Introduction to the Therapeutics Development Network

Through efficient study design, optimized clinical trial execution, and high-quality data, the Therapeutics Development Network (TDN) helps speed the delivery of new and better therapies to people with cystic fibrosis.

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Summary

The Therapeutics Development Network (TDN), which was founded in 1998, is the largest cystic fibrosis clinical trials network in the world.
The TDN promotes quality, safety, and efficiency in CF clinical trials by centralizing and standardizing the research process.

What Is the TDN?

The Therapeutics Development Network (TDN) is a collaborative organization composed of specialists in cystic fibrosis clinical research from a variety of disciplines and institutions:

A central coordinating center at Seattle Children's Research Institute supports clinical trial development, management, and analysis.
CF Foundation-accredited care centers with demonstrated expertise in clinical research, called CF Therapeutics Development Centers, recruit study participants and conduct clinical trials.
A group of laboratories and interpretation centers, called National Resource Centers, specialize in developing and measuring CF clinical trial outcomes.

Although the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the primary source of funding for the TDN, the two organizations are separate. Additional funding for some clinical studies comes from pharmaceutical companies or government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Impact

Since its founding in 1998, the TDN has conducted studies that have resulted in 16 FDA-approved therapies and more than 200 publications.

The success of the TDN has not only helped make new therapies available to people with CF, it also has allowed the TDN to serve as a role model for many other clinical research networks.

Visit the CF Foundation's drug development pipeline for more information about the progress of CF research and the different types of therapies currently being studied.

Unique Advantages of the TDN

The TDN promotes quality, safety, and efficiency in CF clinical trials by centralizing and standardizing the research process. Our innovative approach includes:

Centralized review of clinical trial protocols
Common policies to protect patient safety
Standardized research procedures
Shared expertise among top CF researchers
Tools and training for clinical research staff
A unique quality improvement program tailored for clinical research

More About the TDN

Sponsors or investigators interested in conducting a study with the TDN can learn more about the network's processes, tools, and services.

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