{"id":555214,"date":"2026-04-28T14:50:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/555214\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T14:50:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:50:09","slug":"mhra-delivers-its-targets-to-increase-access-to-medicines-and-reinforce-uk-position-as-a-global-destination-for-life-sciences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/555214\/","title":{"rendered":"MHRA delivers its targets to increase access to medicines and reinforce UK position as a global destination for life sciences"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) met or exceeded all statutory targets to increase access to medicines and medical devices for UK patients, according to the MHRA Results and Forecast report<\/a>\u00a0published\u00a0today (28 April).\u00a0<\/p>\n

The\u00a0MHRA\u00a0has\u00a0strengthened\u00a0its\u00a0position\u00a0as\u00a0a\u00a0world-leading medicines regulator by striking new global partnerships and advancing pioneering work in clinical trials reform, AI\u00a0regulation,\u00a0and rare disease therapeutics pathways.\u00a0It continues to speed up access to medicines for patients, increase efficiency of regulation and help to attract innovation and investment in the UK\u2019s thriving \u00a3100 billion life sciences industry.<\/p>\n

It continues to speed up access to medicines for patients, increase efficiency of regulation and help to attract innovation and investment in\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u2019s\u00a0thriving\u00a0\u00a3100 billion life sciences industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Building on this\u00a0strong performance\u00a0over the last year, the MHRA will launch a new five-year\u00a0strategy\u00a0later\u00a0this\u00a0year,\u00a0setting\u00a0out\u00a0how UK regulation will continue\u00a0to\u00a0evolve to support patient safety, NHS priorities, scientific innovation, and economic\u00a0growth in the UK life sciences sector through to 2030.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The\u00a0MHRA\u00a0Results\u00a0and\u00a0Forecast\u00a0report shows\u00a0that\u00a0in the 2025\/2026 financial\u00a0year, the MHRA:<\/p>\n

Strengthened\u00a0patient\u00a0and\u00a0public\u00a0safety:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tackling\u00a0health\u00a0misinformation,\u00a0introducing\u00a0stronger\u00a0post- market surveillance rules for medical devices, removing\u00a0nearly 28 million unauthorised\u00a0medicine doses and modernising safety monitoring through enhanced vigilance\u00a0systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hit\u00a0all\u00a0its\u00a0performance\u00a0targets:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Delivering\u00a0against\u00a0every\u00a0statutory\u00a0commitment,\u00a0meeting\u00a0all\u00a0key\u00a0performance indicators with excellent on-time performance across licensing, clinical trials, and safety decisions.<\/p>\n

