I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and Novosibirsk State University (NSU) have signed an agreement to establish the joint clinical research center “West-East,” according to the Sechenov University Public Relations Department, as reported by GxP News.
The center is scheduled to open in September 2025. It will focus on two key areas of research. The first area is conducting clinical trials of medicines. “By combining the resources of two leading Russian universities, the initiative will address the challenge of patient recruitment for pharmaceutical companies. This will be achieved through coordinated efforts across the European part of Russia, represented by Sechenov University, and the eastern regions, represented by Novosibirsk State University (NSU),” the report states. The second area is joint research to develop innovative medical technologies. A portion of the revenue generated from the center’s commercial operations will be allocated to fund their development.
According to Vadim Tarasov, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Technological Development at Sechenov University, the institution possesses “industry expertise and unique competencies in pharmaceutical development and market integration.” The university has developed and commercialized more than 200 pharmaceutical products, in addition to conducting over 300 preclinical and 1,000 clinical trials — including those for the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine.
“We plan to establish a system to fund exploratory research using revenue generated from clinical trial operations. This involves collaborative research aimed at developing breakthrough medical technologies and innovative drugs through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and X-ray diffraction analysis of molecular structures. The combination of these technologies will significantly accelerate development and reduce costs,” said Tarasov.
It is also noted that establishing the center to the east of the Urals will enhance collaboration with pharmaceutical manufacturers from BRICS countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, and India, who find it more convenient to work with research centers in Siberia.