Rebecca Thomas

Brexit-driven regulatory divergence has delayed UK participation in the second phase of the Biomede clinical trial for treating diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, leaving British children without access to a potentially life-extending drug. Cancer researchers and clinicians warn that the lack of alignment with EU trial regulations is hindering international collaboration, increasing costs and delaying treatment options. Families affected by the disease describe the consequences as devastating, with some travelling abroad to seek alternatives. Medical charities and experts call for renewed UK–EU regulatory cooperation to prevent treatment gaps, while government bodies maintain that updated rules will streamline future trials.