UK patients could be among the first in the world to benefit from breakthrough medical devices, as clinical investigations reach their highest level on record in 2025.
New figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) show a 17% rise in approved clinical investigations compared with last year, as companies increasingly choose the UK to test cutting-edge medical devices.
The MHRA is also rolling out new measures to back innovation and remove barriers for smaller companies, including a fee waiver pilot, early market access to promising devices, and enhanced support for high-impact technologies.
For patients, this means earlier access to potentially life-changing technologies. For the NHS, it offers better tools to diagnose disease, manage long-term illness and deliver more precise treatment.
MHRA Chief Executive Lawrence Tallon stated: “This has been a standout year for medical device innovation in the UK. We’re seeing more of the world’s most exciting technologies coming here first, particularly in areas like brain health, where patients urgently need better options.
“Our focus now is on backing the most innovative ideas, cutting unnecessary barriers, and helping companies move more quickly while keeping patient safety at the heart of everything we do.”
New medical devices needed to tackle some of the toughest diseases
The growth of tech-powered medical devices reflects a global race to tackle some of the most challenging health conditions.
Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy are driving huge investment in neurotechnology, with studies in this area doubling since 2024 to make up around a quarter of all UK applications.
Recent approvals include a feasibility study exploring whether deep brain stimulation can help treat disorders of addiction, and first-in-human paediatric research led by Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London and the University of Oxford testing a rechargeable brain stimulation device designed to reduce seizure frequency in children with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy.
AI will play a vital role in new devices
AI-powered medical devices are also surging, including tools that scan medical images to spot disease earlier, guide treatment decisions and personalise care.
New studies include digital tools that adjust treatment in real time, such as an app to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease manage their condition, while giving clinicians better information to personalise treatment.
Studies in advanced eye technologies have also risen, as companies test new ways to protect vision and restore sight.
Together, these advances point to faster diagnosis, more precise treatment and earlier access to breakthroughs for patients.
Devices could work harmoniously with the brain
In a further boost to one of the fastest-growing fields, the MHRA has announced it is part of a UK-wide partnership led by Newcastle University to update national guidance on neurotechnology research.
This will make it quicker and clearer for clinicians, researchers and companies to launch studies involving devices that interact with the brain and nervous system.
Cutting barriers and improving access to leading medical devices
Companies are looking for speed, certainty and expertise, and this is the offering from the UK.
The MHRA has met 100% of its statutory deadlines for clinical investigation applications since September 2023, with average approval times for clinical investigations in 2025 at 51 days, running nine days faster than the 60-day target.
Researchers receive hands-on scientific support to help design safer, more robust studies, with specialist advice consistently high.
To build on this momentum, the MHRA is now rolling out a package of measures to support the most innovative technologies and reduce barriers for smaller companies.
Furthermore, from January 2026, the MHRA has waived fees for micro and small UK firms in a pilot scheme to help unlock high-potential ideas that might otherwise stall due to early costs.
“We’ve expanded specialist advice meetings for complex technologies such as neurotech, cardiac devices, surgical robotics and artificial intelligence,” concluded Mark Grumbridge, Head of Clinical Investigations at the MHRA.
“Our door is open for developers to engage with us early so we can help turn promising concepts into real-world clinical investigations.”
Team Health Accessible
Health & Wellness Editorial Team
HealthAccessible editorial team delivers trusted, accessible, and evidence-based health information for everyone.
