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‘Groundbreaking’ dementia blood test trial underway

A major new clinical study aimed at improving dementia diagnosis through blood testing has launched in Surrey, according to a leading charity. The initiative, spearheaded by researchers at Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), is supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, which says the trial seeks to close diagnostic gaps and improve the early identification of dementia. Known as the Blood Biomarker Challenge,…
Ben Kemp
May 6, 2025
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AMR Review author Lord O’Neill part of AMC to explore value of rapid affordable diagnostics

Lord O'Neill, author of the groundbreaking government-commissioned AMR report in 2016, is part of a new AMC (advance market commitment) set to explore the impact of affordable rapid diagnostics on some of the world's most prevalent health challenges. The peer's AMC takes inspiration from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s successful AMC model to promote vaccines across the developing world. One of…
Ben Kemp
April 30, 2025
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Media Monitoring: 23rd – 30th April

'Groundbreaking' dementia trial starts in Surrey A "groundbreaking" trial exploring the potential of blood tests to diagnose dementia is under way in Surrey, a charity says. Alzheimer's Society said the initiative, led by a research team at Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), hoped to address gaps in diagnosis and enhance early detection of dementia. The trial is part of the Blood…
Ben Kemp
April 29, 2025
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New Permanent Secretary at DHSC

Samantha Jones has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Samantha is currently a non-executive director at DHSC, and the Chief Operating Officer for Xlinks, a renewable energy company. Samantha began her career as a nurse in the NHS, and was a hospital Chief Executive before moving to NHS England to lead…
Ben Kemp
April 29, 2025
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Media Monitoring: 16 – 23 April

Public twice as likely to check bank balance regularly than for signs of cancer A new NHS survey of 2,000 Brits found that only 4 in 10 (39%) look for changes to their bodies at least once every 3 weeks – despite this being vital in spotting potential signs of cancer. The results found people are more likely to regularly…
Ben Kemp
April 22, 2025
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WHO concludes draft pandemic agreement after three years of negotiations

Following over three years of discussions, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have made a major advancement toward global pandemic safety by compiling a draft agreement, set to be reviewed at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May. The proposed agreement is designed to enhance international cooperation in addressing pandemic threats through improved prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms.…
Ben Kemp
April 22, 2025
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DNA-scanning algorithm set to revolutionise cancer detection

A new algorithm called PRRDetect could transform cancer treatment by identifying tumours with faulty DNA repair systems, making them more responsive to therapies like immunotherapy. It was developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre with funding from NIHR and Cancer Research UK. Using data from Genomics England’s 100,000 Genomes Project, the team…
Ben Kemp
April 22, 2025
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Media Monitoring: 10th – 16th April

First-ever MHRA analysis of UK clinical trial applications finds new opportunities to drive medical breakthroughs for patients The first-ever analysis of the UK clinical trial landscape by the MHRA and the University of Liverpool reveals the UK is a global leader in clinical research – and sets out key opportunities to deliver even more life-changing treatments for patients. It finds…
Ben Kemp
April 15, 2025