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Patients sought for pancreatic cancer blood test trial

A new initiative aimed at assessing a blood test for the early detection of pancreatic cancer is now recruiting participants. The Safe-D study, taking place in Southampton is enrolling individuals with type 2 diabetes — a condition linked to an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. It is supported by Wessex Health Partners, a regional partnership bringing together Integrated Care…
Ben Kemp
June 17, 2025
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Axel Heitmueller appointed Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Health

Downing Street has announced that Axel Heitmueller has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Health. The Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser will advise ministers and drive forward the Government’s vision for health and social care. Members may know Axel from his time working as CEO of Imperial College Health Partners and Executive Director of Strategy at the Chelsea…
Ben Kemp
June 17, 2025
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Media Monitoring: 5th – 11th June

   New technology should be paid for ‘like medicines’, says NICE chief executive The purchase of approved digital products and services used for diagnosing and treating NHS patients should be reimbursed centrally, the chief executive of the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence has told HSJ.   David Cameron: DNA test all sick children to build register Former UK…
Ben Kemp
June 10, 2025
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Alzheimer’s blood test can detect early symptoms, study suggests

A recent study has shown that a new blood test may be able to accurately identify individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in the United States have presented evidence that blood-based diagnostics can effectively detect dementia by analysing two specific proteins found in blood plasma. These proteins, amyloid beta 42/40 and p-tau217, are…
Ben Kemp
June 10, 2025
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MHRA launch new digital hub in Leeds

A new digital hub in Leeds is being launched by the MHRA, marking a significant step in the agency’s long-term commitment to advancing innovation and strengthening its presence across the UK. Leeds was selected due to its expertise in digital health and strong academic base. The MHRA’s expansion will build on this momentum – driving regional partnerships, attracting skilled talent…
Ben Kemp
June 10, 2025
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New COVID variant lands in the UK

England has identified its first cases of a new Covid-19 variant, according to UKHSA. The agency has reported that 13 cases of the NB.1.8.1 Covid strain have been confirmed in England, with a few additional cases found elsewhere in the UK. However, the exact number of infections in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland remains unclear. Since being identified in January…
Ben Kemp
June 10, 2025
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Media Monitoring: 29th May – 4th June

How a dramatic decline in hepatitis C infections in England brings us close to elimination UKHSA’s latest data reveals a 56.7% decline in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections across England. With cases dropping from an estimated 129,400 in 2015 to 55,900 in 2023, significant strides have been made towards eliminating HCV in England.   UK is no better prepared:…
Ben Kemp
June 3, 2025
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NHS first in world to roll out ‘revolutionary’ blood test for cancer patients

NHS England are set to roll-out a revolutionary world-first liquid biopsy test for tens of thousands of lung and breast cancer patients. The test can help to accelerate access to targeted therapy for lung cancer patients by up to two weeks and potentially spare some patients from invasive procedures and treatments such as chemotherapy. This new ‘blood test-first’ approach for…
Ben Kemp
June 2, 2025