LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
The life sciences industry in Wales is set tobenefitfrommoredirect engagement with the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), it was announced today,19May 2026.
Wales is a leader inMedTech,AI-powered diagnostics, wound healing, regenerative medicine, celltherapyand precision medicineemploying over 13,000 specialists across 300 companies. The MHRA's new programme of events putsregulatoryexpertiseat the heart of the Welsh life sciences powerhousehelping the industry to move faster andfurther.Three quarters of the industry's output is for export, generating a turnover of £2.6 billion and significantlycontributing to the economy.
The MHRA Boardmetwith Welsh government colleaguesin Cardiffon 18Mayto map outfuturepartnership working,signalling a commitment to more profound engagement with local industries, researchers, localNHSand government.MHRAChief Executive Lawrence Tallonwill also bevisitingthe Life Sciences Hub Wales- an organisation bridging the latest life science innovations with frontline use across Welsh health and social care.The visit will explorehow the MHRA canstrengthen its support to these Welsh innovators.
MHRA Liaison Days will bring MHRA representatives to Wales on a regular basis to hostmeetingsand workshops around thetopics most relevant to the Welsh Life Sciences and Healthcare sectors.Local stakeholdersworking within the health, care and life sciences sectorswillbe able to book in-person surgery sessions with MHRA technical experts tofacilitatemorein-depthdiscussions.
MHRA'sLiaison Days will includetopics such as innovation pathways, clinical investigationsfor medtech, regulatorysupportand ways to engage with the MHRA throughout the product development pipeline. This direct access will support clinical research and the development of new therapiesand technologies,getting potentially life-saving medicinesand devicesto patients quicker.
Professor Anthony Harnden,MHRA Chair,said:
"TheMHRA is a regulator for allthenationswhich make up the UKand we are committed to strengthening ourmutuallybeneficial relationshipswithpartners and colleagues across the life sciences ecosystem inWales.
"By working alongside industry, researchers and healthcare we cansupport thedevelopment ofcutting-edge treatmentsand life-changingmedicinesandmedical devicesfor the people of Wales, always putting patients and their safety first."
Lawrence Tallon,MHRA Chief Executive,said:
"We have listened toindustry,academiaand healthcare providersto understandhow, asa regulator that really knows and understands all parts of the United Kingdom, we can support their work to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
"Our moreregularpresence in Walesis an exciting opportunity tosupport the growing life sciences industry,ensuringadvice and expertise is tailored tolocalcommunities and economies, helping the sector to thrive."
Health Technology Wales Director, Dr Susan Myles, said:
"We are excited about the opportunity to work in closer collaboration with the MHRA to
support the development of innovative health technologies.
"Wales has a thriving life sciences sector and it is important that we identify technologieswith potential to improve the lives of people in Wales."
Programme Director of theAll WalesTherapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), Dr Andrew Champion, said:
"We are delighted to welcome the MHRA's increased engagement in Wales and the
opportunities this creates for our life sciences and research community. Through the
Yellow Card Centre Wales, hosted within AWTTC, we are encouraging the reporting of
adverse reactions to medicines,vaccinesand devices across NHS Wales to improve
patient safety, and through our collaboration with the MHRA on ILAP we are acceleratingthe development and patient access to transformational new medicines.
The MHRALiaison Days will strengthen relationships with Welsh partners who are working toimprove health outcomes for people living in Wales."
Cari-Anne Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Life Sciences Hub Wales, said:
"I'm delighted to welcome the MHRA's increased presence in Wales. This is a positive step for innovators, researchers and health and social care partners, helping to create the right environment for innovation to grow. Life Sciences Hub Wales is proud to work with and support those developing the next generation of treatments and devices that will make a difference to the lives of people in Wales whilst supporting our economy."
For more information including how to register for MHRA's Liaison Days in Wales please contactwales-support@mhra.gov.uk
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
