The life sciences industry is starting to kick back into gear as the some of the latest statistics from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) reveal that more commercial and industry-led studies are occurring compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The NIHR’s clinical research network portfolio shows that commercial research studies increased by almost 200 in 2022/23 going up to 1,757, while industry activity jumped to 764 compared to 2019/20’s level of 671.
For the commercial side, this has allowed 32,328 people to participate in research – significantly more than the 28,832 who took part before the pandemic.
Primary care also saw a minor boost with 2% more activity occurring which accounts for 18% of all commercial research participants.
Read about the increase in the number of commercial studies and participation rates in NIHR CRN supported studies at https://t.co/2FSdCkf2f6 pic.twitter.com/QknDkQdhLC
— NIHR Research (@NIHRresearch) July 13, 2023
“Obviously we know there is more to be done, and we are working hard with our UK partners to improve the environment for life sciences and world-leading research even further,” added Littlewood.
The NIHR highlights the National Contract Value Review approach as a key component in how the sector is promoting study growth with data indicating that, following the first six months of the process’ implementation, setup times were reduced by 45%.
Led by NHS England, the practice is the UK’s standardised way of costing and contracting commercial research, which will be further refined this autumn following the government’s approval of recommendations from the O’Shaughnessy Review.
The approach could also expand into early-phase research and advanced therapy medicinal products.
Head of feasibility and start up at the NIHR, Laura Bousfield, added: “This revolutionary change in the way we work is possible because the UK is unique, our health and research ecosystem is unique, and we are global pioneers in this space. More and more countries are reaching out to understand how the UK costing and contracting model works.
“It is an exceptional achievement which will make the UK a more attractive prospect for global commercial clinical trials, which will ultimately give NHS patients access to more innovative treatments through participation in those trials."
Image credit: iStock
