A PROLIFIC research unit in Newquay, which trials new wonder drugs, has hit a major milestone.

North Coast Medical, the clinical research wing of Newquay Health Centre, has relocated to larger premises at Penrithan Bungalow next to Newquay Community Hospital in St Thomas' Road.

The expansion will enable the research team, led by Dr Nick Jacobsen, to offer more clinical trials to help push medical breakthroughs.

The research unit has trialed various drugs since launching seven years ago for diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, psoriasis, migraine, and prevention of heart attacks.

The research team is currently trialing the GLP1-agonist family of drugs to treat a number of conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, alcohol misuse, and heart and kidney protection as well as what is hoped will be an improved version of the weight loss drugs Mounjaro and Wegovy. There are also trials on drugs that tackle high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Dr Jacobsen said: “Our work involves offering our patients participation in clinical trials of new medications developed by pharmaceutical companies. For example, if someone has diabetes, we can potentially offer them a new medication on trial.

“These medications are typically very near the point of being licensed and the main question we ask is 'does it work well?'.

“We have run many clinical trials over the last seven years which has generated revenue enabling us to grow and offer more and more trials.

“These clinical trials to the entire population of Newquay and beyond offer new and exciting treatments for their existing conditions and also preventative treatments.

“We have over 150 patients on our trials, and we are expanding at pace having recently become an NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre.

“Clinical trials activity significantly raises the quality of care for patients because everyone gets regular full medicals and access to cutting edge medications.”

North Coast Medical is leasing part of the Penrithan Bungalow from the Friends of Newquay Hospital, which will continue to operate a coffee shop and a curious corner there.

Dr Jacobsen said: “The team has swelled significantly in the last few years and all this time we have had just one office and one clinical room at the Health Centre.

“Then, by sheer serendipity the Penrithan Bungalow at the end of St Thomas' Road came up for rent earlier this year and we snapped it up. This building has three clinical rooms, three offices, a meeting room, and proper reception and waiting room with cafe for patients.

“This space will enable us to grow our clinical trials offering to Newquay and beyond significantly. Our main drivers in this work are fourfold. To provide excellent medical care to our population, to offer opportunities to try new and better medications, to contribute to pushing the boundaries of medical science, and to put Cornwall and the South West on the map as a centre of excellence for medical care.”