On 25 March, the global biopharma company GSK announced a major new research collaboration with the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) and Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) to advance understanding of neurodegeneration using the UK’s health data ecosystem. The innovative project aims to explore a potential association between GSK’s shingles vaccine (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine) and a reduced risk of dementia, building on evidence from observational and retrospective studies. Health data of around 1.4 million people, aged 65 to 66, will be used. Following a feasibility assessment, deidentified electronic health records will be securely analysed for around four years until the 66-year-olds turn 70 and become eligible for the vaccine. If successful, this study could serve as a blueprint for population level health data research models, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leading destination for scientific research.
