Wessex Secure Data Environment - Home Part of the NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network NHS

FOCUS-NHS: A Framework for mOnitoring and improving Clinical Use of bioSimilars across the NHS

Lay Description

UK Neuroinflammatory Repository (UKNR): A National Secure Data Infrastructure for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammatory Disease Research FOCUS-NHS: A Framework for mOnitoring and improving Clinical Use of bioSimilars across the NHS.

This work forms part of the wider FOCUS-NHS research programme and is being undertaken to establish secure, research-ready infrastructure for the future study of biosimilar[1] use in Multiple Sclerosis using routine NHS data. Although this Phase 1 application is focused on technical setup and initial testing of a Cambridge-only iMed data[2] ingest into the Wessex Secure Data Environment (SDE), the purpose is to support future generalisable research within the larger FOCUS-NHS and UKNR programmes. It is therefore preparatory research infrastructure work rather than service evaluation.

[1]a biological medicine that is highly similar to an already approved original medicine

[2] refers to early-stage drug discovery, genetic, and respiratory research data generated by AstraZeneca‘s local IMED Biotech Unit at their research site in Cambridge

Public Benefit Statement

This project will help build the secure systems needed to support future NHS research into biosimilar medicines used to treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory conditions.
Although this first stage is focused on testing and developing the technology, the long-term aim is to create a secure way of monitoring how these medicines are used and how well they work in routine NHS care.
In the future, this could help researchers and the NHS to:
  • Better understand how biosimilar medicines perform in real-world clinical practice.
  • Identify opportunities to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
  • Support clinicians and the NHS to make informed decisions about the use of biosimilar medicines.
  • Help ensure NHS resources are used effectively while maintaining high standards of patient care.
This work is laying the foundations for future research that could benefit people living with Multiple Sclerosis and other similar conditions, while ensuring that patient data is used securely and responsibly within the Wessex SDE.

Further information

Health Category (HCRS Category)
Neurological
Project Status
Live - Contracts signed 
Research Organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contracting organisation
Unique ID
Date of counter-signed DAA/DSA
June 26, 2026
Period of DAA
6 months post DAA