The development of COVID-19 vaccines was a resounding success. But alongside this success lies an uncomfortable reality – the UK’s attractiveness to large clinical trials is in decline. The number of industry clinical trials initiated in the UK per year fell by 41% between 2017 and 2021. If the UK is to be a ‘science superpower’, it cannot allow its strongest research sectors to fall behind international rivals. A successful pharmaceutical research sector will be transformational to not only patients, but the NHS, the wider population and economy. Despite current national challenges, restoring the UK’s capacity to deliver clinical trials must not be overlooked.
This event will consider, in the wake of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, what are the opportunities for growth offered by restoring UK clinical research? How will this stimulate innovation? How will capacity for research in the NHS be ring-fenced? What are the major causes of the decline in clinical trials in the UK? What are barriers currently impeding the ability to run trials? How are they recognised and addressed, especially considering differences between specialties? In addressing such questions, this panel will explore the need to restore clinical trial capabilities in the UK to deliver growth and improve the delivery of care.
We hope you will be able to join us for what will be a fascinating discussion.
