Puberty Suppressing Hormones: Clinical Trials

(asked on 20th October 2026) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will publish monthly updates on the puberty blockers trial.


Answered by
Karin Smyth Portrait
Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
This question was answered on 30th October 2026

As with all clinical trials, the PATHWAYS trial is subject to the reporting requirements set out in the International Council for Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice standards, and to the requirements provided under The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

The research team on the trial is currently working to complete the set-up of the study prior to the start of recruitment. Once under way, the research team will work closely with the advisory boards and other stakeholders to ensure all their findings are accessible and clearly communicated to patients, families, and the general public, alongside dissemination to the scientific community and policy makers.

There is no current plan to publish detailed breakdowns of the trial cohort as suggested by the Hon. Member, in order to protect the safety and anonymity of participants. However, an independent Data Monitoring and Ethics Committee will uphold the safety, rights, and well-being of the study participants and consider the need for any interim analysis.

Reticulating Splines