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PK Unit

The unit has a twelve bed in patient capacity with a patient lounge, bathrooms and a kitchenette. The unit is fully equipped with BP monitors, thermometers, glucometer, scale and other necessary equipment. A fully equipped emergency trolley with defibrillator, oxygen, SATS monitor and suction is available when there are patients admitted. Staff is experienced in Phase II trials with pharmacokinetic sampling. Access to a small laboratory on the same floor, with a refrigerated centrifuge and -80º freezer can be arranged.

CTBRI arose from the realization that there is a great need for a dedicated local facility that specializes in conducting clinical drug research into pulmonary tuberculosis. New drug treatment regimens for tuberculosis are a global priority and Cape Town is an epicentre for the disease with an established research infrastructure.

Through our previous work with the development of gamma interferon in actual clinical patient groups we have developed extensive clinical experience in conducting tuberculosis drug research

Our particular strengths are:

• A proven patient recruitment network and established relationships with local TB authorities.
• Excellent patient compliance profiles developed through previous drug research collaborations.
• Academic excellence through our affiliation with the University
  of Cape Town and the Lung Institute.
• Specific expertise in bronchial lavage and lung immunology.
• Access to a state of the art, FDA compliant digital database.
• Affiliation with Groote Schuur Hospital Department of medicine and the Department of Respiratory Medicine

Our state of the art drug testing unit situated on Level 1 of the UCT Lung Institute has facilities for recruitment of patients, laboratory testing necessary for conducting clinical trials, and full day to day monitoring of clinical trial subjects. It can accommodate both in and out patients.

Our staff of experienced TB research sisters and an on-site pulmonologist handle the clinical and regulatory aspects the research. We also are able to provide advice and facilities to investigate new treatments for multi drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis.

The in patient ward can be used as an isolation ward.

It has a UVGI system in place, with overhead UV lights and wall extraction units, which is of world class standard.

We offer three service options:

• An experienced, GCP trained site specialising in Pulmonology, with two Doctors and three nurses fulltime, and a database of additional available staff should the need arise. CVs available on request.
• The unit may be sub contracted for the management of the in-patient phase of studies (not necessarily related to Pulmonology) with staffing, catering provided.
• Bed rate only with own staffing.