The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) said it warmly welcomes the UK Government’s announcement of a new unit designed to accelerate the rollout of innovative technologies, with a focus on cutting red tape that has traditionally delayed public access to vital advancements.
The establishment of the dedicated Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), as part of the Government’s broader efforts to improve the regulatory landscape, represents a significant step forward for the animal health sector, NOAH said.
Dawn Howard, chief executive of NOAH, said the organisation hopes will help ensure that groundbreaking veterinary treatments and products can be made available more swiftly, supporting both animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
“This is an encouraging and potentially game-changing move that reflects the Government’s recognition of the critical role animal health innovation plays in safeguarding both animal and public health,” Mrs Howard.
“At NOAH, we have long advocated for a regulatory framework that is agile, competitive, and responsive, so we welcome this new unit to help address long-standing barriers to the swift adoption of new technologies. The accelerated availability of novel treatments and veterinary products will benefit farmers, pet owners, and the wider UK economy, delivering higher standards of health and welfare for our animals.”
NOAH said it also welcomes the recent appointment of Dan Corry to lead Defra’s review of regulation, an initiative that aligns closely with the aims of the new unit.
Mrs Howard said: “As a respected figure with a wealth of experience in shaping effective policy, Mr. Corry’s leadership will be instrumental in modernizing regulatory approaches that impact the animal health sector. We are optimistic that his guidance will ensure a balanced regulatory environment that fosters innovation while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
“This collaborative effort between industry and government marks an important milestone in ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of animal health innovation, supporting both the well-being of companion animals and the competitiveness of the UK’s agri-food sector.”
