Who are we?

Hammersmith Medicines Research (HMR) is a specialist clinical pharmacology unit, with 100 beds in a purpose-designed building, close to an NHS hospital. Since 1993, we’ve provided industry-leading services to pharmaceutical companies for Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.

In 2001 we set up our own laboratory, and over the last 7 years we’ve built up our range of services so that we now offer a wide variety of specialist analytical techniques.  In January 2009 we moved to new premises with state-of-the-art facilities including:

  • Beckman Coulter 'Power Processor' – automated sample handling system with modules for centrifuging, level sensing, de-capping, aliquoting and labelling, re-capping, sorting, and sample storage.  
  • Pneumatic sample transmission from ward.
  • Walk-in 4°C and –20°C cold rooms.
  • GLIMS – a sophisticated laboratory information management system.  
  • Separate laboratories for: platelet function, cell stimulation and separation, flow cytometry, and radioimmunoassay.  

Our vastly increased capacity supports multicentre trials and trials done in other research units.  The central laboratory is gaining a reputation in its own right.

Competitive pricing, fast communication, excellent quality standards, and on-time delivery of results, are key features of our service.  We also offer investigator support specifically tailored for the pharmaceutical industry.

We have a well-established team of experienced Biomedical Scientists with Health Professional Council (HPC) registration, and who participate in the Institute of Biomedical Scientists (IBMS) continuing professional development (CPD) programme. Juan Naveda, our Head of Laboratory Services, has over 20 years’ experience of managing laboratories, both in the clinical trials sector and in the NHS.

Other equipment includes:

  • BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer
  • Helena AggRAM platelet aggregometer
  • Dade Behring PFA-100 platelet function analyser
  • DiaMed Impact-R cone and plate analyser
  • Speedvac SPD 121P concentrator and freeze dryer
  • BioMAT2 class II safety cabinet
  • Triturus automated ELISA analyser
  • Siemens Immulite 2000 immunoassay analyser
  • Beckman Coulter DxI 800 immunoassay analyser
  • Beckman Coulter DxC 600 random access analyser (+ 1 backup)
  • Horiba ABX P120 Retic haematology analyser
  • Horiba ABX P60 C+ haematology analyser
  • IL ACL 9000 coagulation analyser