Publish date: 12 December 2024
- 20 new research hubs to be set up across UK to accelerate research into the next generation of treatments
- Funded through £100 million of private investment from pharmaceutical companies, boosting economic growth
- New centres will shift research from big hospitals into the community
Patients across the UK will have greater access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials as the government announces £100 million of private investment to set up 20 research hubs.
Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) will act as regional hubs for pioneering clinical trials, creating opportunities to test innovative new treatments with the latest equipment and technology. They will be established in all four corners of the UK – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
These trials will build upon research into cancer and obesity, as well as infectious diseases such as flu and respiratory syntactical virus (RSV). The CRDCs will support the rapid set-up of commercial studies so patients can begin accessing treatments undergoing trials as early as possible.
In support of the 10 Year Health Plan, CDRCs will shift clinical trials beyond large hospital trusts into community settings, meaning those in under-served regions will be better able to participate in research. This will boost access to new treatments in the trial stage.
Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said:
“This significant private investment in health research is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK’s leading research and life sciences sector.
“The new hubs will help shift research from large hospitals into smaller communities, allowing more people to access cutting-edge treatments earlier across the UK.
“Prevention is better than cure - these trials will help unlock the next generation of treatments, boost economic growth and build an NHS fit for the future.”
The funding is part of a wider £400 million joint public-private investment scheme - the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme. It is a unique partnership between the government and the pharmaceutical industry to boost the global competitiveness of the UK life science sector and stimulate economic growth.
The health of the nation and health of the economy are inextricably linked; the new CRDCs will bolster the UK as a powerhouse for life sciences and med tech, driving economic growth.
The investment boost follows the Plan for Change unveiled by the Prime Minister last week, which sets out ambitious but achievable milestones for the Missions that will drive real improvements in the lives of working people.
As part of the 10 Year Health Plan, the government will shift care from treatment to prevention and this investment will support research into preventative vaccines and medicines, ultimately helping people live healthier lives for longer. A previous version of the CRDCs in Blackpool set up a clinical trial into a novel cancer blood test in seven days and recruited the first participant in just 28 days, demonstrating how quickly research can be established with the right support. The CRDCs will build on this to accelerate research into crucial areas.
Legislation has today been laid that will to transform clinical trials in the UK by speeding up trial approvals while protecting patient safety. It is the biggest overhaul of regulations in 20 years and will remove admin red tape and streamline processes to set clinical trials as quickly as possible. The changes are being introduced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Health Research Authority (HRA).
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in the Scottish Government, Neil Gray said:
“I am thrilled Scotland will be home to four new Commercial Research Delivery Centres, strengthening our existing clinical research infrastructure and maximising collaboration with partners across the UK. It shows our continued commitment to supporting our NHS to deliver clinical research most effectively, improving research inclusion and fast-tracking the development of new medicines to patients.”
Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), said:
“Clinical trials help improve lives. Boosting the NHS's capacity to deliver commercial clinical research through these new Commercial Research Delivery Centres will support recruitment across all communities and bring innovative treatments to patients.
"The effects of these centres will be felt right across the four nations, bringing investment into the UK's life sciences sector."
Commercial Research Delivery Centres across the UK
England
· University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
· Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
· Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
· University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
· Birmingham Womens' and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
· Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
· Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
· Barts Health NHS Trust
· University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
· Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
· The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
· London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
· Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
· Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
· University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Northern Ireland
· One Northern Ireland approach
Scotland
· Lothian
· Great Glasgow and Clyde
· Tayside
· Grampian
· Wales
· One Wales approach
VPAG is a voluntary agreement between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), designed to improve patient outcomes, manage the NHS medicines bill, and support the life sciences industry. Launched as part of the scheme, additional investment from pharmaceutical companies will support implementation of the investment programme.
Please see: UK secures £400 million investment to boost clinical trials - GOV.UK
