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The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is ramping up its support for AI-driven medical innovations with a £1 million boost to its ‘AI Airlock’ programme.
This regulatory “sandbox” offers AI developers a chance to test medical devices in a supervised environment — working directly with regulators to tackle approval challenges early. The approach aims to streamline development without compromising safety.
Following a successful pilot phase, applications for the second round opened on 23 June. The first four projects included AI tools for writing radiology summaries, managing cancer care, and monitoring device performance.
One participant, Philips, tested an AI tool that generates key findings in radiology reports. Another, OncoFlow, developed software to personalise cancer treatment plans — potentially cutting waiting times and improving survival.
The Airlock initiative is part of wider government efforts to make the UK a leader in safe, agile tech regulation. It’s supported by the Regulatory Innovation Office and aligned with the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
MHRA’s James Pound said: “This programme strikes the balance between oversight and innovation. We’re giving companies space to safely explore AI’s potential — and the results so far are exciting.”
Full results from the pilot projects will be published later this year. Meanwhile, eligible AI medical tools for the next round must promise NHS benefit, address new treatment needs, and present clear regulatory questions.
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