Faster clinical trials could help patients access life-changing treatments sooner

The UK Government has met its target to speed up clinical trials, helping patients access innovative treatments sooner while strengthening the country’s position as a global leader in medical research

New figures published on 21 October 2026 show that the average set-up time for commercial clinical trials in the UK fell by 35%, dropping from 153 days to 100 days in the three months to March 2026.

The achievement goes beyond the target set in the Life Sciences Sector Plan, which aimed for 95% of commercial trials to be set up within 150 days. All 24 commercial trials recorded during the period met this deadline.

Faster research, earlier access to treatments

Clinical trials are essential for testing new medicines, vaccines and other treatments before they become widely available. Reducing the time it takes to establish studies could help researchers bring promising discoveries closer to patients, particularly those living with serious or life-threatening conditions.

The trials cover a range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease and rare diseases. Faster set-up could also help researchers recruit participants sooner, allowing more patients to access treatments being investigated.

One example is the BEATRIX study, which offers pregnant women access to a vaccine against group B streptococcus (GBS). The research aims to help prevent serious infections in newborn babies, including deaths and stillbirths.

Meanwhile, Moderna’s Nova 301 study recruited 2,500 volunteers in just nine weeks, highlighting the potential for efficient research delivery.

Cancer research and NHS innovation

The announcement comes as the Government steps up efforts to improve access to clinical trials for cancer patients, including those with rare and difficult-to-treat cancers.

A new cancer trials accelerator is planned to make the NHS a more attractive partner for cancer research. It will build on existing initiatives, including the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad and Vaccine Innovation Pathway, to help move promising treatments from laboratories into clinical practice.

The wider programme aims to make research easier to organise across the NHS, improve recruitment and give pharmaceutical companies greater confidence in running studies in the UK.

Investment in the UK’s life science sector

Faster trials are also expected to support economic growth by attracting investment, creating skilled jobs and strengthening research capabilities across the country.

More than £3 billion in new public-private investment has been attracted during the first year of the Life Sciences Sector Plan.

The Government is also developing the Health Data Research Service, backed by up to £600 million from the Government and Wellcome Trust. The initiative aims to connect NHS and research data through a secure system for approved research, helping scientists identify suitable participants and study diseases more efficiently.

Although the latest figures show good progress, maintaining momentum will be crucial as countries compete to attract clinical research investment.

The next challenge is ensuring that faster trial setup translates into more successful recruitment, reliable study delivery, and meaningful improvements in patient access.