Analysing MHRA Performance: Clinical Trial and Amendment Applications in the UK

    WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=Check%20out%20this%20awesome%20page!%20https://qbdgroup.com/en/blog/mhra-performance-data-clinical-trials-uk) Copy link icon\ \ Copy link Mail icon\ \ Mail

    Gain an insightful understanding regarding the current review timelines for clinical trial and amendment applications of the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

    Play

    Analysing MHRA Performance: Clinical Trial and Amendment Applications in the UK | QbD Group

    AI-generated audio

    2:59

    In 2023, assessment timelines for Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) applications and substantial amendments by the MHRA were, in many cases, well beyond the statutory assessment timelines:

    • 30 days for the initial review of a CTA application
    • 35 days for the review of an amendment

    Significant Improvements in 2024

    However, review timelines have significantly improved in 2024, and continue to be handled within target statutory timescales (Table 1). Currently, regulatory assessments for clinical trials are completed within:

    • An average of 28 days for initial assessments
    • An average of 30 days for assessments of amendments

    The MHRA has now made improvements in processing clinical trial applications into standard working practice. The agency is committed to continue making enhancements to make it easier and faster for applicants to gain approvals and to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination to conduct clinical trials.

    New Notification Scheme

    Furthermore, the MHRA launched a new notification scheme on 12 October 2023 to enable a more streamlined and risk-proportionate approach to processing initial CTA applications for some phase 4 and lower-risk phase 3 clinical trials.

    CTA applications meeting the inclusion criteria will be processed within 14 days instead of the statutory 30 days.

    Performance Data Overview

    MonthSubmission typeAssessedStatutory timelines met
    May 2024Initial application67100%
    May 2024CTA Amendment286100%
    April 2024Initial application57100%
    April 2024CTA Amendment350100%
    Mar 2024Initial application48100%
    Mar 2024CTA Amendment325100%
    Feb 2024Initial application68100%
    Feb 2024CTA Amendment28499,7%
    Jan 2024Initial application7297,2%
    Jan 2024CTA Amendment47699,6%

    Table 1. Number of clinical trial and amendment applications processed since December 2023 Source: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

    QbD Regulatory Team Support

    The regulatory team at QbD Group has been providing services to support clinical trial submissions for the past 8-10 years across a broad range of studies.

    Our team is happy to collaborate closely to understand your business needs and objectives, offering specialized solutions to assist you in accomplishing them.

    With our expert guidance, you can confidently navigate pharmaceutical regulations regarding the submission and maintenance of clinical trial authorizations in the UK.

    References

    Need regulatory support?

    Trust our expertise to guide you through the regulatory process and achieve compliance

    with ease.

    Discover how we can help.

    Read more