A new analysis of the UK clinical trials landscape has revealed a concentration of research in certain disease areas and opportunities for increased representation of certain patient groups.
The research was conducted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the University of Liverpool.
The MHRA is using the insights to build upon the country’s clinical research and deliver its new clinical trials regulations to create a more efficient, streamlined and adaptable regulatory framework.
Working in partnership with patients, the NHS, industry and academia, the MHRA will support increased research into underrepresented conditions, improve diversity in trial participation, and attract further global investment in innovation.
Professor Andrea Manfrin is lead author of the study and MHRA Deputy Director, Clinical Investigations and Trials.
She said: “Clinical trials are the backbone of medical progress, essential for developing new medicines and advancing our understanding of diseases.
“This analysis shows clearly where the UK is leading – and where we need to work with our stakeholders to go further.
“By working together with patients, the NHS, industry, and researchers across the life sciences ecosystem to identify and maximise these opportunities, we can ensure clinical trials are faster, fairer, and more inclusive.
“Better trials mean better, more effective treatments, reaching NHS patients as quickly and as safely as possible.”
With the global clinical trials market expected to nearly double to over £80 billion by 2032, insights from the analysis will help shape policies that can bring innovative, new medicines to patients, attract investment, accelerate medical innovation, and expand trial access for UK patients.
Key findings from the MHRA and University of Liverpool’s analysis of all 4,616 clinical trials submitted between 2019 and 2023, include:
- The UK is a hub for pioneering research, with one in eight trials testing treatments in humans for the first time.
- Cancer trials dominate, making up nearly a third of all studies, but other major diseases lag behind.
- Both sexes were included in most trials (90 per cent), however male-only trials (6.1 per cent) were nearly twice as common as female-only studies (3.7 per cent). Pregnant and breastfeeding women were represented in 1.1 per cent and 0.6 per cent of trials, respectively, which could impact treatment suitability for these groups.
- Cutting-edge treatments, such as gene and cell therapies, represent a growing clinical area but make up only 3.4 per cent of trials
As the government pushes forward the development of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10 Year Health Plan, these findings come at a crucial time.
They can be used to shape policies that ensure clinical trials deliver maximum benefit for patients, the NHS and the wider economy.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “The government is determined to make Britain a world leader in life sciences, developing groundbreaking treatments focused on the conditions that matter most to patients.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re laying the foundations for a modern, resilient health system that delivers, which is why the Prime Minister announced £520 million investment this week to turbocharge medical research.
“By driving forward research and expanding access to clinical trials, we can ensure patients benefit from cutting-edge treatments quicker, while creating high-quality jobs and attracting global investment.
“Strengthening the trial environment will help ensure we have an NHS fit for the future – one that harnesses innovation to improve outcomes for patients.”
