In a landmark move to enhance healthcare innovation, the government has unveiled a £100 million public-private investment to establish 20 Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) across the nation.
This initiative aims to significantly expand access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials for patients throughout the UK.
The newly established CRDCs will serve as regional hubs for pioneering clinical trials, equipped with the latest technology and facilities to test innovative treatments. These centres will be strategically located in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility.
Commenting on the move, 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 CRDCs will focus on a wide range of health conditions, including cancer, obesity, and infectious diseases such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). By supporting the rapid set-up of commercial studies, these centres will enable patients to access treatments undergoing trials at the earliest opportunity.
In alignment with the 10 Year Health Plan, the CRDCs will also shift clinical trials into community settings. This strategic move aims to increase participation from under-served regions, thereby democratising access to new treatments and fostering inclusivity in medical research.
This initiative is part of a broader £400 million joint public-private investment scheme known as the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme. This unique partnership between the government and the pharmaceutical industry is designed to boost the global competitiveness of the UK life sciences sector and stimulate economic growth.
Lord Vallance, Science Minister, also commented:
“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.”
In a bid to streamline clinical trial processes, new legislation has been introduced to transform clinical trial regulations in the UK. This overhaul, the most significant in 20 years, aims to speed up trial approvals while maintaining stringent patient safety standards. The changes, spearheaded by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Health Research Authority (HRA), will remove administrative red tape and expedite the initiation of clinical trials.
The investment follows the Prime Minister's Plan for Change, which outlines ambitious milestones to drive improvements in the lives of working people. As part of the 10 Year Health Plan, the government is committed to shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, supporting research into preventative vaccines and medicines to help people live healthier lives for longer.
This transformative investment underscores the UK’s commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and ensuring that cutting-edge treatments are accessible to all, ultimately building an NHS fit for the future.
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