Ended\u00a0the\u00a0year\u00a0in\u00a0financial\u00a0surplus:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Closing\u00a0the\u00a0year\u00a0in\u00a0a\u00a0strong\u00a0financial\u00a0position,\u00a0achieving\u00a0a\u00a0healthy\u00a0surplus\u00a0that reflects improved stability and disciplined operational delivery.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Led\u00a0in\u00a0key\u00a0areas\u00a0of\u00a0regulatory\u00a0science:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Strengthening\u00a0global\u00a0leadership\u00a0in\u00a0regulatory\u00a0science,\u00a0investing\u00a0in\u00a0AI,\u00a0in-silico\u00a0research,\u00a0and innovative methodologies, while advancing pioneering work in clinical trials reform, AI\u00a0regulation,\u00a0and rare disease pathways.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Built\u00a0closer\u00a0national\u00a0and\u00a0international\u00a0partnerships:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Strengthening\u00a0collaboration\u00a0across\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0and\u00a0globally,\u00a0including\u00a0the\u00a0MHRA\u2013National Institute for Health and Care Excellence\u2019s (NICE) aligned pathway<\/a>\u00a0to accelerate patient access, a new\u00a0UK\u2013Singapore Innovation Corridor<\/a>, inaugural membership of the\u00a0HealthAI network<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0collaboration with the US Food\u00a0and\u00a0Drug\u00a0Administration (FDA) on medicinal device\u00a0regulation<\/a>\u00a0as\u00a0part\u00a0of the wider US-UK pharmaceutical partnership.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Enjoyed\u00a0an\u00a0increase\u00a0in\u00a0external\u00a0sentiment:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Demonstrating a sustained improvement in external\u00a0perception, with independent research showing more positive views among industry, partners, and system stakeholders over the past 12\u201318 months.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And\u00a0also\u00a0a\u00a0rise\u00a0in\u00a0staff\u00a0morale:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Increased\u00a0staff\u00a0engagement,\u00a0with\u00a0record\u00a0participation\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0staff\u00a0survey, and a significant improvement in the Engagement Score, reflecting a more motivated and growing workforce.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Health\u00a0Minister\u00a0Dr\u00a0Zubir\u00a0Ahmed,\u00a0said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis past year has shown what a modern regulator looks like: patients first, pace where it matters, and standards that never slip. The MHRA has made tangible progress on this Government\u2019s ambitions for the NHS, public health, and the Life Sciences\u00a0Sector Plan.\u00a0The direction of travel is clear. With the MHRA operating as a high-performance regulator, the UK is positioned as a global destination for life sciences that is open to innovation, serious about safety, and credible on the world stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cA strong life sciences sector depends on a regulator that is trusted by patients, by clinicians and by innovators. The MHRA is\u00a0demonstrating\u00a0that trustworthiness through its commitment to\u00a0delivering for\u00a0the NHS, public health, and economic growth. The MHRA\u2019s progress and future direction strengthens the UK\u2019s\u00a0proposition as a global destination for research and development.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lawrence\u00a0Tallon,\u00a0MHRA\u00a0Chief\u00a0Executive,\u00a0said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a regulatory environment\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0scientifically rigorous, agile and has patients at its heart. Whether it\u2019s enabling access to the next generation of\u00a0medicines and health technologies or protecting patients from harm, our success is measured not just in frameworks and timelines, but in improved lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWith every performance target met, a strong financial position and more innovative medicines reaching patients, this is high quality regulation in practice. It is testament to the dedication of our committed and expert workforce and the strong partnerships we have with the wider UK and global health and life sciences system.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Professor\u00a0Anthony\u00a0Harnden,\u00a0MHRA\u00a0Chair, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOver\u00a0the\u00a0past\u00a0year,\u00a0the\u00a0MHRA\u00a0has\u00a0demonstrated\u00a0what\u00a0regulatory\u00a0excellence\u00a0looks like in practice. This progress is the result of the skill, professionalism, and commitment of MHRA staff across science, regulation, digital,\u00a0policy\u00a0and services.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking across the UK health system with researchers, industry, and international counterparts, I have seen first-hand how collaboration strengthens regulation and accelerates access to safe innovation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cGlobally, the MHRA\u2019s contribution to regulatory science is well respected. Our leadership and trusted\u00a0standards\u00a0support health systems worldwide.\u00a0As we look ahead, the MHRA enters the next chapters confident and ambitious that we are\u00a0a regulator the public can trust and the world can rely on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stakeholder\u00a0quotes\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jane Wall, Managing Director of the\u00a0BioIndustry\u00a0Association (BIA)\u00a0said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe MHRA\u2019s\u00a0strong performance\u00a0over the past year reflects a regulator that is listening and evolving. The forward-looking initiatives\u00a0showcased\u00a0in this report \u2013 including the development of\u00a0a\u00a0new\u00a0rare\u00a0disease\u00a0pathway \u2013\u00a0highlight\u00a0the\u00a0value\u00a0of collaborative working\u00a0to accelerate innovation and delivering better outcomes for patients\u00a0across\u00a0the UK. We look forward to continuing to collaborate closely with the MHRA to build on this momentum.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Professor\u00a0Jonathan\u00a0Benger,\u00a0CBE\u00a0MD\u00a0FRCS\u00a0FRCEM,\u00a0Chief\u00a0Executive\u00a0of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cContinuing improvements to joint working between NICE and the MHRA are creating a more integrated and frictionless pathway from regulation to patient access. By aligning our\u00a0expertise\u00a0earlier and more closely, we can support innovation, reduce duplication, and provide clearer, faster routes for effective\u00a0new medicines and technologies to reach patients sooner.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Julia\u00a0Vitarello,\u00a0patient\u00a0advocate\u00a0and\u00a0Founder\u00a0of\u00a0Mila\u2019s\u00a0Miracle\u00a0Foundation,\u00a0said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cFor families like mine facing rare genetic diseases, progress is measured by by how many sick and dying children can access today\u2019s incredible technologies\u00a0in\u00a0time.\u00a0The MHRA is truly leading the way through action, paving the world\u2019s first pathway toward process-based approvals to meet the new very promising era of individualised medicines. If successful, the UK will prove a new bridge connecting patients in desperate need with the science that can save lives.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dr\u00a0Matt\u00a0Westmore,\u00a0Chief\u00a0Executive\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Health\u00a0Research\u00a0Agency\u00a0(HRA),\u00a0said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the UK\u2019s core strengths in health and care research is our joined up regulatory system. Through close partnership between MHRA, HRA and others, we have streamlined and simplified the\u00a0approvals\u00a0pathway. By reducing duplication and complexity we\u2019re\u00a0giving researchers a faster, more predictable experience from start to finish.