(L-R) Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, Dr Scott McRae, Dr Mary Fraser, Joe Bailey, Alan Bashforth, Dr Danny Chambers MP
Parliamentary Reception Highlights Urgent Case For Dual Licensing To Strengthen UK Life Sciences
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Policymakers, clinicians, researchers and industry leaders gathered in Parliament yesterday (Tuesday, 14 April) for a high-level reception hosted by Humanimal Trust, calling for urgent reform to the UK’s medicines regulatory system through the adoption of a “One Medicine” approach.
The event, hosted by Liberal Democrat MP and vet Dr Danny Chambers, brought together MPs, peers and stakeholders from across the human and veterinary health sectors to explore how closer collaboration - and in particular, the introduction of dual licensing for medicines - could accelerate innovation, reduce duplication and deliver benefits for humans, animals and the wider economy.
Speakers at the reception, including the charity’s founder, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, highlighted that current regulatory frameworks require human and veterinary medicines to be approved separately, even where they contain the same active ingredient. This duplication was described as increasingly out of step with modern science and a barrier to efficient research and development.
The concept of dual licensing - enabling the simultaneous approval of medicines for both humans and animals, where appropriate - was presented as a practical and achievable reform that could streamline processes without compromising safety.
Dr Danny Chambers MP, said: “It is wrong that a medicine can pass animal trials, be proven to be safe and effective, but not legally be able to be used in that species. Human and animal medicine cannot happen in silos.”
Attendees also heard how a more integrated “One Medicine” approach could unlock faster progress in key areas such as cancer, infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance, by enabling better sharing of data and insights across human and animal health.
Alongside scientific and economic benefits, speakers emphasised the growing relevance of reform for the public. Rising veterinary costs and limited access to certain treatments were cited as areas where reducing duplication in development and approval could help ease pressure on pet owners and improve availability of medicines.
The reception comes at a time of increasing policy focus on the future of the UK’s regulatory framework, including ongoing discussions around veterinary medicines and the potential for further reform.
Dr Mary Fraser, Chair of Trustees at Humanimal Trust, said: “Today’s discussion made clear that the UK has a real opportunity to lead globally in modern, integrated approaches to medicine. By embracing One Medicine and exploring dual licensing, we can reduce unnecessary duplication - including in relation to pre-clinical animal testing - accelerate innovation and deliver tangible benefits for both people and animals at the same time.”
Participants also heard that regulatory agility is becoming an increasingly important factor in global competitiveness, as countries compete to attract investment in life sciences. “Reforming outdated systems is essential to maintaining the UK’s position as a leader in research and innovation,” added Dr Fraser.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration between policymakers, regulators, industry and the research community to build the evidence base and momentum needed to deliver change.
Humanimal Trust, a charity that relies on donations to fund its work, is now seeking support to advance its campaign for dual licensing reform, including stakeholder engagement, policy development and public support.
More from Humanimal Trust
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- Humanimal Trust launches 2025/26 One Medicine Webinar Series
- UK charity launches pioneering cancer research to help humans and dogs
- Humanimal Trust announces independent Science Committee
- Humanimal Trust announces research funding to advance One Medicine
