Vall d’Hebron clinical trials enable the approval of new therapies for patients

Clinical trials are an essential tool for developing new treatments, validating their safety and efficacy, and advancing towards more personalised medicine. The Vall d’Hebron Campus, which includes the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), further consolidates its position as an international reference centre in clinical research, with sustained activity that directly contributes to the arrival of new therapies for patients. In total, in 2025, 508 new trials were launched, reaching 1,555 active on December 31st.

To advance clinical research, the participation of patients and volunteers is essential. During 2025, 2,683 patients were enrolled, which also enables access to innovative diagnostics and therapies that can improve people’s quality of life.

VHIR research across all stages of life

Throughout 2025, VHIR has maintained intensive clinical research activity, launching 244 new clinical trials. In total, at the end of the year, it participated in 1,088 active clinical studies, 688 of which are clinical trials. This activity includes studies across all phases of clinical development, with 71 phase I trials, 211 phase II trials, 368 phase III trials and 38 phase IV trials. Early-phase studies represent more than 40% of the total, a particularly relevant figure as they are key to validating the safety and efficacy of new therapeutic strategies before clinical application. Last year, 825 new patients were enrolled in VHIR clinical trials.

VHIR actively participates in studies that help improve treatment for diseases across all stages of life. It also maintains a strong commitment to research in areas with a high unmet need for new therapeutic options, such as rare diseases and paediatrics. In this regard, there are currently 241 clinical trials linked to rare diseases and 224 studies focused on paediatric populations. In parallel, research in advanced therapies continues to be strengthened, with 32 active clinical trials based on these treatments.

The impact of VHIR’s clinical research is also reflected in the arrival of new medicines into clinical practice. In 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the approval of 26 new active substances, 8 of which were developed through clinical trials in which VHIR participated.

Innovative therapy clinical trials at VHIO

VHIO is an international reference centre for oncology clinical trials and an example of the potential of translational research to accelerate the arrival of new therapies to patients.

This commitment is particularly reflected in the weight of early-phase studies, which enable innovative treatments to be evaluated at early stages of development. During 2025, VHIO had 1,091 active clinical trials across all phases, of which more than 57% (630) correspond to phase I and II studies. In addition, 264 new trials were initiated this year, and 1,858 patients were enrolled, with a total of 3,464 active patients throughout the year. Within this context, the activity of the Molecular Cancer Therapy Research Unit (UITM-CaixaResearch) stands out, with 351 phase 1 and basket trials and 673 patients enrolled in 2025, figures that consolidate VHIO’s role as a driver of clinical innovation and precision medicine.

Beyond scientific and clinical excellence, VHIO is also a pioneer in the management and organisation of clinical trials. The centre has a highly specialised structure, made up of various professional profiles with specific and complementary roles, working in coordination to support studies and optimise their development. Through continuous analysis of workflows and procedures, VHIO maintains a flexible and adaptive organisation aimed at preserving quality and excellence standards, facilitating the progress of clinical research and contributing to improving patients’ quality of life.