The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced its 2030 Strategy, outlining plans to modernise patient-centred regulation. The strategy aims to translate scientific and technological innovation into improved health outcomes for patients across the UK.
By 2030, the MHRA intends to be more patient-centred, support quicker patient access to safe and effective treatments, and enhance data-connectivity and global influence. Minister for Health Innovation, James Frith, stated that the strategy will help the MHRA keep pace with innovations in AI, data, and medicine, while also strengthening its ability to address illegal medicines.
Key commitments include enhancing access to real-world data, recruiting specialised skills to analyse data using AI, and making Yellow Card reporting of adverse events simpler. The MHRA also plans to introduce a higher value service option to fast-track scientific advice for medicine and medical product developers from 90 days to 45 days.
The strategy also focuses on patient-centred regulation, aiming to increase diversity in clinical studies and launching a Women’s Health Plan this year. Additionally, the MHRA intends to substantially increase criminal enforcement capacity to investigate and prosecute those involved in illegal medicines and medical devices.