ABPI calls for strategy on non-COVID research

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry is calling on the government for a strategy to restart non-COVID research “safely and sustainably”, or risk the UK loosing its footing as a global leader of clinical research.

Its second annual report on the state of clinical trials in the UK found that the country is leading early-stage clinical research in Europe, but the Association fears that this position is precarious because of the number of trials paused earlier this year due to the pandemic.

The report highlights increasing concern among the research and healthcare sector with regard to the UK’s progress on the restart post-COVID, particularly as rising cases and the growing prospect of further lockdowns will likely pose further disruption.

As such, it is calling on the government to create ‘a strategic plan for the safe and sustainable restart of non-COVID clinical research, recognising winter challenges and the potential for future waves’.

“The UK performs very well on the world stage in clinical trials, but COVID-19 is presenting us with many challenges. It is crucial that the government has a plan for the safe and sustainable restart of non-COVID trials, recognising the extra pressures the NHS is facing,” said ABPI chief executive Richard Torbett. “By embracing new and innovative approaches in research we have the opportunity to transform how clinical trials are conducted in the UK and maximise the benefits for the NHS, patients and the economy.”

“Contingency plans – which still allow compliance with regulations – are needed for every stage, and this may include fewer physical participant visits, electronic data collection and innovative trial design,” added John Williams, managing director of Birmingham Health Partners. “Through the pandemic, the NHS and the UK’s academic and industry researchers have shown the ability to rapidly mobilise new studies in the face of a novel disease, and we now have the opportunity to use that collective experience to reassess our approach to setting up and running our clinical research.”

The ABPI has made several recommendations which it believes can help the UK transform the clinical research environment, which include developing a strategic plan for how the NHS will deliver clinical services and research sustainably, as well as sending a clear message to the NHS, clinical trial sponsors and patients, on the importance of non-COVID-19 research to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to research in other disease areas.

Also high on the agenda is a ramp up of investment bodies such as the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Research Authority (HRA), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and others to help boost levels of research beyond that seen pre-COVID, and tackling issues around diversity and inclusion to ensure equal opportunities for patients to be involved in clinical research.

With the end of the Brexit transition period on the horizon, and the growing likelihood of a no-deal exit, the Association is also underscoring the vital need for the government to keep research and innovation as a central pillar of the UK’s trade strategy, and ensure that the UK has the best opportunity to work with other regulators.