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. 

• MHRA announced two new AI sandboxes – an AI sandbox for medicines and the London Region I sandbox for medical devices. The sandbox for medicines will test up to five AI-driven approaches in its first phase to determine how AI can make medicines safer for patients and accelerate drug development. The London Region I sandbox provides a real-world environment to safely deploy AI-enabled medical devices while generating additional evidence of benefit across NHS settings.
• MHRA and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced a new liaison programme to strengthen regulatory collaboration between the UK and the US. The programme will establish dedicated, reciprocal liaison officer roles within each organisation to support scientific exchange, enhance day-to-day collaboration and enable more coordinated approaches to emerging regulatory challenges.
• HRA published a new blog: Regulation is the trust engine of innovation – celebrating the UK’s regulatory framework as the essential “trust engine” that powers innovation, investment, and participation in research.
• HRA has updated its new digital plan’s timeline for managing health and care research services while replacing older systems over time, including IRAS and HARP, making it easier to plan, approve, manage and complete research in the UK. Read more about the key dates and what these mean for users.
• An NIHR-funded study led by the East of England RRDN found that clinical sites recruiting their first participants quickly are more likely to meet their overall time and target goals. Consequently, sponsors are more likely to select these sites for future studies. Read more on Springer Nature.
•  NIHR Accelerated Commercial Research Delivery Fund
  The NIHR has launched a £27.5 million funding opportunity to support host Trusts of NIHR Clinical Research Facilities in accelerating improvements in commercial interventional clinical trial recruitment. This time-limited funding will drive innovation and optimise infrastructure to enhance capacity for commercial trial delivery. The funding is supported through a partnership between the Government and the pharmaceutical industry’s Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme. Read the full application guidance on the NIHR website.
• Celebrating the people powering UK clinical trials
  Our vibrant community spirit was on full display on Friday 19 June as UKCRD partners celebrated #Red4Research with illuminated buildings and social media campaigns, highlighting the pride, teamwork, and human commitment that drives the UK’s clinical trials landscape to make our faster, more predictable research landscape a reality. Read more: Red4Research 2026: Celebrating the people powering UK clinical trials.
• UK joins world’s largest rare diseases partnership to advance international clinical trial delivery
  The UK has joined the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA), opening new pathways for UK researchers to lead and participate in international clinical trials. Enabling seamless collaboration across borders, connecting global patient groups, this commitment reinforces the UK’s position as a leading, fully interconnected destination for international clinical trial delivery. The Expression of Interest (EOI) phase runs from 1 July 2026 to 10 September 2026. Read the full story on the NIHR website.
• ABPI Releases 2025 Disclosure UK Transparency Data 
  The ABPI published 2025 data on Disclosure UK, demonstrating payments/benefits to UK healthcare professionals and organisations from the pharmaceutical industry. Dr Amit Aggarwal (ABPI) and Alex Fell (PMCPA) provide insights on overall data and the new package deals guidance. High standards of transparency is foundational to driving industry confidence and maintaining the UK’s competitive clinical research landscape.