New blog from leading Scottish voices explores how to maximise and accelerate country’s medicines ecosystem
An insightful new blog authored by leading Scottish voices is now available online as part of an ongoing series from the UK regulator for medicines and healthcare products
The article, entitled ‘Catalysing the medicines ecosystem in Scotland’ has been authored by Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) at Scottish Government and Alison Strath, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for Scotland.
Published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), it explores the vital role of clinical trials and robust research, supported by strong collaboration between NHS, academia and industry, play in advancing Scottish healthcare.
It also looks at investments including Scotland’s Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) and the hub-and-spoke model that is enabling them to extend their community reach through Practice Embedded Research Units (PERUs) and the Scottish Decentralised Clinical Trials (SCOT-DCT) initiative.
The blog further analyses how NHS Scotland remains a key vehicle for the country’s clinical research drive, but one that is significantly strengthened by its partnership with academia and industry.
It pinpoints successes which demonstrate “how the triple helix model can improve outcomes while attracting high-value research to Scotland”.
Amid exciting opportunities for innovation, the article notes that “while improving patient outcomes remains the primary focus, this growing ecosystem also offers wider long-term benefits, including inward investment, economic growth and job creation across the life sciences sector”.
The blog is now available to read as part of the MHRA’s Strategy Blog Series, which it calls “articles from influential external voices about the challenges and opportunities ahead” that are intended to “stimulate informed discussion”.
Publication date: 25th September 2026
