Published: 26 May 2023

Nicola Perrin AMRC CEO welcomed the announcement of the life sciences growth package, saying:

“Charities are key partners in delivering the Life Sciences Mission and Vision. It is encouraging to see so much emphasis on – and new funding for – life sciences today and we look forward to ensuring that health and medical research charities have a strong role in translating this ‘moment’ into lasting benefits for patients.”

In response to Lord O’Shaughnessy's review of commercial clinical trials in the UK, Nicola said:

“This is an important and wide-ranging review with the potential to help transform clinical trials in the UK. The system has been struggling and these timely recommendations have the potential to really change things to give better access for patients both to new research and innovative treatments.

“These recommendations are incredibly welcome, as is the announcement of funding to deliver new clinical trial acceleration networks. We are also pleased to see the Government prioritise the need to provide real-time data on clinical activity. Monitoring the full trial portfolio will ensure early phase clinical trials and academic clinical research are not destabilised by the focus on incentivising commercial trials.

“The proposal to update legislation to make clinical research part of direct care is potentially an exciting way to ensure all patients can benefit from the opportunities of taking part in clinical trials and we look forward to seeing further details.

“We thank Lord O’Shaughnessy for recognising the vital role of charities in raising awareness of research and helping recruitment for trials and look forward to supporting the NHS in this work.”

Read our full reaction in this blog.

In response to the Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies Review: Life Sciences, Nicola said:

“Getting new treatments to patients as quickly and safely as possible is vital. The publication of this comprehensive report is a significant and positive step. We welcome the proportionate yet innovative approaches that are outlined and hope that, with sustainable funding for regulators, patients will be able to benefit from research innovation much more quickly.”