UK clinical
research update

The following updates are from the dedicated partners who support the the development of a faster, more efficient and more innovative clinical research delivery system. 

• NIHR Newcastle Commercial Research Delivery Centre has recruited the first global patient to a major trial evaluating a novel treatment for COPD. With support from the NIHR Industry Hub, the study’s first participant was recruited in 103 days, significantly ahead of the government’s 150-day metric.
• The NIHR is proud to announce that on 16 December, it increased the payment rate for public involvement within the NIHR by 10%.
• Health and Care Research Wales have launched the first centre for women’s health research to tackle inequalities, the centre aims to strengthen investment in women’s health research, including improving women’s representation in clinical trials.
• HRA published a blog on progress made in 2025 including inviting the first users to access the new digital service, Plan and Manage Health and Care Research, marking the start of a major UK-wide transformation of research services. The blog also highlights upcoming plans for 2026 including the roll out of the updated clinical trials regulations across the UK.
• MHRA and Northern Ireland partners have confirmed a strengthened programme of collaboration to support innovation, enhance patient safety and ensure people in Northern Ireland continue to benefit from world-class regulation of medicines and medical technologies. MHRA has pledged to establish a clear point of contact in Northern Ireland.
• Jennifer Crooks has joined the CRDC UK Network as Network Operations Director. The Network brings together 21 CRDCs and 14 Primary Care CRDCs across the four nations to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in commercial clinical research and accelerate the setup and delivery of commercial clinical trials.
• The latest ECMC Industry Engagement Report 2025 was published by the ECMC network, highlighting how targeted, proactive engagement with industry partners is helping position the UK as a competitive and attractive location for innovative oncology trials.
• DHSC announced the 2026 payment percentage for newer medicines under the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) will be 14.5%. The cut to the rebate rate follows a landmark UK-US pharmaceuticals deal which aims to encourage investment and the faster launch of innovative medicines while making the UK a more attractive destination for clinical trials.
• The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) published the UK industry clinical trials: Translating actions into impact report which highlights progress in the number of industry trials initiated in the UK but continued challenges in recruitment and delivery.
• Visit the NIHR Life Sciences Industry Hub webpage, the hub serves as a single point of entry for commercial researchers in England to access the UK’s clinical research infrastructure, offering expert support for study feasibility, site identification, and end-to-end delivery of clinical trials.
• Two leaders have been appointed to the Health Data Research Service (HDRS), Baroness Nicola Blackwood was appointed as Chair of the HDRS and Dr Melanie Ivarsson was appointed as CEO of the HDRS. The HDRS will accelerate medical breakthroughs by slashing red tape and provide a secure single access point for approved researchers to national health data.
• The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) confirmed there will be reforms to cost-effectiveness thresholds used to evaluate new medicines starting in April 2026 to accelerate patient access to innovation.