Uniklinik RWTH Aachen
The University Hospital RWTH Aachen is one of the largest hospitals in Western Germany and is with several institutes and clinics involved in the collaborative project Climbing Crohn.
Climbing Crohn is primarily led by the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), which is one of the leading institutes in the field of molecular imaging and has over 15 years of experience with molecular ultrasound. ExMI has conducted various preclinical studies in recent years, including the production and labeling of PBCA microbubbles. These microbubbles have already been successfully used for diagnostic purposes in different animal models, and therapeutic approaches have also been explored.
The Institute for Laboratory Animal Science enables the conduct of preclinical proof-of-concept studies required for regulatory approval. The institute has previously invented various biomaterials and medical products (such as Adhesys Surgical Glue, Ethicon EnSeal, or Erbe BiCision) and thus possesses extensive experience in clinical translation.
The Center for Translational & Clinical Research (CTC-A) was established by the Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen University to provide formal and administrative support for clinical trials. It will be involved in project management and quality assurance of the clinical study. In collaboration with CTC-A, ExMI is currently conducting two clinical trials focusing on therapeutic and diagnostic aspects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging in cancer.
The Institute of Medical Statistics supports the study design and statistical analysis during the clinical trial. Since 2001, the institute has provided methodological support for approximately 1650 research projects, with a particular focus on the design and statistical power of studies with smaller sample sizes.
The Clinic for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders, and Internal Intensive Care Medicine (Med. Clinic III) at the University Clinic RWTH Aachen treats and researches diseases of the digestive tract, with a focus on the liver and intestines. Due to extensive experience in individual diagnosis and therapy of Crohn's disease, Med. Clinic III is one of the two medical centers where the clinical studies are being conducted.