UK debuts new accord to streamline research collaboration between life sciences industry, academia and the NHS

Research into new and improved treatment for patients received a major boost yesterday, when the UK government announced the launch of a new model agreement between the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, universities and the National Health Service to streamline the research contracting process.

One of the key features of the agreement is a series of options for handling the ownership of any intellectual property rights resulting from the collaboration with a guide to help collaboration partners decide which option is best suited to their needs. The model agreement has been drafted to allow it to be used as a template for contracts covering any or all stages of clinical research undertaken collaboratively, from early proposals for collaboration and throughout.

Use of the model Industry Collaborative Research Agreement - mICRA - will enable research studies involving industry, universities and the NHS to start faster by shortening the negotiation and contracting process. The agreement is part of the government’s aim to promote the development of new and improved treatments for patients by reducing bureaucracy and supporting a flourishing research environment.