Clinical trials

Clinical trials are an essential part of the research and development (R&D) of new medicines and vaccines, bringing benefits to patients, the NHS and the economy.

Below, you can find data on clinical trial activity in the UK and globally, which the ABPI has cited in its reports.

Two scientists in a lab both working with pipettes

title-strip icon UK data

Close up of a rack of test tubes with a scientist adding a single drop from a pipette into the middle test tube.

title-strip icon Global data

Number of industry clinical trials initiated per year, by country (2012-2021)

title-strip icon Number of industry clinical trials initiated per year, by country (2012-2021)

Clinical Trials

title-strip icon Average number of participants treated per industry clinical trial, by country, by phase (2018-2020)

Two scientists carefully study a vial containing a blood sample.

title-strip icon Legacy data