NHS data could be key to enhancing the UK\u2019s global competitiveness in delivering industry clinical trials, according to a new report from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).<\/p>\n
The report, Globally competitive UK-wide data-enabled clinical trials: the time is now<\/a>, suggests that the solution to a decline in participation in clinical trials, is better use of NHS health data.<\/p>\n ABPI highlights that commercial clinical trials are central to the UK\u2019s life sciences sector and represent substantial economic activity and scientific advancement \u2013 contributing \u00a37.4 billion to the economy in 2022.<\/p>\n Yet, the UK’s commercial clinical trial sector has declined significantly in recent years. Participation in industry-sponsored trials has fallen year-on-year to its lowest level since 2017\/18, with only 3.4% of all trial participants now enrolled in industry studies.<\/p>\n Dr Janet Valentine, ABPI executive director of innovation and research policy, said<\/a>: \u2018Because of the benefits industry trials bring to patients and the economy, global competition to attract commercial trials is fierce. It is therefore vital that the UK acts now to secure industry investment and builds on the public\u2019s growing enthusiasm to take part in research.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018NHS health data offers the UK a potential leading edge on our competitors by transforming how we find and recruit patients into trials, reducing delays, costs and avoiding wasted effort. Importantly, the approach we are recommending improves efficiencies in the NHS<\/a> whilst maintaining patient confidentiality.\u2019<\/p>\n A key driver of declining recruitment into industry trials is inefficient methods of identifying eligible patients. Current processes are costly and resource-intensive for an overstretched NHS, and they waste patients\u2019 time when they are turned away because they don\u2019t meet the trial criteria to take part.<\/p>\n NHS records contain comprehensive medical information on the UK\u2019s 69 million population. This globally unique asset could dramatically improve how patients are recruited into industry clinical trials, resulting in faster, more efficient and more inclusive processes.<\/p>\n Anonymised NHS records are already being used successfully in parts of the country to support trial recruitment. The recent government announcement to establish a Health Data Research Service (HDRS) provides a way to better coordinate and streamline the identification of the most suitable patients for industry clinical trials.<\/p>\n