The UK and Singapore have launched a regulatory ‘innovation corridor’ to fast-track major medical advances and promising health technologies.

As part of the regulatory collaboration between the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), companies will have a coordinated pathway enabling them to engage with both regulators at the same time.

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.

Lord Patrick Vallance, science minister 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 innovation corridor will allow developers to seek early, informal joint advice, helping them plan and design better clinical trials, avoid duplication, and cut delays.

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 the NHS 10 year health plan and Singapore’s Ministry of Health Healthier SG programme.

Biotech firm Flagship Pioneering will be the first company to access the new partnership due to its existing relationship with both countries.

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.

“This approach also supports the wider UK life sciences economy. A clearer, more predictable path to market helps attract global investment, gives innovators confidence to develop their products here, and strengthens the UK’s position as a leading hub for the next generation of medicines and medical technologies.”

Adjunct Professor (Dr) Raymond Chua, chief executive of Singapore’s HSA, said: “Building on our strong collaborative work through the Access Consortium, both HSA and MHRA will co-create transparent, science-based approaches to assess breakthrough technologies.

“This partnership advances our shared commitment to regulatory science and excellence, and to support Singapore’s latest research priorities, enabling faster, smarter pathways for innovation while maintaining public trust and patient safety.”