New Centre for Human Drug Research clinical research facility in Enschede strengthens collaboration with Medisch Spectrum Twente and University of Twente

New Centre for Human Drug Research clinical research facility in Enschede strengthens collaboration with Medisch Spectrum Twente and University of Twente

(IN BRIEF) The University of Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, and the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) will open a new clinical research unit at MST on 10 October 2025. This expansion represents CHDR’s first facility outside Leiden and underscores the partners’ ambition to build Twente into a leading medical technology and therapeutic innovation hub. With MST’s clinical infrastructure, UT’s TechMed Centre expertise, and CHDR’s nearly 40 years of independent drug research experience, the new unit will accelerate the development of better medicines and treatments for patients while strengthening Twente’s role in healthcare innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) ENSCHEDE, 3-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Twente (UT), in partnership with the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) and Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST), will celebrate the opening of a new clinical research facility on 10 October 2025. Located at MST, the unit marks CHDR’s second site in the Netherlands after Leiden and represents a significant step toward building a vibrant regional hub for therapeutic innovation and medical technology research.

By bringing CHDR to Twente, the three institutions are reinforcing their joint ambition to position the region as a leader in patient-focused drug development. The facility will provide a dedicated environment for conducting independent clinical research, accelerating the development of new medicines and therapies while linking seamlessly with MST’s hospital expertise and UT’s pioneering TechMed Centre.

For nearly four decades, CHDR has been at the forefront of clinical drug research from its base in the Leiden BioScience Park, growing to over 300 staff and collaborating closely with Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Centre. To continue its growth and extend its impact beyond the Randstad, CHDR sought new partnerships and found strong alignment in Twente. With MST’s role as one of the Netherlands’ largest teaching hospitals and UT’s leadership in medical technology research and education, the conditions were ideal for establishing CHDR Twente.

The collaboration was formalised in 2024 through a cooperation agreement, setting the stage for the launch of the new facility. Designed as an independent research unit, CHDR Twente will contribute directly to advancing clinical research while also strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem. The new partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes through better medicines and cutting-edge research, while also enhancing Twente’s position on the national and international stage as a centre for medical technology and therapeutic development.

More information:

drs. M.M.J. van Hillegersberg – Hofmans (Martine)
Communications advisor TechMed Centre
tel:+31534896949
m.vanhillegersberg@utwente.nl

SOURCE: University of Twente