Investing in commercial research delivery
Investing in commercial research delivery
The Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) is an agreement between the four UK nations and the pharmaceutical industry.
It will provide significant investment (£400million) into the UK’s health and life sciences sector during 2024-2029, including £300million towards expanding the UK’s capacity and capability to support commercial clinical trial delivery.
Commercial Research Delivery Centres
Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) were established in April 2025 to enhance the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research delivery in the UK, boosting the global competitiveness of the UK life sciences sector and contributing to the health and wealth of the nation.
There are 21 CRDCs across the UK, including a Wales CRDC. The Wales CRDC is integrated into our wider Commercial Research Delivery Wales (CRDW) infrastructure.
What do the CRDCs do?
The CRDCs work with life sciences organisations and other research delivery infrastructure to deliver commercially sponsored research. They support the UK’s status as one of the best places in the world for innovative companies to bring their portfolio of research.
The CRDCs:
- build capacity in commercial contract research, providing dedicated staff and facilities to conduct commercial research
- provide access to a network of commercially active sites with gold-standard set-up times and performance
- make taking part in research as easy as possible
- increase research inclusion to ensure people from all eligible communities, including those living with the greatest burden of disease, can participate in clinical trials
- support and contribute to a newly convened UK-wide CRDC Network, working as a collaborative partner
A UK CRDC Network is being established to coordinate activities across the UK’s CRDCs, providing national leadership, alignment and strategic engagement, and enhancing the capacity and efficiency of commercial research delivery across the centres.
Supporting clinical research delivery
Through collaboration with commercial partners and research infrastructure, the Wales CRDC is creating a faster, more efficient, more accessible and more innovative clinical research delivery system, supporting the UK as a world leader in clinical trials.
Contact the Industry team
The Wales CRDC forms part of our range of services and support for the life sciences industry.
Email industry-research@wales.nhs.uk for more information.