- 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 strong innovation – but also a concentration of research in certain disease areas, and opportunities for increased representation of certain patient groups.
- The MHRA is using the insights to build upon the country’s world-leading clinical research and deliver its new clinical trials regulations to create a more efficient, streamlined and adaptable regulatory framework.
‘We are nearly there’: UK and India agree 90% of free trade agreement
- The UK and India have agreed 90% of their free trade agreement, businesses were told on a call with negotiators this week.
- There are hopes the UK government will succeed in finalising a highly coveted trade deal with India, a booming economy of 1.4 billion people, this year.
- A government source told the Guardian that mobility, which involves visas for Indian workers and has been one of the most contentious issues in the negotiations, had largely been resolved.
Hancock criticises ‘wholly naive’ Covid inquiry
- Matt Hancock has defended government deals to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, saying the country was in a “desperate situation” at the time.
- In a bad-tempered session at the Covid inquiry, the former health secretary repeatedly criticised the line of questioning describing it as “naive”, “hostile” and “inappropriate”.
- Hancock was later asked about a contract awarded to a firm run by Alex Bourne, who owned a pub in his West Suffolk constituency, to make vials for Covid testing.
- Emails show Hancock passed on communications from Mr Bourne to the then health minister Lord Bethell, describing his analysis of the wider testing system as a “very interesting critique” from a “very impressive guy”.
Blood test could detect Parkinson’s disease before symptoms emerge
- Researchers have developed a simple and “cost-effective” blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease long before symptoms emerge, according to a study.
- This new test, which the Times reports costs £80, analyses small pieces of genetic material known as transfer RNA fragments (tRFs) in the blood, focusing on a repetitive RNA sequence that accumulates in Parkinson’s patients.
- It also looks at a parallel decline in mitochondrial RNA, which deteriorates as the disease progresses. Mitochondria exist inside cells and generate energy.
Preparing the NHS for the AI Era: Why Smarter Triage and Navigation Mean Better Health Care
- The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has published this report examining the improvements in NHS care which can be unlocked by improved use of AI.
- Over 100 delegates joined for the Centre for Advanced Diagnostics Development and Application launch on the 8th of April 2025 at University of Kent in Canterbury.
- There was a packed programme with very inspiring speakers from the NHS, SME’s, academics and large business.
- The day alternated between talks and workshop activity. Speakers reflected on the diagnostic needs from the user’s perspective, the available technology and future of these as well as the business needs.
