UK healthcare community seeks to reverse clinical research decline

Industry representatives and policymakers have met to discuss the future of life sciences research and development in the UK.

Pharmaceutical industry bodies, members of the life sciences industry, academic researchers and policymakers have met in London, UK, to discuss the country's recent decline in clinical research.

Representatives of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the BioIndustry Association (BIA) and the NIHR Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure (NOCRI) met with other stakeholders to discuss the UK's attractiveness for research and development.

Experts are concerned that the amount of clinical research conducted in the UK has fallen over the past decade, although there are signs of improvement.

Stephen Whitehead, chief executive of the ABPI, commented: "Our challenge is to ensure we maintain this momentum and continue to create a world-class environment for life sciences research.

"If we can do this, I am confident we will make real progress supported by our world-class scientists, a strong regulatory framework and the unique research capability we have with the NHS."

Mr Whitehead also underlined the importance of approving innovative medicines, warning that global pharmaceutical companies will move their clinical trials to other countries if they are unable to conduct comparisons with other products that are unavailable in the UK.