The UK medicines regulator is establishing a new ‘hub’ in Northern Ireland to support the country’s ‘rapidly growing’ life sciences sector.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) said the new hub will build on existing partnerships with healthcare, academia and industry in Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland – an economic business development agency and part of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Department for the Economy – will host the MHRA hub at its offices in central Belfast.
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Here, local stakeholders will be able to book in-person surgery sessions with MHRA technical experts to discuss innovation pathways, clinical investigations, and be signposted to further regulatory support, the regulator said.
It hopes this direct access will support clinical research, the development of new therapies, and faster access to life-saving medicines and medical technology.
Northern Ireland is home to around 250 businesses in the life sciences sector, supporting 18,000 jobs and contributing £1.1 billion to the country’s economy, the MHRA said.
The MHRA’s presence in Northern Ireland builds on commitments made following the its board meeting in Belfast in November 2025, co-chaired by the agency’s chair Professor Anthony Harnden and chief pharmaceutical officer for Northern Ireland, Professor Cathy Harrison.
Professor Harnden said: ‘One of my priorities since becoming chair has been to ensure the MHRA is a regulator for all nations with an increased presence and engagement with our partners and stakeholders across the UK.
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‘MHRA’s board seminar in Belfast last year signalled our commitment to supporting the life sciences sector in Northern Ireland to meet the 21st century challenges presented by new technologies such as personalised medicines and AI and embrace innovation whilst always putting the best interests of patients and the public first.’
Work has already begun to expand the use of the MHRA Yellow Card scheme across Northern Ireland to help safety issues be detected earlier, the regulator said.
MHRA chief executive Lawrence Tallon said: ‘Northern Ireland’s unique geo-strategic position gives it unique access to both UK and EU markets, as well as strong links with the US.
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‘The dynamic life sciences sector is already playing a key role in driving the local economy, creating employment and improving health outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland.
‘It marks an exciting new phase for the MHRA to open a location in Belfast so that we can contribute to this thriving economy and health system and to draw on the deep pool of talent that exists here.’
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