Tech that Improves Health
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is one of the world's largest health maintenance organizations, with over 60 million patients. Ever seeking to improve services, it created a clinical research body - the National Institute for Health Research Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure (NOCRI).
The Challenge
The UK is seeking to become a global leader in discovery, design and adoption of 21st century medicines and healthcare innovations. As part of this strategy, NOCRI is tasked with bringing more clinical trials to the UK, allowing patients better access to life-saving treatments.
How We Helped
The Hub has partnered with NOCRI through several trade missions and networking events in order to encourage UK-Israel clinical trial cooperation. In 2012, the Hub hosted a NOCRI workshop in Israel for Biomed companies that included a visit to Teva Pharmaceuticals, one of the world's largest pharma companies. That was followed by discussions between NOCRI, the Hub and Teva on how to facilitate the company's access to the UK's top medical experts and opportunities for clinical research.
The Outcome
During a state visit to Israel in March 2014, UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced a commitment by NOCRI and Teva to invest $20 million in clinical trials in the UK and $1 million on early stage dementia research. The Hub and NOCRI are continuing to work closely with Teva to implement this commitment.
Through the Hub's introductions, over 10 Israeli medtech companies are now utilizing UK's medical facilities.
"The UK Israel Tech Hub does an exceptional job. The Hub has been an outstanding partner to the NIHR, helping companies to do health research in the UK. This will ultimately lead to the development of new treatments for patients"
Mark Samuels, Managing Director, NIHR Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure (NOCRI)