ABPI response to government clinical research plan

The governments of the four nations of the UK have published a joint implementation plan for clinical research to supercharge Britain’s R&D system.

The plan follows a joint ‘vision’ launched in the Spring which set the direction for a future clinical research programme that would tackle health inequalities, bolster economic recovery, and improve the lives of people across the country.

Welcoming the 2021/22 Future UK Clinical Research Implementation Plan, Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI, said:

“Today’s plan is a step towards creating a more competitive clinical research ecosystem across the UK, with the potential to help transform patients’ lives.

“We have a significant opportunity to take what we have learnt from the COVID-19 response and put that into improving NHS care and building a stronger UK life science industry.”

The upcoming Life Sciences Vision and the Health & Care Bill also provide real opportunities to strengthen clinical research. To make this happen we need a cross-government approach, underpinned by long-term funding in the forthcoming Spending Review. 

The implementation plan contains a number of important provisions for the future of UK clinical trials including:

• Embedding clinical research in the NHS to create a pro-research culture with resource and capacity allocated to deliver streamlined and high-quality clinical research.
• Improving equitable access to clinical research to make the involvement and participation in clinical research as easy as possible for patients and the public regardless of where they live, their gender or their ethnicity.
• Developing a sustainable and supported research workforce by offering rewarding opportunities to all healthcare and research staff of all professional backgrounds.