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‘VPAG boost is ultimately about better patient outcomes across Scotland and realising true value’

‘VPAG boost is ultimately about better patient outcomes across Scotland and realising true value’

The Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) must ultimately be about realising true value for the benefit of patients, says NHS Research Scotland (NRS)

Last year, it was announced that £100m in public-private investment from pharmaceutical companies would deliver 20 research hubs across the UK as part of the wider £400 million VPAG scheme.

Under its accompanying investment programme, Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) will act as regional hubs for pioneering clinical trials, creating opportunities to test innovative new treatments, supported by state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

Four of these multi-specialist centres will be hosted by NHS Lothian, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Grampian, and NHS Tayside, with the aim of getting clinical trials up and running as early as possible as well as helping Scotland’s patients to access innovative new treatments.

NRS is a key partner in supporting the clinical research ambitions outlined in VPAG by aiming to enhance commercial clinical research across Scotland.

VPAG in Scotland will be overseen by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of the Scottish Government and the NRS Management Board, coordinated nationally through the NRS Central Management Team, working in collaboration with the NRS Networks and Specialty Groups. 

Scotland’s VPAG Network Manager, Sarah Kennedy said: “VPAG’s joint public-private investment programme is a hugely positive initiative that looks set to have a transformative effect on Scotland’s clinical research ambitions, not only strengthening our existing infrastructure but extending our collaborative reach hand in hand with UK partners.

“From the point of view of the Scottish public, it is easy to focus on the headline figures involved in the programme which are of course a massive boost — but underlining that is very real action that will ultimately be of huge benefit to both the country’s researchers and NHS patients seeking improved treatments.

“Fast-tracking trial approvals while protecting patient safety and contributing to a financially sustainable NHS are all of paramount importance and that is what this investment is expected to achieve, hand in hand with valuable breakthroughs in cost-effective medicines and therapeutics.”

The changes are being introduced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Health Research Authority (HRA). 

Once established, Scotland’s CDRCs will further aim to help shift clinical trials into the community, while improving research inclusion by allowing those in under-served areas to participate in trials.

Sarah continued: “A healthier Scottish population derived from the pharmaceutical industry, government, and the NHS working in partnership is an excellent driver for innovation and growth.

“Prioritising prevention and early intervention to improve health and reduce demand on services is set to be a further key benefit. Thanks to an increase in workforce capacity and resources which builds on existing strengths, it is vital that Scotland’s VPAG opportunity is fully grasped and we look forward to fully releasing its potential.”

Investments in Scotland will be in three key areas:

  • Four CRDCs operating under a three-tier delivery model — national, regional, local. This model will span the whole of Scotland including primary and community care and help improve opportunities for underserved and hard to reach populations
  • Dedicated and trained staff with protected time to increase the number of investigators, the research delivery expertise and capacity in commercial research across Scotland
  • Enhanced national trial support for feasibility assessment, participant identification, remote consent, local delivery, and remote follow-up

Publication date: 9th May 2025

Author: NHS Research Scotland

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