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0particularly proud of our work together on Combined Review which continues to go from strength-to-strength, helping patients access potentially life changing research sooner.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Richard\u00a0Torbett,\u00a0Chief\u00a0Executive,\u00a0Association\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0British\u00a0Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOver\u00a0the\u00a0past\u00a0year,\u00a0the\u00a0MHRA\u00a0has\u00a0continued\u00a0to\u00a0make\u00a0important\u00a0progress\u00a0in strengthening the UK\u2019s regulatory environment for medicines and vaccines, particularly in the provision of predictable\u00a0and\u00a0reliable\u00a0services.\u00a0Improved efficiency around clinical trial approvals, alongside enhanced safety surveillance is also helping to support earlier patient access to innovative medicines while maintaining robust regulatory standards.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis progress is helping to boost the UK\u2019s position as an attractive environment for life sciences research and earlier patient access. It is encouraging to see this momentum in the evolution of the regulatory system, and we hope to see it continue in the years ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peter\u00a0Ellingworth,\u00a0CEO,\u00a0Association\u00a0of\u00a0British\u00a0Health Tech\u00a0Industries\u00a0(ABHI),\u00a0said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u00a0MHRA\u2019s\u00a0outward-looking and collaborative approach is welcome,\u00a0particularly\u00a0its engagement with global partners to drive regulatory\u00a0harmonisation. Greater alignment across markets will help reduce\u00a0complexity\u00a0and\u00a0reinforce\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u2019s\u00a0position as a competitive destination for HealthTech innovation and investment. ABHI values its continued engagement with the MHRA and the opportunity to work together to deliver these important reforms.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lord O\u2019Shaughnessy, former health minister, senior partner at\u00a0Newmarket Strategy\u00a0and\u00a0author\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0landmark\u00a0report<\/a>\u00a0into\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0commercial\u00a0clinical trials landscape said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe progress made since I published my review in 2023 has been remarkable. The MHRA is now delivering consistently good approval times while introducing further reforms that are adding speed and flexibility\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0process.\u00a0The\u00a0MHRA\u00a0is\u00a0once\u00a0again taking a global lead, which is helping to attract more clinical trials to the UK.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Michelle\u00a0Riddalls\u00a0OBE,\u00a0CEO,\u00a0PAGB,\u00a0the\u00a0consumer\u00a0healthcare\u00a0association\u00a0shares:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cLawrence Tallon\u2019s commitment to engaging and collaborating with industry associations has significantly advanced MHRA\u2019s understanding of consumer healthcare priorities this year. His leadership has\u00a0facilitated\u00a0new opportunities to discuss practical and impactful ways to expand medicine reclassification\u00a0and empower self-care.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cReclassification is a key opportunity to expand access to medicines, support self-care, and reduce pressure on NHS services. MHRA has a real opportunity to accelerate this shift and, through initiatives like the Access Consortium, further drive international collaboration,\u00a0and innovation.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dr\u00a0Ricardo\u00a0Baptista\u00a0Leite,\u00a0CEO,\u00a0HealthAI – The Global Agency\u00a0for\u00a0Responsible AI in Health, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAs\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0pioneer\u00a0country\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0HealthAI\u00a0Global\u00a0Regulatory\u00a0Network,\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0has helped\u00a0turn\u00a0responsible\u00a0AI\u00a0in\u00a0health\u00a0from\u00a0a\u00a0promise\u00a0into\u00a0a\u00a0concrete\u00a0global\u00a0ambition. By coupling\u00a0bold reform with\u00a0a clear commitment to\u00a0safety and\u00a0equity, the MHRA is charting a path that can inspire innovators, regulators and investors worldwide to build AI-powered health systems that truly serve people.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Steve\u00a0Bates\u00a0OBE,\u00a0Executive\u00a0Chair\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Office\u00a0for\u00a0Life\u00a0Sciences\u00a0said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the past year, we have seen the UK\u2019s regulatory environment generating real excitement among international stakeholders. The MHRA has been central to\u00a0this, driving innovation through more agile, responsive pathways.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Adjunct\u00a0Professor\u00a0(Dr)\u00a0Raymond\u00a0Chua,\u00a0Chief\u00a0Executive\u00a0Officer,\u00a0Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Singapore, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOur longstanding partnership with the MHRA has strengthened through the launch of our Regulatory Innovation Corridor, and refreshed memorandum of understanding. As a globally connected biomedical hub, Singapore is committed to shaping a forward-looking regulatory environment with like-minded partners like the MHRA. Together, we are accelerating innovation in\u00a0Singapore\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0to deliver transformative technologies to benefit patients, while upholding the highest standards of safety, trust, and excellence.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Notes\u00a0to\u00a0editors:\u00a0<\/p>\n

The\u00a0MHRA\u2019s\u00a0Results\u00a0and\u00a0Forecast\u00a0is\u00a0available\u00a0at:\u00a0MHRA Results and Forecast 2025\/26; 2026\/27 – GOV.UK<\/a><\/p>\n

The Medicines and Healthcare\u00a0products\u00a0Regulatory Agency (MHRA)\u00a0is responsible for\u00a0regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust\u00a0and\u00a0fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The\u00a0MHRA\u00a0is\u00a0an\u00a0executive\u00a0agency\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Department\u00a0of\u00a0Health\u00a0and\u00a0Social\u00a0Care.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For\u00a0media\u00a0enquiries,\u00a0please\u00a0contact\u00a0the\u00a0newscentre@mhra.gov.uk<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0call\u00a0on\u00a0020 3080 7651.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) met or exceeded all statutory targets to increase access to…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":294292,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[102,2960,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-555214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-healthcare","tag-health","tag-healthcare","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/555214","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=555214"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/555214\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/294292"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=555214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=555214"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=555214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}