosli—and the recognition and funding from key health leaders—the Oslo University Hospital’s Clinical Research Unit for Children (KFPB) saw the light of day 10 years ago.
Recently, the Clinical Research Unit for Children (KFPB) at Oslo University Hospital celebrated its 10th anniversary by gathering both long-time supporters and new enthusiasts. Back in 2015, KFPB had only two employees: Halstensen and Glosli. They were given a small room at Rikshospitalet. Over these 10 years, the unit has developed into an important part of clinical research involving children, thanks to the efforts of many dedicated professionals, partners, and supporters. Staffing has gradually increased in line with the number of trials. Today, there are more than 10 employees—some full-time, others part-time—and they currently have 42 ongoing industry trials at both Ullevål and Rikshospitalet. The trials cover neurology, oncology, achondroplasia, kidney diseases, obesity, blood disorders, gastroenterology, cystic fibrosis, neonatology, dermatology, endocrinology (including type 1 diabetes), and infectious diseases. In addition, they have 22 academic trials.
“It wasn’t smooth sailing in the beginning. It was difficult to get started, and we were navigating very unfamiliar territory,” says Anne Marie Halstensen.
But they soon received valuable support from Terje Rootwelt, Thomas Halvorsen, and Kristin Bjordal.
“KFPB would never have materialized if NorPedMed hadn’t provided funding. They contributed 10 percent to establish a physician position at OUS—that is, my position,” explains Glosli.
The condition was that the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (BAR), under then-clinic director Terje Rootwelt, would also contribute 10 percent. And so he did.
“Kristin Bjordal at the Department of Clinical Research Support also provided funding, allowing us to finance a 50 percent project coordinator position for one and a half years—that was Anne Marie’s position. And then the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine—meaning Terje—came up with even more funding and a lot of goodwill, so by 2015 we were up and running,” Glosli recounts.
“I’m incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished,” said Terje Rootwelt.
During the 10-year celebration, he had the honor of cutting the ribbon that there had never been time or opportunity to cut back in the busy days of 2015.
It's never too late: Terje Rootwelt cuts the ribbon for KFPB on its 10th anniversary, observed by initiators Heidi Glosli and Anne Marie Halstensen.
In his speech, he highlighted the importance of inviting industry to participate in studies, and also of establishing more long-term collaborations with industry—both for patient treatment and for business development.
“Individual collaborations with companies are good, but long-term partnerships are even better, where we work together to attract studies here,” said the Health South-East director.
He expressed his satisfaction that children are now included in both IMPRESS-Norway and InPreD, and that the pediatric field has also been strengthened within the NorTrials collaboration.
The Clinical Research Unit for Children (KFPB) is administratively part of the Pediatric Research Institute (PFI), a department within the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. The head of the department is Professor Runar Almaas.
You can also follow KFPB on Instagram: @kfpbous
Panel discussion on the value of clinical trials and what it takes to succeed. From left: Thomas Halvorsen (head of NorPedMed), Ellen Ruud (clinic manager at the Children and Youth Clinic, OUS), Terje Rootwelt (CEO of the South-Eastern Regional Health Authority), Fredrik Schjesvold (head of Oslo Myeloma Centre) and Siri Kolle (responsible for clinical trials, Inven2).
The article was translated from Norwegian to English using AI and edited by Eline Feiring and Ingrid Bånerud.