NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre in Ageing & Chronic Disease

Therapeutics in old age

Much of the evidence base for the practice of modern medicine hinges on clinical studies carried out on young or middle aged adults. In many clinical trials, older patients are actively excluded, in part because of the multiple complicated medical problems that many have. This is paradoxical, because it may be the older individual who gains the most from a new treatment. 

The aim of this theme is to advance our understanding of the particular therapeutic needs of the older individual through our understanding of the complex illnesses and medications that they may have. Central to our approach will be the development of meaningful age-specific biomarkers and the incorporation of multimodal assessment in clinical trial design. Understanding the pharmacology (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) in the context of ageing is also a central aim to enhance our understanding of potential side effects and subsequently prevent them in an informed manner.

The BRC is supported by state of the art research facilities ideally suited to early studies in older people. We have extensive regional networks to ensure adequate trial recruitment and have strong links with specialised clinics to facilitate identification of specific patient groups. With a strong track record in the development of experimental studies with industry our therapeutic aims are to develop and implement new approaches to therapy, across a range of conditions across the BRC themes, which recognise the complexity of these diseases and improve the quality of life for older people.