Central Pennsylvania is building a legacy in the life sciences – and building a place for the young professionals who will carry it forward. And even if central Pennsylvania isn’t considered a biopharma hub, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t important work being done in the region that creates a path forward for the next generation of treatments and cures.

Researchers at the Altoona Clinical Research Center are doing that work – helping develop new treatments for patients with rheumatic diseases and other related conditions affecting bones, muscles and joints.

To date, the Center has completed more than 1,300 clinical trials and has more than 70 active trials underway.

Clinical trials are one of the most important parts of the research and development process. Not only are they frequently the starting point for groundbreaking discoveries, but they also offer options to patients who may otherwise feel helpless against their conditions.

For patients living with chronic or complex conditions, access to a clinical trial can mean access to treatments that simply aren’t available anywhere else – a chance to try a therapy that could change the course of their disease before it reaches the broader market. That opportunity shouldn’t be limited to patients near major metropolitan research centers in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. When trials come to Central Pennsylvania, patients can pursue cutting-edge care close to home, without uprooting their lives or traveling hours for hope.

Trials deliver more than potential cures and new residents. They also create meaningful job opportunities for local residents and early-career professionals – the people who will fuel Central Pennsylvania’s future. Opportunities like these welcome the next generation of healthcare professionals, and the next generation of treatments.

The physicians and staff at the Altoona Clinical Research Center are well-versed in the latest advances and technologies in patient care, and they are prepared to mentor and train professionals entering the field.

The Center continues to work toward bringing more clinical trials to Central Pennsylvania, ensuring a strong future for the region’s life sciences sector. As the region continues to expand its presence in the biopharmaceutical industry, bringing additional trials to the area will be essential.