About the EME programme

The EME programme is intended to help bridge one of the key gaps identified in the Cooksey Review: between preclinical studies and evidence of clinical efficacy. The aim is to secure the progress of new technologies and interventions through their early clinical trials and on to larger, later clinical trials.

The EME programme sits between, and works closely with, the MRC's Experimental Medicine schemes (which support the early development of novel therapies, interventions, and diagnostics) and the established NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme (which produces research information about the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage and provide care in the NHS).  In this way, clinical studies for new treatments or diagnostics at all stages of development or evaluation have potential funding.

Broadly, while the Experimental Medicine schemes address the proof of concept and “can it work?” questions, the EME programme examines the efficacy of the intervention (“does it work?”) to the point where, in the example of a drug, a marketing authorisation could be sought or widespread use in healthcare supported. The safety of the intervention is also a subject for the EME programme. The HTA programme considers clinical and cost effectiveness ("is it worth it?").