The Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) will act as regional hubs for pioneering clinical trials across the UK, creating opportunities to test innovative new treatments with the latest equipment and technology.

Health minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: ‘This significant private investment in health research is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK's leading research and life sciences sector.

‘The new hubs will help shift research into smaller communities, allowing more people to access cutting-edge treatments faster.

‘Prevention is better than cure - these trials will help unlock the next generation of treatments, boost economic growth and build an NHS fit for the future.'

The funding is part of a wider £400m joint public-private investment scheme - the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme. The scheme is a partnership between the Government and the pharmaceutical industry to boost the global competitiveness of the UK life science sector and stimulate economic growth. 

The trials will build UK research delivery leadership into all conditions across multi-specialist centres, including cancer and obesity, as well as infectious diseases such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The CRDCs will support the rapid set-up of commercial studies so patients can begin accessing treatments undergoing trials as early as possible.

In support of the 10-Year Health Plan, CRDCs will shift clinical trials into community settings, meaning those in under-served regions will be better able to participate in research and boosting access to new treatments in the trial stage.