Project launched to improve regulation of AI healthcare devices

  • 29 January 2025
Project launched to improve regulation of AI healthcare devices
Brunel University (Credit: Adning / Shutterstock.com)
  • Brunel University will lead a project which aims to improve regulation to bring more AI-powered healthcare products to the UK
  • It is one of seven Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSIs) announced by Innovate UK to accelerate pathways for innovative medicines and devices
  • Projects include digital transformation of medicines development and manufacturing, and regulatory science empowering innovation in transformative digital health and AI

Brunel University is leading a project which aims to improve regulation to bring more AI-powered healthcare products to the UK, such as diagnostics, smartphone apps and devices which predict and treat ill health.

It is one of seven centres of excellence for regulatory science and innovation (CERSIs), to receive up to £1 million in funding each to accelerate pathways for innovative medicines and devices.

Innovate UK, in partnership with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Office for Life Sciences, and the Medical Research Council, has selected the centres, which are intended to help researchers and businesses address regulatory challenges and opportunities.

Lord Patrick Vallance, science minister, said: “New technologies are transforming our economy at rapid pace.

“Our system of regulation must keep up with that, so that we can quickly and safely seize the economic and social benefits that new innovations could unlock.

“This is particularly true for life sciences, where innovative medical technologies, treatments, diagnoses and therapies are just around the corner.

“That is why we are launching CERSIs. They will make a valuable contribution to regulatory innovation – and will complement wider efforts to make the UK’s regulation fit for the future, such as that of our Regulatory Innovation Office.”

For the delivery of CERSIs, Innovate UK created the Regulatory Science and Innovation Networks (RSINs) competition, inviting experts from academia, industry, and charities to reimagine medical innovation pathways.

The programme is comprised of two phases: the discovery phase, which is now complete, where 17 networks received initial funding to explore bold ideas, build relationships and develop their proposals.

Seven of these networks have been chosen to move into the implementation phase, where they will use their funding to establish their CERSIs and bring their proposals to life.

Dr June Raine, chief executive at MHRA, said: “The establishment of CERSIs cements the UK’s role at the forefront of regulatory science, driving forward the innovations of tomorrow while upholding our unwavering commitment to public health.

“This first-of-its-kind programme embeds innovation at the very heart of our regulatory processes.

“By empowering UK academic institutions to shape the future of regulatory science, it ensures medical advancements reach patients more quickly and safely.

“Through close collaboration with academic and industry leaders, we are building a regulatory system that doesn’t just keep pace with innovation but actively propels it forward.”

Innovate UK sparked anger online last year after it slashed 50% of funding for the ‘Women in Innovation’ awards. After originally promising 50 grants of £75,000 to female tech founders, just 25 grants were awarded.

A social media backlash and online campaign caused Innovate UK to reverse its decision.

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