UK’s status as global clinical trials hub bolstered with £18 million investment
24 Mar 2024
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Innovate UK, the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre Network and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) have announced a strategic initiative amounting to almost £18 million.
Their £17.9 million investment programme is designed to enhance the UK environment for advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) clinical trials and maintain the UK ‘s global status as a location of choice for advanced therapy research, said executive director for Innovate UK’s healthy living and agriculture domain Dr Stella Peace.
She stated: “From our initial investment to now overseeing the delivery of the new four-year programme, our goal is to ensure the UK maintains its global leadership in clinical research.
“Our commitment to fostering innovation and scientific advancements is crucial for sustaining this leadership. This drives medical breakthroughs, as well as strengthening the UK economy by attracting investments, generating high-skilled jobs, and positioning us at the forefront of transformative healthcare discoveries.”
The scheme will provide a further four years of funding for the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre Network. Money will come from NIHR, with Innovate UK overseeing the spend.
CGT Catapult will co-ordinate the ATTC network that currently comprises three centres – Innovate Manchester Advanced Therapy Centre Hub, Midlands-Wales Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre, plus the Northern Alliance Advanced Therapies Treatment Centre.
With an estimated 9% of global ATMP trials represented in the country, the UK is a world leader in ATMP clinical research with an overall total of 175 ongoing trials being carried out at present.
The partner organisations say more products are in development with a focus on ensuring that the NHS can scale up advanced therapies to patients.
Pic: Chokniti Khongchum
