Research groups
Websites
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OCTRU
OCTRU hub
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Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology
Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology
Anne Francis
D.Phil
Clinical Trial Operational Lead – Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology
As Clinical Trial Operational Lead I am responsible for overseeing a growing portfolio of studies in experimental medicine and rheumatology (EMR) from inception to close out and archiving. I advise on and contribute to new research proposals, funding applications, and study protocols. Once studies are funded I oversee and support the work of the trial management team, providing advice on compliance with SOPs, relevant guidelines and regulations, with most studies running as part of the OCTRU portfolio.
I have over 14 years’ experience of working in clinical research. Prior to my current role I have managed a number of Investigator-led clinical trials in oncology and rheumatology. These include both CTIMPs and non-CTIMPs, covering phase 1 to 3, protocol development to analysis and close-out. I have also worked as a Clinical Trial Monitor and in trial administration.
My background and training is as a scientist, with a D.Phil in Plant Genetics from the University of Oxford and a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry & Genetics (Cert Ind) from the University of Leeds.
If you are designing a new research study within experimental medicine and rheumatology please get in touch to benefit from the input of the experienced research team with EMR and OCTRU.
ORCID 0000-0003-4618-774X
Recent publications
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A 3-week pause versus continued Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor use during COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (IMPROVE trial): a randomised, open-label, superiority trial.
Journal article
Cook JA. et al, (2025), Lancet haematol, 12, e294 - e303
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Temporary 2-week suspension of methotrexate treatment to enhance COVID-19 vaccine response in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: the VROOM RCT
Journal article
Abhishek A. et al, (2025), Efficacy and mechanism evaluation, 1 - 42
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Effect of a 2-week interruption in methotrexate treatment on COVID-19 vaccine response in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (VROOM study): a randomised, open label, superiority trial
Journal article
Abhishek A. et al, (2025), Efficacy and mechanism evaluation, 12, 47 - 48
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Effect of a 2-week interruption in methotrexate treatment versus continued treatment on COVID-19 booster vaccine immunity in adults with inflammatory conditions (VROOM study): a randomised, open label, superiority trial
Journal article
Abhishek A. et al, (2025), Efficacy and mechanism evaluation, 12, 45 - 46
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Effects of temporarily suspending low-dose methotrexate treatment for 2 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine booster on vaccine response in immunosuppressed adults with inflammatory conditions: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial and nested mechanistic substudy (Vaccine Response On/Off Methotrexate (VROOM) study)
Journal article
Abhishek A. et al, (2025), Efficacy and mechanism evaluation, 12, 43 - 44