Recognition for collaboration with the University of Southampton highlights growing impact of Contract Research Organisation (CRO)–academic partnerships in medical device research
The annual awards, run by South East Health Technologies Alliance (SEHTA), celebrate collaborations that are changing how healthcare is delivered — bringing together academia, industry and the NHS to solve real clinical problems. To be recognised for a second consecutive year reflects PHARMExcel’s growing role in supporting complex, patient-focused research.
This year’s nomination centres on a partnership with the University of Southampton, focused on developing a wearable medical device designed to tackle one of the UK’s most common and debilitating conditions: knee osteoarthritis.
A practical solution to a widespread problem
Knee osteoarthritis affects more than 5 million people in the UK. It’s not just about joint pain, it limits mobility, independence and quality of life, often leading to a cycle of reduced activity and worsening health.
The collaboration between PHARMExcel and the University of Southampton is testing a different approach: a wearable, electronic-textile TENS device built directly into a knee sleeve. The aim is simple – give patients a way to manage pain safely, at home, and on their own terms.
The University, as sponsor and manufacturer, leads on device development, study design and clinical oversight. PHARMExcel, acting as lead CRO, is responsible for the trial’s regulatory, safety and monitoring framework – ensuring the study meets Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and medical device requirements.
It’s a model that blends academic independence with delivery expertise – something that’s increasingly important as studies become more complex and expectations around compliance continue to rise.
Moving beyond medication and surgery
For many patients, current treatment options are far from ideal. Long-term use of pain medication can bring side effects, while surgery is invasive and not always appropriate.
This study explores a non-invasive alternative. The device delivers transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) through a discreet, wearable garment – without the need for sticky pads or clinical supervision.
The difference is in the detail. Designed for daily use, the sleeve allows patients to manage pain while staying active, whether at home, at work, or on the move. The goal is not just pain relief, but helping people maintain mobility and delay, or even avoid more invasive interventions.
For the NHS, the implications are clear: fewer GP visits, reduced reliance on medication, and potentially lower demand for surgery.
A growing market – and a clear clinical need
Osteoarthritis is a growing global challenge, driven by ageing populations and rising obesity rates. In the UK alone, knee replacements number over 100,000 each year, placing significant pressure on NHS resources.
Against this backdrop, the partnership is targeting a clear gap in the market: scalable, home-based pain management that reduces reliance on both drugs and surgery.
Early pilot data is promising, and both partners are well placed to take the next steps from further clinical validation through to broader adoption.
For PHARMExcel, the project reinforces its position as a CRO that understands not just the science, but the practical realities of delivering medical device trials in partnership with academic teams.
Built on collaboration
A key strength of the project has been the working relationship itself – something the University of Southampton is keen to highlight:
“From the outset, PHARMExcel felt like a true partner rather than a supplier. Their open, proactive communication and genuinely collaborative approach meant we were always aligned, informed, and supported and we could fulfil our critical regulatory responsibilities to the highest standard. That strong working relationship made the entire process smooth and efficient, giving us real confidence at every stage of the pilot study.”
Supporting research that makes a difference
For academic teams, partnerships like this are becoming essential , not just to meet regulatory demands, but to ensure research translates into real-world impact.
PHARMExcel’s continued recognition at the SEHTA Awards signals something broader: a shift towards more integrated, collaborative models of clinical research where academic insight and operational delivery work hand in hand.
And, ultimately, where patients benefit sooner.
