The ‘UK Health Research Analysis 2018’ has been published today (Tuesday 28 January). Bringing together data from 146 charity, professional and public sector organisations, it revealed that in 2018 these funders contributed £4.8 billion to support research to improve human health.
The report shows that charities, including Anthony Nolan, play a vital role in conducting innovative and lifesaving research, funding 44% of the direct research referenced in this report.
Overall spending on health-related research continues to grow, however there has been a noticeable slowing in the rate of growth, from +8.5% a year between 2004-2009 to +1.7% a year between 2009-18.
Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan says: “There is an urgent need for more investment in research into blood cancer and stem cell transplantation. Advances in stem cell transplantation have resulted in almost every patient now having a suitable donor but, despite this, more than 50% of all adult transplant patients still die within five years of their transplant.
“Blood cancer is the third biggest cancer killer and charities such as Anthony Nolan are contributing to the government’s ambition to make the UK a leading destination for life sciences innovation.
“It’s vital to continue funding this important research as well exploration of innovative treatments so that, together, we can save more lives.
The report was compiled by a collaboration of 12 public and charitable funders led by the Medical Research Council, on behalf of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC). The UKCRC partnership supports coordination and collaboration between the major stakeholders that influence clinical research in the UK, and these efforts are underpinned by an analysis of UK health research funding every four to five years.
To read the report, in full, visit HRCS Online.
To find out more about Anthony Nolan’s innovative services and ground-breaking research click here.