The life sciences industry in Wales is set to benefit from more direct engagement with the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), it was announced today, 19 May 2026.
Wales is a leader in MedTech, AI-powered diagnostics, wound healing, regenerative medicine, cell therapy and precision medicine employing over 13,000 specialists across 300 companies. The MHRA’s new programme of events puts regulatory expertise at the heart of the Welsh life sciences powerhouse helping the industry to move faster and further. Three quarters of the industry’s output is for export, generating a turnover of £2.6 billion and significantly contributing to the economy.
The MHRA Board met with Welsh government colleagues in Cardiff on 18 May to map out future partnership working, signalling a commitment to more profound engagement with local industries, researchers, local NHS and government. MHRA Chief Executive Lawrence Tallon will also be visiting the Life Sciences Hub Wales – an organisation bridging the latest life science innovations with frontline use across Welsh health and social care. The visit will explore how the MHRA can strengthen its support to these Welsh innovators.
MHRA Liaison Days will bring MHRA representatives to Wales on a regular basis to host meetings and workshops around the topics most relevant to the Welsh Life Sciences and Healthcare sectors. Local stakeholders working within the health, care and life sciences sectors will be able to book in-person surgery sessions with MHRA technical experts to facilitate more in-depth discussions.
MHRA’s Liaison Days will include topics such as innovation pathways, clinical investigations for medtech, regulatory support and ways to engage with the MHRA throughout the product development pipeline. This direct access will support clinical research and the development of new therapies and technologies, getting potentially life-saving medicines and devices to patients quicker.
Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA Chair, said:
“The MHRA is a regulator for all the nations which make up the UK and we are committed to strengthening our mutually beneficial relationships with partners and colleagues across the life sciences ecosystem in Wales.
“By working alongside industry, researchers and healthcare we can support the development of cutting-edge treatments and life-changing medicines and medical devices for the people of Wales, always putting patients and their safety first.”
Lawrence Tallon, MHRA Chief Executive, said:
“We have listened to industry, academia and healthcare providers to understand how, as a regulator that really knows and understands all parts of the United Kingdom, we can support their work to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
“Our more regular presence in Wales is an exciting opportunity to support the growing life sciences industry, ensuring advice and expertise is tailored to local communities and economies, helping the sector to thrive.”
Health Technology Wales Director, Dr Susan Myles, said:
“We are excited about the opportunity to work in closer collaboration with the MHRA to
support the development of innovative health technologies.
“Wales has a thriving life sciences sector and it is important that we identify technologies with potential to improve the lives of people in Wales.”
Programme Director of the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), Dr Andrew Champion, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the MHRA’s increased engagement in Wales and the
opportunities this creates for our life sciences and research community. Through the
Yellow Card Centre Wales, hosted within AWTTC, we are encouraging the reporting of
adverse reactions to medicines, vaccines and devices across NHS Wales to improve
patient safety, and through our collaboration with the MHRA on ILAP we are accelerating the development and patient access to transformational new medicines.
The MHRA Liaison Days will strengthen relationships with Welsh partners who are working to improve health outcomes for people living in Wales.”
Cari-Anne Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Life Sciences Hub Wales, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome the MHRA’s increased presence in Wales. This is a positive step for innovators, researchers and health and social care partners, helping to create the right environment for innovation to grow. Life Sciences Hub Wales is proud to work with and support those developing the next generation of treatments and devices that will make a difference to the lives of people in Wales whilst supporting our economy.”
For more information including how to register for MHRA’s Liaison Days in Wales please contact wales-support@mhra.gov.uk