Medical device testing in the UK reached its highest ever recorded level in 2025.

Data from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) shows a 17 per cent rise in approved clinical investigations compared with the previous year.

Meanwhile MHRA is rolling out new measures to back innovation and remove barriers for smaller companies, including a fee waiver pilot, early market access to promising devices, and enhanced support for high-impact technologies.

This news could earlier access to potentially life-changing technologies for patients and better tools to diagnose disease, manage long-term illness and deliver more precise treatment for the NHS.

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.”

Mark Grumbridge, Head of Clinical Investigations at the MHRA, said: “These results reflect the hard work and expertise of our clinical investigations team and our safety assessors; they both worked tirelessly to deliver a faster, more responsive service while maintaining the highest 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.”