MSD has teamed up with health technology company Axana, and 12 lung cancer clinicians from across Europe to develop a new digital solution to speed up lung cancer care.

The ‘NextGen MDT’ programme aims to help clinicians to make cancer care more efficient and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

Lung cancer care has become increasingly complex¹, with numerous tests which must be completed before clinicians can diagnose and treat patients,² and many treatment options available.¹ However, these tests can be difficult to coordinate² and involve different hospital departments or NHS services.³

Clincians specialising in lung cancer gather weekly in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to review each patient’s case and dicuss treatment options.⁴ If clinicians don’t have all of the information that they need prior to the MDT meeting, treatment decisions can be delayed, which can have a negative impact on patient outcomes.⁴

At MSD, we’re determined to tackle this problem.  We know that, when it comes to cancer, time is of the essence.

The NextGen MDT programme will strive to give clinicians the time and information that they need to care for their patients. Through the use of intelligent software, the programme aims to integrate patient information into one unified dashboard – simplifying the process of connecting different hospital information systems so that all of the necessary insights about a patient’s cancer are in one place, enabling clinicians to make treatment decisions at the MDT meeting.

Our ultimate goal is to improve the lung cancer patient pathway – reducing the workload of clinicians while speeding up patient access to timely, optimal treatment.

Professor Neal Navani, Respiratory Medicine Consultant and Clinical Lead for Lung Cancer Services at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust supported the development of the NextGen MDT programme. Commenting on the project, he said:

“This ambitious NextGen MDT project will help to streamline and improve our cancer MDT discussions, allowing us to make better decisions which will benefit our patients and healthcare systems.”

Rachel Houlding, National Oncology Healthcare Director at MSD UK, said:

“Early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer is crucial to improving patient outcomes.⁵ Making the patient pathway more efficient is one way to helping patients get the right care for them, sooner – and we believe there is a crucial role that technology can play to achieve this. We are delighted to be working alongside Axana and clinicians across Europe develop such a solution, and look forward to entering the next phase of activity in 2025.”

Jeroen van Duffelen, CEO of Axana, said:

“At Axana, we harness the best minds in data integration and artificial intelligence to address critical challenges in oncology. Our goals are twofold: to enhance clinician efficiency and to expedite patient treatments. Our software streamlines patient data collection and coordination of multidisciplinary team meetings facilitating efficient decision-making by clinical teams. We anticipate that our software will optimize lung cancer care pathways, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.”

For more information about the NextGen MDT project, please contact corporateaffairsuk@msd.com. 

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[1] Morabito A, Mercadante E, Muto P, Manzo A, Palumbo G, Sforza V, et al. Improving the quality of patient care in lung cancer: key factors for successful multidisciplinary team working. Explor Target Antitumor Ther. 2024;5:260–77. https://doi.org/10.37349/etat.2024.00217

[2] UK Lung Cancer Coalition (November 2023). Scottish Pathways Matter. Available from: https://www.uklcc.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-10/Final%20UKLCC%20Scottish%20Pathways%20Matter%20report_Nov%202023.pdf

[3] NHS England. Diagnosis: Lung cancer. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/diagnosis/ [Accessed: September 2024]

[4] Cancer Research UK. Meeting Patient’s Needs: Improving the effectiveness of Multidisciplinary Team meetings in cancer services. 2020. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/full_report_meeting_patients_needs_improving_the_effectiveness_of_multidisciplinary_team_meetings_.pdf

[5] Cancer Research UK. Why is early diagnosis important? 2023. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-symptoms/why-is-early-diagnosis-important/1000#:~:text=Around%206%20in%2010%20people,at%20the%20most%20advanced%20stage.

GB-NON-10247 | November 2024

What can we do, working as partners, to improve the lives of people with pulmonary arterial hypertension?

MSD in the UK have published a policy consensus statement, A Shared Vision for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in the UK, with recommendations driven by expert insights outlining a unified vision for the future of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) care in the UK.

PAH is a rare subtype of pulmonary hypertension.^[i] The time to diagnosis within pulmonary hypertension remains a persistent challenge. In a recent patient survey, 51% of respondents reported waiting more than a year for their diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension after first noticing symptoms. For a quarter of respondents, this wait took longer than three years.^[ii]

Created with input from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK, and specialist experts from across the UK, this Consensus Statement provides policy and systems recommendations aimed at reducing the time to diagnosis as a route to improve patient outcomes and deliver savings to the health system.

PAH is a rare and debilitating condition that has significant personal impact.^[iii],[iv] It also cost the NHS in England an estimated £43.2 million between 2013 and 2017 through repeat appointments and hospital care^[v] and has a broader impact on the UK economy through loss of workforce productivity.^[iii]

The insights and initiatives held within this Consensus Statement reflect the broad challenges in rare diseases. There is no ‘silver bullet’ which could solve all issues, but 16 recommendations across 8 stakeholder groups, which if implemented have the potential to transform PAH care in the UK.

