The High Court has rejected a challenge to regulatory decisions regarding the PATHWAYS clinical trial for puberty suppressing hormones. This decision means the trial can proceed as planned.
Dr Matt Westmore, Chief Executive of the Health Research Authority (HRA), stated that the organisation's purpose is to protect people participating in research. He added that the checks carried out, along with independent ethics reviews, ensure participant interests are prioritised and that research is safe and ethical.
Dr Westmore confirmed that the PATHWAYS Trial has all the necessary approvals to begin recruiting participants in line with its approved research protocol. He also expressed gratitude to the Court for recognising the expertise of Research Ethics Committees (REC) in reviewing complex studies.