The government has announced £100 million of public-private investment to set up 20 research hubs across the country, exposing patients nationwide to cutting-edge treatments for the first time.
Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) will be regional hubs for new clinical trials across all four corners of the UK, allowing researchers and scientists to test new treatments with the latest medical technology.
These trails aim to build UK research delivery leadership into all conditions across multi-specialist centres, including diseases from cancer and obesity to the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The CRDCs will support the rapid development of commercial studies, allowing patients to access treatments undergoing trials as soon as they are ready.
Health minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: “This significant private investment in health research is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK’s leading research and life sciences sector.
“The new hubs will help shift research into smaller communities, allowing more people to access cutting-edge treatments faster.
“Prevention is better than cure — these trails will help unlock the next generation of treatments, boost economic growth and build an NHS fit for the future.”
This investment comes part of a wider £400 million join public-private investment scheme: the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme, and follows the Plan for Change announced by the prime minister last week.
Science minister Lord Vallance said: “If we are to turn the latest advances in medical science into breakthrough treatments and therapeutics for patients, it is essential that leading businesses and private investment work in partnership with the NHS.
“This is especially important for clinical trials were the UK has a strong track record and can again become a leader.”
