ABPI highlights need to reverse UK clinical research decline

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has allied with other healthcare sector representatives to devise a new approach to reversing a recent decline in UK-based clinical research.

At a meeting of senior representatives from the life sciences industry, academic researchers and policymakers hosted by the ABPI, the organisation said there are a number of key areas in which improvements are needed.

For example, a culture of partnership between various stakeholders ought to be fostered to ensure relationships become less transactional, while a workable and fully-funded early access to medicines scheme should be introduced.

The organisation also called for innovation to become a key NHS value and for real-world data studies to become more widely valued.

Stephen Whitehead, chief executive of the ABPI, said: "I am confident we will make real progress supported by our world-class scientists, a strong regulatory framework and the unique research capability we have with the NHS."

The ABPI also announced this week that it has signed up to a joint UK position on the revision of the EU clinical trials regulation last week, as it believes the changes will support the European research sector.