82% of open UK clinical studies were on track in September
The latest report puts some research-delivery indicators above target but study-opening and recruitment measures below target.
Event / data period: 2026-09
Published: · Updated:
In UK Clinical Research Delivery figures published by the Department of Health and Social Care on 21 October, 82% of open studies were on track to deliver recruitment to time and target in September 2026, above the 80% target. In the same month, 100% of combined regulatory reviews for medicinal-product trials met the time target, compared with a target of 99%.
By contrast, 52% of studies opened to recruitment within 60 days of regulatory approval in March 2026, and 61% recruited a first participant within 30 days of opening; both targets were 90%. Reference months differ by indicator. The report covers a defined group of studies recorded in the Central Portfolio Management System, not the entire UK clinical-research system, and recent figures may be revised.
Data
Clinical research performance indicators
Latest reported periods and targets for four UK Clinical Research Delivery indicators.
| Open studies on track for recruitment to time and target | September 2026 | 82 | 80 |
| Medicinal-product studies completing timely combined review | September 2026 | 100 | 99 |
| Studies opened to recruitment within 60 days of approval | March 2026 | 52 | 90 |
| First participant recruited within 30 days of approval | March 2026 | 61 | 90 |
Methodology
Reported rates are taken from the corresponding indicator tables; the reference month varies by row.
Updated:
Subjects and places
Subject proposals
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