Patients in the UK and Singapore could gain faster access to cutting-edge healthcare innovations under a new partnership bringing two globally respected regulators together with one of the world’s leading biotech creators.
Patients in the UK and Singapore could benefit sooner from major medical advances as the two countries have joined to create a new regulatory innovation corridor to fast-track the most promising healthcare innovation.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), with Flagship Pioneering as its first partner, are working together on this first-of-its-kind regulatory collaboration. As a result, medtech companies will have a coordinated pathway enabling them to engage with both regulators at the same time. Under the new corridor, developers will be able to seek early, informal joint advice, helping them plan ahead and design better clinical trials, avoid duplication and cut delays.
The aim is to speed up patient access to breakthrough therapies in high-impact areas such as cancer, neurodegenerative disease, obesity, rare diseases and advanced diagnostics – without compromising on safety. The partnership will help both countries horizon scan for emerging technologies and therapeutic modalities, learn from each other’s regulatory approaches and boost regulatory innovation, strengthening their position 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, due to its strategic commitment with both countries. Its early-stage programmes across an ecosystem of more than 40 companies span a broad range of new therapeutic modalities that could inform regulatory paradigm shifts on the horizon. This includes next-generation genetic medicines, precision immunology and digital health, providing both countries visibility into a strong pipeline of potential breakthroughs to prepare to assess safely and innovatively.
UK Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance, said: “Singapore is renowned for its excellence in medical research and innovation, and already has strong ties with the UK. 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. That means more investment, more cutting-edge research, and ultimately faster access to new medicines for patients, with the added benefit of ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of global health innovation.”
The partnership builds on a long track record of UK–Singapore cooperation in science and technology. Together, the MHRA and HSA will work more closely on early diagnosis, prevention, healthy ageing and digital health, supporting national strategies in both countries – including England’s 10-Year Health Plan and Singapore’s Ministry of Health Healthier SG programme.
The collaboration will be supported by joint work on AI in healthcare, with both regulators acting as the first two pioneer countries in the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, and also draw on the UK’s National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare. HSA Chief Executive Adjunct Professor (Dr) Raymond Chua has recently joined the National Commission as a member, bringing Singapore’s regulatory expertise to help develop the new framework for AI in healthcare.
This new route forms part of wider efforts to unlock growth in UK life sciences and make simpler for global innovators to bring safe, effective medicines and medical technologies to patients. Recent MHRA initiatives include its AI Airlock – a regulatory sandbox for AI medical devices – which lets companies test new tools with the regulator before wider NHS roll-out; the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) which streamlines development in areas of urgent unmet need; and its Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSIs) working directly with researchers to navigate complex science. Together, these changes are designed to streamline development, support investment and provide clearer routes for companies working at the cutting edge of science.
Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the MHRA, said: “This new fast-track route marks a significant shift in how trusted regulators can work together. By bringing together the UK’s research strength with Singapore’s agile approach to emerging technologies – and working early with companies like Flagship Pioneering – we can help companies build better evidence from the start and avoid delays in development. For patients in the UK, this means earlier access to promising treatments in areas where progress is urgently needed. Safety remains at the heart of our mission, and this partnership strengthens our ability to assess fast-moving science while maintaining the high standards the public expects.”