This Consensus Statement and the activities which formed its development were funded by MSD. We thank all who have contributed and have endorsed its recommendations.

Dr Iain Armstrong, Chair, Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK & Nurse Consultant, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said:

“PAH carries a huge burden of symptoms and too many people are still waiting too long to be diagnosed. The impact of this delay is wide-ranging, but ultimately, it’s devastating for those individuals – and they deserve better. This consensus statement sheds light on the problem, and we hope it will help drive the change that is so badly needed.” 

Professor Jay Suntharalingam, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Royal United Hospitals Bath, said:

“Although rare, Pulmonary Hypertension can be treated – often though patients are diagnosed late or not at all. This report offers a number of practical ways to address this, potentially allowing more people to receive potentially lifesaving interventions, now and in the future.”

Jasveen Chugh, Pharmaceuticals Business Unit Director, MSD UK, said:

“Too often, people are waiting too long before they receive an accurate PAH diagnosis, and their care can start. Once patients are diagnosed NHS care is commendable. Delays in diagnosis are multi-faceted, including increased costs to the health service, and most importantly negatively impacting patient quality of life and outcomes. The insights and recommendations from experts within this Consensus Statement deliver tangible ways different stakeholders can work individually and together, to reduce the time to diagnosis for PAH patients.”

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[i] N. Galiè, M. Palazzini, A. Manes (2010). Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension: a clarification is needed. European Respiratory Journal 36: 986-990; DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00038410

[ii] PHA UK (2023) Breathless, not voiceless: What it means to live with PH today. Available at: https://www.phauk.org/research/pha-uk-led-research/breathless-not-voiceless-what-it-means-to-live-with-ph-today/ [Accessed August 2024]

[iii] British Heart Foundation. Research into pulmonary arterial hypertension. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/research/pulmonary-arterial-hypertension [Accessed August 2024]

[iv] PHA UK (2019). Beneath the surface: the true financial impact of pulmonary hypertension. Available at: https://www.phauk.org/living-with-pulmonary-hypertension/benefits-and-financial-help/the-true-financial-impact-of-ph-survey-results/ [Accessed August 2024]

[v] Exposto F, Hermans R, Nordgren Å et al. (2021). Burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension in England: retrospective HES database analysis. Ther Adv Respir Dis. DOI: 10.1177/1753466621995040. Available at: Burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension in England: retrospective HES database analysis – PMC (nih.gov)

GB-NON-09962 | September 2024

We have officially opened our interim laboratory facility housed in the roof space of The Francis Crick Institute, marking an exciting milestone in the growth of our discovery presence in London, and our ongoing collaboration with this world-renowned research centre.  

George Addona, Senior Vice President of MSD Research Labs, and Sir Paul Nurse, CEO of The Francis Crick Institute, welcomed Lord Vallance KCB FRS FMedSci FRCP HonFREng, Minister of State for Science, at the opening ceremony held on 5^th September. Together, we celebrated our collective drive towards groundbreaking discovery science that advances human health. 

Located at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, this is the latest addition to MSD’s integrated global R&D network, that is dedicated to seeking solutions to some of the most complex health challenges faced by patients around the world.   

This latest location will foster an effective partnership between our scientists and their counterparts at the Crick, working side-by-side towards the common goal of scientific innovation. The space is leased for an initial period of 3 years in preparation for the 2027 opening of our new MSD Research Laboratories, London and UK Headquarters, in Kings Cross.  

The opening of SkyLab, with the central London location offering valuable proximity to the capital’s Knowledge Quarter, builds on MSD’s 100-year heritage in the UK. The new facility will accommodate approximately 50 MSD researchers, who join MSD’s rapidly expanding interdisciplinary London-based team of over 100 scientists with expertise spanning chemistry, pharmacology, neuroscience, and immunology, to unlock new frontiers in early-stage drug discovery. 

MSD’s commitment to operating responsibly is evident in the design and construction of this 11,800 sqft facility, which adheres to the highest sustainability standards. Ensuring environmental stewardship is at the heart of MSD’s wider R&D presence reflects our mission for a safe and healthy future for people and communities. 

These developments represent another addition to our discovery capabilities as we continue to expand our R&D footprint in the UK and Europe, in anticipation of the opening of our new London home in 2027. 

Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, commented:

“The opening of Skylab represents a fantastic opportunity to advance UK science and is a vote of confidence in the UK as an investment destination”

George Addona, Senior Vice President and Head of Discovery, Preclinical and Translational Medicine, MSD Research Laboratories, commented:  

“Our talented team of London-based discovery scientists are an integral part of MSD’s global research network, and we are pleased to expand our research presence in London’s Knowledge Quarter.”

