The prospect of Brexit looming has cast uncertainty and doubt over many different aspects, with one such concern relating to the impact leaving the EU might have on British clinical trials. The current opinion is that the picture for our clinical trials does not look so rosy.
Impact of Brexit
New regulations are set to come into force next year that will make it much easier for drugs companies to conduct clinical trials in the EU. These new rules, which the UK helped to establish, are designed to make the application process simpler for conducting trials by having a single approval system for EU countries.
With Britain set to leave the EU, this could mean that UK patients miss out on clinical trials. Drugs companies might prefer to go directly to EU countries, with a total population of 500 million, to test new treatments due to their easier application system, meaning that more than 600,000 UK patients could no longer have access to potentially life-saving clinical trials each year after Brexit.
Importance of clinical trials
Clinical trials are vitally important in finding new treatments for many illnesses. Adaptive phase 1 studies, such as those offered by http://www.richmondpharmacology.com/adaptive-phase-i-studies.php, can help to pave the way for discovering new drugs to treat cancer, diabetes or rare illnesses. Patients who have access to drugs in the later stages of clinical trial testing often see improvements in their condition. For some, taking part in clinical trials is their last hope for recovery.
The impact of Brexit on future clinical trials for the UK could therefore have devastating consequences for many people seeking new treatments for fighting illnesses. Experts believe many patients may consider relocating to the EU if fewer clinical trials take place in Britain post-Brexit.
Room for negotiation
Health officials recognise the importance of clinical trials and are aware that the uncertainties of Brexit may extend to the number of trials that take place in the UK in the future. With this in mind, they aim to ensure that British patients will still benefit from the latest drugs and treatment going forward. As part of Brexit negotiations, clinical trials will be put firmly on the agenda and it is hoped that the UK can continue to play a major role in helping to test pioneering medical treatments through trials.