The UK and Singapore launch a ‘regulatory innovation corridor’

Patients in the UK and Singapore could benefit sooner from healthcare innovations as the two countries launch a new ‘regulatory innovation corridor’.

As part of this regulatory collaboration between the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HAS), companies will be able to engage with both regulators at the same time.

This means developers will be able to seek early, informal joint advice, helping them to plan ahead, design better clinical trials, avoid duplication and cut delays.

Related Article: Research review: a look at the latest clinical papers

The aim is to fast-track patient access to breakthrough therapies in areas such as cancer, neurodegenerative disease, obesity, rare diseases and advanced diagnostics.

The partnership will help both countries learn from each other’s regulatory approaches and strengthen their positions as ‘global hubs for life science investment’.

Flagship Pioneering, a scientific innovation engine that generates transformative platforms and products, will be the first company to access the new regulatory innovation corridor. Its early-stage programmes span a range of new therapeutic modalities such as generic medicines, precision immunology and digital health.

Health innovation minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said: ‘Working with Singapore to fast-track breakthrough treatments in areas like cancer, dementia and rare diseases means NHS patients could get faster access to life-changing therapies.

Related Article: Seven illnesses meningitis is often mistaken for

‘By enabling companies to work with both regulators at once, we’re also making the UK more attractive for life sciences investment and securing the high-skilled jobs and research that comes with it.’

UK science minister Lord Patrick Vallance added that Singapore is well known for its medical research and innovation. ‘By working together, we can streamline regulatory processes and remove unnecessary barriers, making it easier for researchers to run clinical trials in both our countries.’

This collaboration supports national strategies in both countries such as England’s 10-year health plan and Singapore’s Ministry of Health Healthier SG programme.

Related Article: MenB vaccination programme to be rolled out in pharmacies

This follows the announcement of a ‘landmark deal’ between the UK and the US which saw the UK agree a 0% tariff on all pharmaceutical exports to the US for at least three years.

And news that the 2026 payment rate for new medicines under the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) will be 14.5%, down from 22.9% in 2025.