On Tuesday, May 20, REMEDY celebrated its fourth anniversary. At the same time, the center is now halfway through its eight-year period as a Research Center for Clinical Treatment (FKB).
Caption: The REMEDY Center is led by Anne Therese Tveter, Espen A. Haavardsholm and Siri Lillegraven. Here from the celebration in meeting room 1.
REMEDY was officially opened four years ago. The center received support from the Research Council of Norway and the Olav Thon Foundation totaling 160 million kroner.
The opening was a major event for the hospital. Both Olav Thon and representatives from the Research Council attended. They marked the start of an important boost for patient care. The center has been established with Diakonhjemmet Hospital as the host institution, together with Oslo University Hospital, the University of Oslo, the Norwegian Rheumatology Association and MAGIC as associated partners.
Since its inception in 2022, REMEDY has developed rapidly. The center is now an internationally leading environment for research into the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
There is a high level of activity in both clinical trials and health services research. The goal is to improve patient care.
Significant growth and results
The first four years have been characterized by great activity and solid growth. The center has:
- raised NOK 250 million in external research funding
- including over 10,000 patients in research projects
- conducted clinical treatment studies with more than 2,500 patients
- published over 440 scientific articles
- contributed to 21 completed doctoral degrees
- established more than 50 active research projects
Midway – a strong foundation for the rest of the period
The center is now halfway through the FKB period. This provides a good opportunity to look at what has been achieved – and what remains to be done.
REMEDY was established to develop better treatments through clinical trials. This work requires a long-term perspective and close collaboration across professional communities.
– It is incredibly inspiring to see what we have achieved in these first years, says center director and head of research at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Espen A. Haavardsholm.
He points out that the foundation is stronger than ever. Not least, the patients who participate in the studies and the partnership with the other players in REMEDY are important for the results.
– REMEDY has not only elevated our research internationally, but also contributed to new treatment methods benefiting our patients more quickly here at home.
Clinical trials in the city center
The event was held on the same day as International Clinical Trials Day, which focuses on how important clinical trials are for developing new treatments.
This is no coincidence, as clinical trials are the very heart of REMEDY's business.
Through randomized clinical trials, health services research, registry research, digital health services, and personalized treatment, researchers at the center work every day to find answers that change clinical practice and improve everyday life for patients.
Many people at the hospital contribute to the work of REMEDY. Some work directly in research projects. Others contribute through support functions, patient follow-up and operations.
– Being halfway means that we have picked up the pace and are seeing clear results from the collaboration between clinic and research. The efforts of everyone involved at the hospital, including the patients who participate in studies, are the driving force behind REMEDY. Now I look forward to the next four years and delivering on the goals we have set ourselves, says Haavardsholm.
Caption: At the opening four years ago, the then CEO of Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Anders Mohn Frafjord, center director Espen A. Haavardsholm, Olav Thon and head of the portfolio board Health at the Research Council, Ole Johan Borge, among others, were present
Caption: From the May 20th commemoration, center director and head of research at the hospital, Espen A. Haavardsholm presents results after four years of operation.
