Pharma industry supports clinical research in the NHS

Clinical trials in the NHS could be set up more effectively and rapidly thanks to a programme of joint workshops, says the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

The Department of Health and ABPI have launched a programme of regional workshops in association with the UK-based pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, which aim to promote clinical research in the NHS.

ABPI medical director Dr Richard Tiner said: "The UK-based pharmaceutical industry has much to offer the NHS in terms of skills and knowledge. The ABPI and its member companies are committed to sharing these resources for the benefit of patients. The workshops will allow the industry and the NHS to work together effectively on future projects and share best practice.

"In the UK, the pharmaceutical industry invests £10m every day researching and developing innovative, new medicines. The regional workshops will allow an even greater focus on the development of new medicines by improving the clinical trials process."

The workshops will provide NHS researchers and research managers; pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies; CROs; and medical schools with the opportunity to discuss the model clinical trial agreements and other tools developed to facilitate more rapid clinical trial set-up and initiation, and to discuss the issues faced by companies sponsoring trials in the UK.

The first event will be held on 13 March in Southampton, and eight more will be scheduled at locations throughout the UK.

Regional workshop dates:

Southampton - March 13

Manchester - March 17

Cambridge - March 18

Birmingham - March 19

London - April 14

Newcastle upon Tyne - May 6

Edinburgh - May 7

Cardiff - May 14