Brexit disruption to clinical trials a matter of ‘life or death’ for British patients
Charity leaders and research experts have described how Brexit delays and disruption means that fewer British patients can participate in potentially lifesaving clinical trials
New immigration barriers are making it harder for the UK to address the shortage of research clinicians and nurses reducing capacity for trials.
Uncertainty over inclusion of the UK in EU research funding and the failure of the government to replace it is also having a negative impact
New barriers to cross-border research have particularly impacted research into rare diseases, moving previously UK-based trials overseas.
Research experts and charities working with people with serious and often terminal illnesses have said that delays to research and clinical trials from Brexit could mean the difference between ‘life or death’ for patients.
At an evidence session of the UK Trade and Business Commission today, featuring the CEO of Duchenne UK, whose son has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and a senior representative of Cancer Research UK, the panel of politicians and industry leaders heard that where previously UK researchers and patients could easily participate in international research and trials, new post-brexit delays, barriers and loss of funding are preventing them from taking part in potentially life saving trials.
Citing an existing shortage of research clinicians and nurses, witnesses described how changes to immigration laws has made it harder for EU medical staff to work in the UK. They attested that new competency rules expected to come into force next year will make this process even more difficult and costly. The experts reported that uncertainty over funding is also an issue following delays to the UK’s association with Horizon Europe.
Witnesses also noted that Brexit has reduced cross-border collaboration on research and that research into rare diseases in particular is vulnerable to disruption from new barriers to international collaboration due to the relatively limited number of patients in any one country.
Duchenne UK recently funded a phase-1 clinical trial for a synthetic steroid, which was run from the UK and subsequently secured Horizon 2020 funding. However, Commissioners heard that while phase-2 data was very promising, and could potentially lead to a new treatment for Duchenne patients, the UK’s withdrawal from the European Medicines Agency deprived them of the resources and access to patients that they needed. New trials of the steroid will now take place in Canada with witnesses saying that British patients are now “losing out” on the potentially life saving treatment.
Emily Crossley, Co-founder and CEO of Duchenne UK, said
“Where before we had a frictionless environment that was conducive to innovation and collaboration, we now have a situation where we have to start from scratch.”
“For the patient this is devastating because a delay can mean life or death. For my son, a delay to a clinical trial could mean him never walking again,"
Dr Philippa Whitford, SNP MP who chaired this session of the UK Trade and Business Commission, said
“Today’s witnesses provided clear testimony on how the UK Government’s mishandling of Brexit and the gaping holes they left in the EU/UK deal may now have serious consequences for people's health.
“They must provide swift clarity on funding opportunities like Horizon Europe and outline how they intend to remove these obstacles for UK patients and researchers. Barriers to medical research or access to new medicines could cost lives and is indefensible."