The TPCH Clinical Trials Centre is a phase I–capable, mRNA-enabled facility dedicated to bringing the latest research to the bedside. We partner with established Clinical Research Groups (CRGs), universities and industry to deliver safe, ethical and efficient trials that improve outcomes for Queenslanders.
Why it matters: Clinical trials give patients access to innovative therapies and medical devices they would not otherwise be able to receive—expanding treatment options, improving equity of access and accelerating translation of evidence into practice.
Welcome to the Prince Charles Hospital Clinical Trials Centre, located on the Turrbal Lands, in Brisbane, Australia.
The Prince Charles Hospital has a decades-long reputation for excellence, particularly in heart and lung medicine, but in other areas as well, and has a very long history of supporting first-in-human and first-in-patient clinical trials.
The big difference with this centre is that instead of having to fit that activity into our normal clinical activity, we now have a purpose-built space, which means that we can ensure that protocols are followed carefully, that we always will be able to prioritise our clinical trials patients over and above clinical activity, which we’ll be helping elsewhere in the hospital.
And we’ll also have that immediate medical and nursing support if needed.
Because the Clinical Trials Centre is part of the beating heart of the Prince Charles Hospital, we have access to 24-hour operating theatres, a 24-hour emergency department, and specialty care from our specialty programs.
And that means that we have a large group of patients who are looking for these new therapies, and they’re coming to us for help.
The Clinical Trials Centre will speed the kind of help that we’re able to deliver to them, and in turn, they will also be able to help other people in the future.
Embedded within the Clinical Trials Centre is a satellite clinical trials pharmacy with dedicated clinical trial pharmacists and the ability to prepare, thaw, and administer clinical trial investigational medicinal products, or IMPs.
This allows safe delivery of investigational products, early-phase products, right to the bedside.
It’s purpose-built to support not only small-molecule oral medications and intravenous medications, but our next generation of therapeutics, which are going to be focused around biologicals, and even beyond that to RNA therapeutics.
Many people will have benefited from the incredible advances that have happened in medicine over at least the last 50 years.
Many of those advances, if not all, have required a steady progression through clinical trials to ensure that the product is not only safe, but effective.
One of the big roadblocks to developing new therapies is being able to test those therapies in a very safe environment in people who actually have the disease.
And that is where the Prince Charles Hospital Clinical Trials Centre comes in.
And I’m so excited about what the future will hold—not just for the Clinical Trials Centre, not just for the patients of the Prince Charles Hospital, not just for Queenslanders or Australians, but for people throughout the world.
What we offer
- Early‑phase capability
- Phase I readiness with robust governance, pharmacy and safety monitoring pathways.
- Therapeutic areas
- Cardiac
- Respiratory
- Critical care
- Cardiothoracic
- Internal medicine and related specialties.
- Study types
- Investigator‑initiated and industry‑sponsored drug and device trials, observational studies, and registries.
- Participant‑centred care
- Dedicated trial nursing, infusion services, safety oversight and supportive care.
Facilities & capacity
- Clinic rooms
- 2 purpose‑built consultation/procedure rooms.
- Infusion chairs
- 4 infusion chairs with emergency response equipment.
- Safety
- Staff assist, emergency alarms and emergency response plan.
- Support spaces
- Secure IP storage in Clinical Trials Centre dedicated Pharmacy.
- Access to Pathology Queensland and Medical Imaging within TPCH.
- Digital & data
- Source documentation support
- REDCap/EDC readiness
- Secure data handling aligned to Metro North policies.
- Equipment
- AED
- ECG
- IV infusion equipment
- high standard medical equipment.
Who we support
- Patients & families
- Information, screening and consent for suitable trials
- Supportive care during participation, and clear communication with treating teams.
- Clinicians & CRGs:
- Space
- Specialist staff and governance support to run high‑quality studies without duplicating infrastructure.
How to participate
Patients
Speak with your treating team or contact the CTC to discuss current opportunities. Participation is always voluntary and based on informed consent.
Clinicians
Submit a brief feasibility or referral to the CTC; we can assist with protocol fit, resourcing and start‑up steps.
Sponsors/CROs
Email us at tpch-ctc@health.qld.gov.au to discuss capabilities, feasibility, budgets and timelines. Site qualification visits are welcome by appointment.
Governance & quality
We operate under TGA, NHMRC and ICH‑GCP requirements and Metro North HREC/RGO processes. Our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) cover consent, safety reporting, IP management, data integrity and monitoring. All staff maintain current GCP training and credentialing.
Contact us
- Address: Level 1, Main Building
The Prince Charles Hospital
Chermside QLD - Email: tpch-ctc@health.qld.gov.au
- Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00am–4:00pm. After‑hours by arrangement for specific protocols.
On‑site and nearby public parking available. Public transport options within walking distance.
For patients & families – FAQs
What is a clinical trial?
A research study that tests new or improved treatments or devices to see if they are safe and effective.
Why consider a trial?
Trials can offer access to new therapies and devices not otherwise available. You will be closely monitored by a specialist team.
Do I have to take part?
No. Participation is voluntary. You can withdraw at any time without affecting your usual care.
What will it cost me?
Most study costs are covered by the sponsor or health service. We will explain any out‑of‑pocket costs (if any) before consent.
How do I find current trials?
Talk to your treating team or contact the CTC. We can provide information on trials currently open at TPCH and partner sites.
Accessibility & support
We aim to make participation safe and inclusive. Please let us know if you need language support, cultural liaison, mobility assistance or other adjustments.