On 24 June, the United Kingdom was the first country to join the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, a new international initiative to ensure the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine.

Led by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK is a founding 'Pioneer Country' to help develop global standards, share real-world safety data, and enable faster, more trusted introduction of AI tools into clinical practice. The initiative is aimed at allowing earlier diagnoses, reducing NHS waiting times, and increasing growth in the UK's flourishing health tech sector.

Following its experience in the regulation of AI, the MHRA will disseminate its experience of AI Airlock—a regulatory sandbox allowing companies to test AI medical devices together with regulators before wider NHS rollout. Current projects include AI devices for the early detection of lung disease and individualized cancer therapy.

The MHRA is also updating its regulations for medical devices to stay ahead of novel technologies such as adaptive and generative AI, and working in collaboration with partners such as the NHS, NICE, and academic researchers to improve real-world evidence of AI performance.

This step is a significant commitment by the UK to the growth of responsible and globally harmonized AI innovation in healthcare—enhancing patient outcomes, promoting efficiency, and building international trust in health AI solutions.

Learn more: UK MHRA leads safe use of AI in healthcare as first country in new global network - GOV.UK