National Institute for Health and Care Research

31/07/2026

Chronic snoring isn’t just disruptive; it can indicate serious conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), which affects millions of people in the UK and around a billion worldwide.

But the standard treatment for OSA, a continuous positive airway pressure or ‘CPAP’ device worn over the face, is difficult for many patients to use for comfort, cost and maintenance reasons.

Around 25% of patients abandon treatment after just 3 months, and after 5 years, 75% of patients no longer use their device. Leaving their condition unmanaged puts them at increased risk of serious health problems.

As demand for sleep services grows, there is a need for evidence-based treatments that work well in everyday life, not just in clinical settings. With CPAP alternatives such as surgical interventions still limited, the NIHR-supported development of ZeusOSA represents a leap forward in OSA treatment.

The non-invasive device, worn on the skin under the jaw, offers a cheaper, simpler and more comfortable alternative that patients are more likely to use. It was developed with support from the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine, by London based spin-out company Zeus Sleep.

Early studies demonstrated the feasibility of the technology, while market validation of the device is strong, with enthusiastic retail demand across 54 countries - demonstrating the value of our support in helping UK health and care businesses to thrive.

Now, the technology has advanced from early-stage testing to NIHR-funded clinical trials in NHS sleep centres, supported by our Regional NIHR Research Delivery Network in South London. The trial hopes to generate the robust clinical evidence needed for the NHS to offer this non-invasive, scalable treatment to an underserved - but significant - patient population.

Click the link in the comments to read more stories like these in our investment highlight of our Annual Report 👇

30/07/2026

Did you know that 50% of vaccines are wasted globally?

❄️ Many vaccines rely on a consistent cold temperature which makes getting them to people in remote areas, during natural disasters and in countries with unstable infrastructure extremely challenging.

UK-based scientists have now developed a fridge-free vaccine. The revolutionary technology means vaccines can be stored at room temperature, eliminating reliance on a cold chain.

This means that vaccines can be transported more easily, reducing waste, simplifying global distribution and reaching the people that need them most. 💜

The vaccine development has now been trialled through a UK government-backed programme, and the first-in-human trial took place at our NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Southampton at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust/Health Research Southampton and delivered through our Biomedical Research Centre in Southampton.

Look out for an update on this trial coming soon or click the link in the comments to read more stories like these in our investment highlight of our Annual Report 👇

27/07/2026

People from South Asian backgrounds in the UK are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age than White European populations. They are also more likely to develop the condition at a lower body weight.

Researchers aim to understand how genetic, biological, environmental and lifestyle factors can make people of South Asian heritage more susceptible to the condition.

These studies include:

🧬 Exploring how genes influence diabetes risk
🔎 Exploring the link between burning fat and insulin resistance
🍏 Programmes to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes

Understanding how genetics and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise impact type 2 diabetes is only part of the puzzle. Right now, people of South Asian heritage in the UK are underrepresented in clinical trials across all health conditions.

It is vital that research involves people from diverse and underrepresented communities. This makes it easier for everyone to take part in trials and studies.

Click the link in the comment below to find out more about how you can get involved ⬇️

23/07/2026

Around 8,000 people in the UK are living with Huntington’s disease and, until now, there has been no treatment proven to slow the progression of the devastating condition.

An NIHR-supported study into gene therapy has offered long-awaited hope for a potential treatment option, showing a significant 75% slowing of disease progression.

Jack May-Davis, who carries the Huntington’s disease gene, said, “This feels like a huge moment that will mean so much to families who carry the Huntington’s gene.”

This study was run at our Clinical Research Facility at UCLH - University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with support from our NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, and was one of the 12,500 studies supported by our research infrastructure this year. Recruitment to the study was supported by our NIHR Research Delivery Network.

Read more stories like this on the Innovation section of our Annual Report via the link below ⬇️

22/07/2026

"I was so worried about my liver failing, but now that worry has been taken away."

Lorna, a grandmother-of-three, was diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic autoimmune liver condition, following a routine blood test back in 2008.

It is often called a silent condition because the immune system slowly damages the liver’s tiny bile ducts long before a patient feels ill.

Despite not having any symptoms, Lorna was very worried that her liver would fail. She was prescribed the standard medication, ursodeoxycholic acid.

“The initial medication didn't change anything, and my blood levels were showing that it was not getting any better; it was getting worse. I was so worried as I was hopeful the standard medication would be enough.”

However, things changed when Lorna’s consultant suggested she take part in a clinical trial. The trial was evaluating a new medication designed to reduce liver inflammation and bile acid build-up.

“In the first year of the trial my blood tests showed that my liver markers were improving and the peace of mind I felt was immense.

It has continued to improve to now being told I have a healthy liver. It was definitely the right decision to take part. I’ve not looked back since.”

Click the link in the comments to read Lorna’s full story and see how you can take part in research
👇

21/07/2026

Six-year old Ava has lived with complex neurological symptoms from early childhood, and would often experience 100 to 200 seizures per day.

Like many rare disease families, Ava and her family have lived with a long period of uncertainty, searching for answers. That uncertainty is finally over.

Delivered through our Biomedical Research Centre: Manchester, scientists and doctors made the groundbreaking discovery of a previously unidentified condition which is responsible for developmental delays and one of the most common genetic causes of severe epilepsy.

Read more stories like this in the Innovation highlight in our Annual Report via the link in the comments ⬇️

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust The University of Manchester

17/07/2026

16/07/2026

Technology is helping to diagnose conditions earlier and faster, giving people quicker access to the care and treatments they need.

As we mark 20 years, we’re highlighting how NIHR-funded research is transforming diagnosis, including:
🧠 Faster ADHD diagnosis through digital testing
🧽 Earlier detection of oesophageal cancer with a capsule sponge test
🔬 Digital pathology helping to speed up cancer screening

Click the link in the comment below to read more! ⬇️

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

Our Annual Report has been published today, showcasing how NIHR research is changing lives across the UK and globally 🎉

Read the report and find out more about 👇
🏥 A new approach to kidney treatment safer for patients that could save the NHS millions
🔎A patient-led study reshaping eczema care
💜 The women at the heart of a new study to tackle maternal death

Find the full report via the link in our comments.