Are public-private partnerships the future of clinical trials?

By April Lara

September 05, 2024

PPS in the UK and Ireland for clinical trials

Clinical trials bring new drugs and therapies to patients. However, conducting them is often a complex process. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are emerging as a solution today.

These partnerships have become important in making clinical trials more efficient and accessible. With Ireland's recent establishment of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group and similar initiatives in the UK, PPPs are reshaping the future of clinical trials.

The recently announced Vanguard Pharma Advisory Group’s (VPAG) new investment programme aims to boost clinical trials in the UK and Ireland. It will support promising biotech startups with funding to speed up drug development, focusing on oncology and personalised medicine. This will strengthen the local biopharma ecosystem and attract international clinical trials.

Ireland’s newly formed National Clinical Trials Oversight Group is set to enhance the country’s clinical trials landscape, to double the number of trials taking place. This aims to reduce administrative burdens and create a more efficient clinical trial infrastructure, making Ireland a more attractive destination for international trials.

The Oversight Group will work closely with public and private stakeholders, coordinating industry-sponsored and academically-led trials. This is expected to improve clinical outcomes and drive innovation in healthcare, ultimately benefiting patients and strengthening Ireland’s reputation in the global clinical trials market.

Other key partnerships include the NIHR Clinical Research Network in the UK, which collaborates with pharmaceutical giants like AstraZeneca and Pfizer to integrate clinical research into the National Health Service. In Ireland, the Sláintecare programme and FutureNeuro work with private entities to enhance trial access and focus on critical areas like neurological diseases.

Public-private partnerships are essential to the future of clinical trials. As public-private partnerships continue to shape the future of clinical trials, a critical question arises: How can we further leverage these collaborations to ensure that clinical trials are efficient, equitable, and accessible to all patients?