The UK government is investing £148 million in medical technology projects, including a blood test capable of detecting 12 cancers at an early stage. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that this initiative will support research into AI diagnostics and personalized immunotherapy treatments.
Research hubs will be established at several universities, including University College London, the University of Liverpool, the University of Bristol, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Edinburgh. This funding aims to foster partnerships between universities, the health service, and pharmaceutical companies.
Streeting emphasized the importance of early cancer detection, stating that just a few drops of blood could indicate the presence of lung, breast, or bladder cancer, potentially reducing the wait times for tests and scans.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle noted that these investments not only promise to enhance healthcare outcomes but also aim to stimulate economic growth within the life sciences sector. He highlighted the strategic significance of this sector at the upcoming International Investment Summit.
Streeting, a cancer survivor himself, remarked on the necessity of early diagnosis and advanced treatments, asserting that this investment will save lives and bolster the UK's reputation in life sciences and medical technology.
Among the innovations expected to emerge are cost-effective scanners for early cancer detection and AI models designed to diagnose cancer using NHS data.