Investment in UK neurotechnology studies has doubled since 2024, now making up around a quarter of all clinical investigation applications, according to the medicines regulator.
New MHRA figures show a 17 per cent rise in approved clinical investigations compared with last year, with companies increasingly choosing Great Britain to test new health technologies. Clinical investigations reached a record high in 2025.
The increase means UK patients could gain earlier access to new medical devices, while the NHS could benefit from improved tools to diagnose disease, manage long-term conditions and deliver more targeted treatment.
MHRA chief executive Lawrence Tallon said: “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.”
Growth has been driven by studies in dementia, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Neurotechnology includes devices that interact with the brain and nervous system.
Recent approvals include a feasibility study exploring whether deep brain stimulation, which uses electrical impulses to target specific brain areas, could help treat addiction.
First-in-human paediatric research led by Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London and the University of Oxford is also testing a rechargeable brain stimulation device designed to reduce seizure frequency in children with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Artificial intelligence-enabled medical devices are also increasing, including tools that analyse medical images to detect disease earlier, guide treatment decisions and personalise care.
New studies include digital tools that adjust treatment in real time, such as an app designed to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease manage their condition while giving clinicians better data to tailor care.
The MHRA said it has met 100 per cent of its statutory deadlines for clinical investigation applications since September 2023.
Average approval times in 2025 were 51 days, nine days faster than the 60-day target, with researchers receiving hands-on scientific support and access to specialist advice meetings.
From January 2026, fees have been waived for micro and small UK firms under a pilot scheme aimed at removing early cost barriers and supporting high-potential ideas.
The regulator has also confirmed its involvement in a UK-wide partnership led by Newcastle University to update national guidance on neurotechnology research, aimed at making it quicker and clearer for clinicians, researchers and companies to launch studies involving devices that interact with the brain and nervous system.
Mark Grumbridge, head of clinical investigations at the MHRA, said: “These results reflect the hard work and expertise of our clinical investigations team and safety assessors, who have delivered a faster, more responsive service while maintaining high safety standards.
“We’ve expanded specialist advice meetings for complex technologies such as neurotech, cardiac devices, surgical robotics and artificial intelligence.
“Our door is open for developers to engage with us early so we can help turn promising concepts into real-world clinical investigations.”
