UK clinical
research update

The following updates are from our dedicated partners across the sector.

• HRA Commercial and non-commercial model agreements have been updated, the revised model agreements apply UK-wide and came into effect on 7 September. HRA also published new guidance on using health information to let patients know about research options. The guidance sets out standards for research sign-up registers, including transparency, governance, patient and public involvement, and security arrangements. HRA shared a new blog on finding and contacting patients for research and how to navigate challenges while maintaining confidentiality, transparency and public trust.
• MHRA has partnered with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) to create the “Manchester Sandbox” which will test promising new technologies and build evidence to accelerate the safe adoption of technologies, including AI, in the NHS. Read more about the Sandbox.
• As part of its stepwise implementation programme to deliver the first wave of MHRA regulatory assessment decisions within 14 calendar days, the MHRA has made some changes to the eligibility to expand it beyond just healthy volunteer trials. Review the eligibility criteria to find out what is now included. On 28 September the assessment time for validated, eligible trials reduced to 18 days. Capacity is limited so advance booking is strongly advised. Eligible trials can be booked up to three months in advance. To pre-book your slot, email Phase1StepwiseBooking@mhra.gov.uk.  
• MHRA has published a blog highlighting that commercial clinical trial participation in Scotland has increased by 21 per cent year-on-year. Supported by four new Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) funded under the national VPAG Investment Programme, Scottish sites utilised a hub-and-spoke model, including GP-based Practice Embedded Research Units (PERUs), to secure five European firsts and one global first for patient recruitment. Read the blog.
• The UK government has committed £49,000 matched by the Scottish Government to a life sciences partnership with the US. The Scotland-Massachusetts Bio-Bridge will create a link between companies in Scotland with the academic, pharmaceutical and development expertise in Massachusetts.
• Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSC R&D) Northern Ireland shared an article on a research funder perspective of the UK Standards for Public Involvement. HSC R&D were involved in the original development of the standards, and recently led on a newly published article in collaboration with colleagues across the UK – “Applying the UK Standards for Public Involvement: Reflections and lessons from case studies across the UK”.
• The UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN) is continuing to expand its portfolio of clinical trials, strengthening opportunities for people across the UK to participate in dementia studies. Read the full story.
• The CRDC UK Network has developed an interactive map of the CRDC UK Network on their new website which helps sponsors identify the right expertise, capabilities and study opportunities across the UK.
• The ATTC network has published a new report on delivering the National Advanced Therapies Vision for the UK. The report assesses progress made since publication of the original National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision for the UK, highlighting what has been achieved and where action is still needed to maintain the UK’s global leadership. Read the full report.
• NHSE: Read a new blog from the Head of Data-Driven Clinical Trials at NHS England discussing why linking data effectively is crucial for analysing clinical trial outcomes.
• Funding Opportunity: ERA4Health partnership: DHSC and the NIHR have pre-announced a new joint transnational funding opportunity under the ERA4Health partnership (Horizon Europe). The IICS4all 2027 call will fund non-commercial Phase III multi-country studies focused on comparative-effectiveness and off-patent drug repurposing across cardiovascular, autoimmune, metabolic, and respiratory diseases.Proposals must ensure inclusive participant recruitment across sex, gender, and age factors. The call opens on 27 October 2026, with an applicant webinar on 10 November 2026. Find out more.