The life sciences industry in Wales is set
to benefit from more direct engagement with
the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA), it was announced
today, 19 May 2026.
Wales is a leader in MedTech, AI-powered diagnostics,
wound healing, regenerative medicine, cell therapy and
precision medicine employing over 13,000 specialists across
300 companies. The MHRA's new programme of events
puts regulatory expertise at the heart of the
Welsh life sciences powerhouse helping the industry to move
faster and further. Three quarters of the industry's
output is for export, generating a turnover of £2.6 billion and
significantly contributing to the
economy.
The MHRA Board met with Welsh government
colleagues in Cardiff on 18 May to map
out future partnership working, signalling a
commitment to more profound engagement with local industries,
researchers, local NHS and
government. MHRA Chief Executive Lawrence
Tallon will also be visiting the Life Sciences Hub
Wales – an organisation bridging the latest life science
innovations with frontline use across Welsh health and social
care. The visit will explore how the MHRA
can strengthen its support to these Welsh innovators.
MHRA Liaison Days will bring MHRA representatives to Wales on a
regular basis to host meetings and workshops around
the topics most relevant to the Welsh Life Sciences and
Healthcare sectors. Local stakeholders working within
the health, care and life sciences sectors will be able
to book in-person surgery sessions with MHRA technical experts
to facilitate more in-depth discussions.
MHRA's Liaison Days will include topics such as
innovation pathways, clinical investigations for medtech,
regulatory support and ways to engage with the MHRA
throughout the product development pipeline. This direct access
will support clinical research and the development of new
therapies and technologies, getting potentially
life-saving medicines and devices to patients
quicker.
Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA
Chair, said:
“The MHRA is a regulator for
all the nations which make up the UK and we
are committed to strengthening our mutually beneficial
relationships with partners and colleagues across the
life sciences ecosystem in Wales.
“By working alongside industry, researchers and healthcare we
can support the development of cutting-edge
treatments and
life-changing medicines and medical
devices for the people of Wales, always putting patients and
their safety first.”
Lawrence Tallon, MHRA Chief
Executive, said:
“We have listened to industry, academia and
healthcare providers to understand how, as a
regulator that really knows and understands all parts of the
United Kingdom, we can support their work to deliver the best
possible outcomes for patients.
“Our more regular presence in Wales is an exciting
opportunity to support the growing life sciences
industry, ensuring advice and expertise is tailored
to local communities and economies, helping the sector
to thrive.”
Health Technology Wales Director, Dr Susan Myles,
said:
“We are excited about the opportunity to work in closer
collaboration with the MHRA to support the development of
innovative health technologies.
“Wales has a thriving life sciences sector and it is important
that we identify technologies with potential to improve the
lives of people in Wales.”
Programme Director of the All
Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), Dr Andrew
Champion, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the MHRA's increased engagement in
Wales and the opportunities this creates for our life
sciences and research community. Through the Yellow Card
Centre Wales, hosted within AWTTC, we are encouraging the
reporting of adverse reactions to
medicines, vaccines and devices across NHS Wales to
improve patient safety, and through our collaboration with
the MHRA on ILAP we are accelerating the development and
patient access to transformational new medicines.
The MHRA Liaison Days will strengthen relationships with
Welsh partners who are working to improve health outcomes
for people living in Wales.”
Cari-Anne Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Life Sciences
Hub Wales, said:
“I'm delighted to welcome the MHRA's increased presence in Wales.
This is a positive step for innovators, researchers and health
and social care partners, helping to create the right environment
for innovation to grow. Life Sciences Hub Wales is proud to work
with and support those developing the next generation of
treatments and devices that will make a difference to the lives
of people in Wales whilst supporting our economy.”
For more information including how to register for MHRA's Liaison
Days in Wales please contact wales-support@mhra.gov.uk
