On January 13^th, the Scientific Council of the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, KIDS Barcelona, held a working session with professionals from the Roche pharmaceutical laboratory linked to the development of clinical trials in paediatrics.

The goal of the session was to carry out a working dynamic related to the experience of KIDS Barcelona as expert patients, within a real case study of a new drug for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. The fact that of some members of the group had the illness and the training they have received in the field of clinical trials, shapes them as an extremely valuable advisory group on those types of studies that may concern the paediatric population.

Currently, in the field of pediatric rheumatology, where the vast majority of pathologies are included in the group of rare diseases, monoclonal antibody therapies are an innovative option for the study of their control. Dr. Jordi Antón, a paediatric rheumatologist at the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and key investigator of several clinical trials, was the scientific leader of the session. Knowing a practical case in a didactic way and reporting the most important elements of the development of this study was not only enriching for the group KIDS Barcelona, ​​but also provided the opportunity to value their contributions to this scientific field.

The Roche laboratory has recently incorporated the position of "Patient Liaison" to its organizational chart, with the aim of ensuring the involvement of patients in the development of clinical trials from the early stages of their design. Being able to know how the paediatric population can be formed and empowered to collaborate as expert patients in this field has provided a significant opportunity for the improvement of future initiatives of the company.

Hospital Sant Joan de Déu thanks Roche for participating in the working session of KIDS Barcelona, and we hope to continue developing initiatives involving  a mutual collaboration.