The Government announces plans to boost clinical trials
The Government is planning to accelerate delivery of clinical trials in the UK, and millions of people will be able to search for and sign up to lifechanging clinical trials via the NHS app. The App will eventually match patients with studies based on their own health data and interests, notifying patients of relevant new trials to sign up to.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has also launched their largest recruitment drive for clinical trials in the UK – aiming to encourage people to take part in research.
The 10-Year Health Plan will look at how NHS Trusts are performing in clinical trials. All NHS Trusts and organisations will have to provide data on the trials being conducted and progress made, with funding being prioritised for the best performers.
The Government will also aim to cut trial set-up times. It currently takes 250 days to set up a trial in the NHS and the target time will now be reduced to 150 days or less by March 2026. This will be achieved by introducing a national standardised contract which will save time and simplify the required paperwork.
Dr Lucy Allen, Director of Research at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “It is great news that the Government has announced a very significant boost for clinical trials under their 10-year health plan, which will impact millions of people in the UK. Clinical trials are vital for people with cystic fibrosis (CF), a life-long, life-limiting condition without a cure.
Through our Clinical Trials Accelerator Platform (CTAP), we’ve increased the number and variety of clinical trial opportunities in the UK and improved access to the newest treatments for people living with CF. We will not stop until everyone with CF can live a life unlimited.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said: “The 10 year plan for health will marry the genius of our country’s leading scientific minds, with the care and compassion of our health service, to put NHS patients at the front of the queue for new cutting-edge treatments.
“By slashing through red tape and making it easier for patients to take part, reforms in our ten year plan will grow our life sciences sector, generate news funds for the NHS to reinvest in frontline care, and benefit patients through better medicines.”
The Government will publish its 10-year health plan in the coming weeks.