UK Launches New CRDC Network to Boost Clinical Research

A UK-wide Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) Network will be established thanks to a £6.5 million investment from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which was made possible by public-private cooperation with the pharmaceutical industry.

The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) is hosting the network, which is scheduled to officially launch on September 1, 2025.

All 21 CRDCs in the UK's four countries will be strategically coordinated by the new network. In keeping with the Prime Minister's earlier this year call to accelerate medical research, it will be crucial in increasing research capacity, improving efficiency to deliver commercial clinical research through standardized procedures, and simplifying the interface between industry and the UK clinical trials delivery infrastructure.

More patients will have access to the newest, cutting-edge medicines through research if commercial clinical trials are delivered across the United Kingdom. Public-private finance cooperation between the pharmaceutical sector and the government backed the announcement of the CRDCs in December 2024.

 In order to make the UK more competitive globally in the life sciences, the CRDCs seek to improve and expedite the delivery of commercial clinical research. In order to facilitate England's transition from hospital to community care, Primary Care CRDCs will join the network in November.

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These are GP-led facilities that have demonstrated success in doing commercial research and are ready to get started right away.

The Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme provides industry support for the CRDCs, with up to £300 million going towards improving the delivery of commercial clinical trials in the UK. Up until the end of March 2031, those in England are jointly supported by the NIHR to provide a sustainable infrastructure for industry.