Research

Strengthening clinical research

Clinical research gives patients earlier access to innovative treatments while helping develop the medicines and vaccines of tomorrow. The UK has a strong history of scientific research, but challenges within the clinical trials environment have impacted its ability to compete for global research investment.

Most concerningly, according to our latest UK Industry Clinical Trials report, people in the UK getting access to an industry clinical trial in 2024/25 fell for the fourth year in a row to 19,092, the lowest number in the past eight years. The total number of patients recruited to industry studies accounted for just 3.4 per cent of all the studies in England in 2024.

Building stronger partnerships

Improving the UK’s research environment will require continued collaboration between government, the NHS, academia and industry.

Partnerships like the UK Clinical Research Delivery (UKCRD) Programme, co-funded by government and industry, demonstrate how collaborative working can improve the UK’s clinical research ecosystem, making it more attractive for global investment while giving more patients the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research. This world-first initiative aims to expand capacity and support the research workforce in both primary and secondary care.

Investment in UK life sciences

Thanks to initial progress in improving the way medicines are valued in the UK, a number of significant investments have recently been announced, supporting and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.

These include funding to build new research and manufacturing sites, expand existing sites, and restore investment that was paused. Many of these investments will enable additional research and development of new medicines and vaccines, a win for both NHS patients and the UK economy.

Increased industry investment is an early sign that the UK is rebuilding its competitiveness. Maintaining this momentum will require continued collaboration between government, the NHS and industry to ensure the UK remains one of the best places in the world to research, develop and launch innovative medicines.

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