GB-NON-10053 | September 2024

New lab will provide interim space for MSD’s expanding interdisciplinary team of London-based discovery scientists

• MSD signs a 3-year agreement to occupy new laboratory
• 1098m² laboratory to open at the Francis Crick in 2024
• This represents the latest phase of preparation for MSD’s UK Discovery Centre and HQ

Construction of “Skylab”, a new laboratory space to be built on the roof of The Francis Crick Institute, is due to be completed in 2024.

MSD has a rapidly growing interdisciplinary team of discovery scientists in London with expertise spanning biology, chemistry and pharmacology.  The new laboratory space allows for further expansion of the MSD discovery team, with capacity for an additional 50 personnel.

This is the latest phase of preparation for the opening of MSD’s new UK Discovery Centre and Headquarters to be strategically located in the Kings Cross area, at the heart of London’s Knowledge quarter. The new facility is due to be completed in 2027.

During a recent visit to The Crick, Dr. Dean Y. Li, President of MSD Research Labs, commented:

“Our talented team of London based scientists is an important and growing part of our discovery network. We are pleased to collaborate with the Francis Crick Institute which provides an active and vibrant setting for life science research.”

The MSD London discovery teams, currently located at The Francis Crick Institute and The London BioScience Innovation Centre (LBIC), have ongoing collaborations with several leading UK institutions, including a Framework Collaboration, jointly funded with the Crick.  In addition to many other bespoke academic collaborations within the U.K. and Europe, MSD is a member of several major human health and disease-specific consortia in human health and disease.

Sir Paul Nurse, Director of The Francis Crick Institute, commented:

“We’re delighted to welcome an expanded team of scientists from MSD to work in the Skylab here at the Crick. It is vital that we harness our discoveries in fundamental biology for the benefit of society.  Our partnership with MSD helps this to be done and this development signals the Crick’s commitment to working as partners in London in the longer term.”   

GB-NON-07174 | Date of Preparation: March 2023

[Photo: Artist impression of future new Discovery Centre and Headquarters in London]

This will be a new, 25,000 square metre specialised office life sciences laboratory and office facility strategically located at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter

MSD announced today that the Belgrove House site, carefully identified as the location of choice for a £1bn life sciences investment by the US biopharmaceutical company has been secured.

This long-term lease will allow MSD to develop a Discovery Centre and UK HQ with the aim of ensuring that innovation is at the heart of drug discovery, whilst its position in the Kings Cross area will provide proximity to leading UK academic and industry research, access to Europe, as well as offer unique collaboration opportunities.

MSD has worked collaboratively with developer, Precis Advisory Ltd., Camden Council and the local community to get to this stage. Once developed, the discovery research centre and HQ will be home to 800 MSD employees, ranging from discovery research, clinical and support roles, to marketing, finance, and administration. 

Currently, MSD has a growing discovery research team located at the London BioScience Innovation Centre and the neighbouring Francis Crick Institute. The teams have established successful scientific collaborations with leading UK institutions including The Crick and Kings College London, as well as European biotechnology companies. In addition, MSD is a founding member of Our Future Health in the UK, and an active participant in several research consortia focused in the area of neurodegeneration, one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare.

The Belgrove House development will meet high environmental sustainability standards.  MSD will also be delivering an ambitious educational outreach programme in collaboration with Camden STEAM and is steadfast in its commitment to giving back to the local community through investment, volunteering and by providing areas of the building for the public to access and use.

The developer plans to undertake the initial demolition phase this year, with construction expected to start by early 2023, finalising in late 2027.

In early 2021, MSD’s UK HQ moved from Hertfordshire to interim offices in Moorgate to be part of a thriving life-sciences ecosystem, with unrivalled access to talent and connectivity.

Speaking, following progress to exchange on the lease, Dr Fiona Marshall, Senior Vice President and Head of Discovery, Preclinical and Translational Medicine at MSD, commented:

“MSD is proud to be delivering on our UK investment plans, with a future that puts our scientists at the heart of a vibrant centre for innovation and technology development alongside leading research institutes which include some of our current research collaboration partners.  Our mission to discover and develop therapeutics that address unmet medical needs for patients with diseases of ageing is underway in earnest, harnessing the passion and potential of world-leading scientific minds across industry and academia.”

Ben Lucas, Managing Director for MSD in the UK and Ireland, commented:

“We are delighted to have signed the lease on Belgrove House, moving us tangibly forwards in our mission to save and improve lives through investing in pioneering science.  MSD is aligned to the UK’s Life Sciences Vision and committed to playing a leading role in the ecosystem here, with a focus on an innovation partnership with UK Government and the NHS that delivers for patients.  Locally, we are focused on building a strong connection with the community and on contributing positively through our work to such a vibrant environment.”

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business, commented:

“I am delighted that London will be the home of MSD’s new Discovery Research Centre and UK Headquarters, further boosting London’s position as a world-leading life sciences hub.”

GB-NON-09398 | May 2024