Patients across the UK will have greater access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials as the government announces £100 million of public- 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 UK research delivery leadership into all conditions across multi-specialist centres.
This includes cancer and obesity, as well as infectious diseases such as flu and respiratory syncytial 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, CRDCs will shift clinical trials 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 into smaller communities, allowing more people to access cutting-edge treatments faster.
“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 partnership between the government and the pharmaceutical industry to boost the global competitiveness of the UK life science sector and stimulate economic growth.
The new CRDCs aim to bolster the UK as a leader in life sciences and med tech, driving economic growth.
Legislation laid out today aims 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 administrative red tape and streamline processes to get clinical trials up and running as quickly as possible.
The changes are being introduced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Health Research Authority (HRA).
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “If we are to turn the latest advances in medical science into breakthrough treatments and therapeutics for patients, it is essential that leading businesses and private investment work in partnership with the NHS.
“This is especially important for clinical trials where the UK has a strong track record and can again become a leader.”
