The UK government is planning to significantly expand clinical trials within the country. In order to encourage millions of people in England to participate in these trials, they intend to utilize the NHS app. Once patients are automatically matched with studies based on their health data and interests, they will receive notifications on their smartphones.
Notably, NHS trusts that fail to meet targets on trials will be publicly named, while the best performers will be prioritized for funding. These measures are part of the government’s efforts to restore Britain’s global reputation for medical research. The strategy is one of the first initiatives to be introduced as part of the government’s upcoming 10-year health plan for England.
The aim is to capitalize on the simplified NHS records to quickly identify suitable participants for trials. Measures will also be implemented to streamline the paperwork required for these studies.
By implementing these reforms, the government hopes to expedite the clinical trial process and attract more pharmaceutical companies to host their trials in Britain. The initiative is part of a broader mandate for ministers to identify and promote pro-growth measures.
Critiques of the current clinical trial launch speed in the UK have been raised, with a study conducted by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry indicating a 27% decrease in patient participation and a 38% decline in new industry trials between 2018 and 2023.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/16/nhs-app-clinical-trials-recruitment-new-treatments
