UK announces £64 million funding for clinical research

THE UK government today (23) announced an investment of £64 million to strengthen clinical research delivery and to ‘save lives across the country.’

The move is in line with the government’s vision ‘Saving and improving lives: the future of UK clinical research delivery’ published in March.

The funding will be used to ensure researches have better health outcomes and benefit more people across the UK.

The first phase of activity, over the coming months, will include the development and trial of new Covid-19 treatments and vaccines, developing rapid ethics reviews and faster approval processes.

It will also include boosting clinical research capacity with more remote trials and increasing diversity and participation in research in underserved communities.

“Clinical research has been vital in our fight against Covid-19 and has saved thousands of lives. Working with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments, our ambitious UK-wide vision for the future of clinical research delivery is essential if we are to build on this exciting and life saving momentum,” said Health and Social Care secretary Matt Hancock.

UK’s research efforts in fighting coronavirus reinforced the vital role of clinical research in the health sector, the government said.

Continued development of new Covid-19 treatments and vaccines will ensure a front-footed approach in tackling the virus, it said.

The plan also envisages close collaboration and partnership between different organisations across the UK through the Clinical Research Recovery, Resilience and Growth programme.

This includes representatives from all UK health departments, the National Health Service (NHS), regulators, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), medical research charities and industry.

“This is the first step in a big ambitious vision. We will continue to build upon these strong foundations to deliver a research ecosystem that positions the UK as a global leader in cutting-edge clinical research,”said Lord Bethell, minister for innovation.

The announcement follows the historic G7 Health Ministers’ agreement to create a new Therapeutics and Vaccines Clinical Trials Charter, earlier this month.