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UK MHRA · UK · 17 Aug 2026 · News & press

MHRA-NICE Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue programme

Original title: Corporate report: MHRA-NICE Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue

AI-generated summary

The MHRA is continuing its Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue programme following a 2025 pilot, offering structured regulatory engagement to support evidence generation for regulatory and health technology assessment purposes. The first submission cycle has closed, and the programme website has been updated with clearer service descriptions, revised application processes, improved guidance for applicants, and accessibility improvements. Approximate application windows and workshop dates for each cycle are now available.

From UK MHRA

In 2025, the MHRA conducted a Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue pilot to assess whether early, structured regulatory engagement could support better evidence generation. This initiative aimed to foster collaboration between regulators and applicants, facilitating robust decision-making for both regulatory and health technology assessment (HTA) purposes.

Following the pilot the MHRA is continuing with RWE Scientific Dialogue through ongoing workshops that enable open discussion on RWE topics whilst continuing to exploring the integration of RWE advice into existing MHRA services. This supports the MHRA’s Data Strategy ambition to promote data-driven innovation and early access to innovative products through RWE and proactive approaches to safety surveillance.

Approximate application window and workshops dates have been added for each MHRA-NICE RWE Scientific Dialogue cycle.

The application window for the first submission cycle of MHRA-NICE RWE Scientific Dialogue has now closed. The Expression of Interest Guidance for MHRA-NICE Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue page has been removed.

The MHRA Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue Programme pilot website has been updated to reflect the relaunch of the service and improvements informed by the pilot phase.

Key updates include:

-Updated description of the service offer, providing clearer information on the scope, purpose and eligibility of the updated MHRA-NICE Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue (RWE SD)

-Revised expression of interest process, setting out how applicants can apply to the RWE SD and what to expect at each stage

-Improved guidance for applicants, including clearer expectations on the type of questions suitable for discussion

-General content refresh, including updated language, structure, and accessibility improvements to support ease of use

These changes support the transition from a pilot to an established service and aim to provide greater clarity and consistency for stakeholders engaging with the programme.

Added update notifying that the pilot phase of the MHRA Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue Programme has now concluded

Updated to add text notifying the pilot phase of the MHRA Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue Programme has now concluded

Change to wording in section 5 and new link to updated form and guidance in section 5.

Changed to add download link to Expression of Interest for the MHRA Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue Programme pilot

Excerpt from the official page. The original is authoritative.