The National Institute for Health and Care Research has awarded £47.8 million to expand the NHS’s capacity to deliver high‑quality commercial research, marking a major step in the government’s plan to turbocharge clinical trials across England.
The funding – part of the Voluntary Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth Investment Programme, a partnership between government and the pharmaceutical industry – aims to enhance the UK’s global competitiveness in life sciences by accelerating trial delivery, expanding research infrastructure, and supporting innovation in medicine manufacturing.
A total of 51 NHS Trusts and 79 primary care organisations will receive new equipment to streamline the setup and delivery of commercial clinical trials. Funded items range from:
- Diagnostic tools such as spirometers and ECG machines
- High‑tech imaging equipment including fibroscanners and ultrasound scanners
- Mobile research vans designed for screening and diagnostics
- Specialist pharmacy refurbishments to meet industry trial requirements
The investment also includes building refurbishments and new modular facilities to modernise research spaces and address capacity bottlenecks.
In the programme’s third year, eligibility expanded beyond NHS Trusts to include a wide range of non‑commercial NHS providers. As a result, 60% of successful awards have gone to primary care organisations, and funding will help bring commercial clinical trials directly into local communities. Alongside this, many awards were secured by organisations outside the Greater South East, supporting research access in underrepresented areas.
By strengthening research delivery closer to home, more people will be able to participate in life‑changing studies and gain early access to innovative treatments.
The VPAG programme aims to:
- Boost the speed and efficiency of UK commercial trials
- Increase NHS research capacity
- Stimulate investment in innovative, sustainable medicine manufacturing
- Strengthen partnerships between the NHS and life sciences companies
The funded infrastructure will support faster trial start‑up, improved patient recruitment and greater capacity to meet industry demand.
The awards will fund infrastructure including:
- Mobile research vans in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk to expand recruitment and reduce geographic health inequalities
- Diagnostic equipment such as fibroscanners, Accuvein devices and ultrasound scanners to meet imaging requirements for trial setup
- Speciality pharmacy refurbishments in locations such as York, Scarborough, Sheffield and the North Midlands to remove barriers to trial delivery
Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR Chief Executive, said:
“This significant investment will provide the NHS with the high-quality equipment and facilities it needs to deliver cutting-edge commercial research that benefits the public.
“With more than half of the funding this time going to primary care providers, the NIHR is once again showing its commitment to shifting research out of hospitals and into local communities, giving patients direct access to innovative treatments, and making it easier for everyone to take part in research.
“This helps to make research more equitable, enhances the UK’s reputation for delivering world-class commercial research, and helps position the country as an attractive place for companies to invest.”
Image credit: iStock
