Government's 10-Year NHS Reform Plan Aims to Halve Clinical Trial Times and Tackle Obesity
The government has outlined a 10-year plan to reform the NHS, aiming to address concerns that the service is 'broken'. Key aspects include reducing clinical trial set-up times, encouraging use of top-ranked products, and tackling obesity through innovative weight loss treatments.
The plan aims to streamline approval processes with the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) (Amendment) Regulations 2024. By March 2026, the government targets to cut clinical trial set-up times from 250 to 150 days.
To enhance medicine use, a new formulary oversight board, backed by NICE, will rank products based on clinical and cost-effectiveness. This aligns with the move towards a single national formulary (SNF) for medicines within the next two years. Local prescribers will be encouraged to use highly ranked products while maintaining clinical autonomy, in line with NICE guidance.
In a bid to tackle obesity, the government plans to work closely with the weight-loss medicine industry. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have already shown interest, collaborating or planning cooperation with the NHS to test innovative models for weight loss medications and services.
The government's 10-year plan seeks to increase clinical trials in the UK, benefiting both patients and the economy. By March 2026, clinical trial set-up times are expected to be halved. The move to a single national formulary is set for the next two years, with a new formulary oversight board ensuring top-ranked products are used. Collaboration with industry partners aims to provide innovative weight loss treatments within the NHS.
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