The National Institute for Health and Care Research has announced a major £6.5 million investment to establish a UK-wide Commercial Research Delivery Centre Network, hosted by University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
Funded through a public-private partnership with the pharmaceutical industry, the network officially launches today and will strategically coordinate all 21 CRDCs across the four nations of the UK.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences and clinical research, aligning with the Prime Minister’s call to turbocharge medical research.
The CRDC Network will enhance the efficiency of commercial clinical trials by harmonising processes, improving study feasibility and setup, and offering a central point of contact for industry sponsors. It will also support workforce development, public involvement, and collaboration with regulators and research infrastructure.
By adopting a unified UK-wide approach, the network will ensure more patients can access innovative treatments through research, while delivering faster and more reliable trial outcomes.
The CRDCs were first announced in December 2024, supported by the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG), which is contributing up to £300 million to boost commercial clinical trial delivery in the UK. Centres in England are jointly funded by NIHR and industry, with support guaranteed until March 2031.
NIHR Life Sciences Industry Director, Dr Maria Koufali, said:
“The UK CRDC Network is a critical part of our national effort to transform UK clinical research delivery. By streamlining trial set-up and expanding access into community and underserved settings, it will help make the UK one of the most attractive destinations globally for commercial research. This means faster access to innovative treatments for patients, greater investment in the NHS and a stronger life sciences sector that boosts the health and wealth of the nation.”
In November 2025, Primary Care CRDCs will join the network, expanding research delivery beyond hospitals into community settings. These GP-led centres have a proven track record and are ready to begin operations immediately.
The new network will:
- Provide strategic leadership across all 21 CRDCs
- Facilitate study feasibility, placement, and setup
- Foster collaboration with regulators and stakeholders
- Support inclusion and public engagement
- Integrate Primary Care CRDCs into the network
This cohesive approach will ensure the UK meets industry expectations for faster, more efficient commercial research delivery, reinforcing its global competitiveness in life sciences.
Image credit: iStock
