July 31, 2026

expert reaction to the High Court rejecting a challenge to regulatory decisions in relation to the PATHWAYS clinical trial for puberty suppressing hormones

Experts comment on news that the High Court have rejected a challenge to the PATHWAYS clinical trial for puberty suppressing hormones. 

Dr Matt Westmore, Chief Executive, Health Research Authority, said:

“Protecting people who take part in research is why the Health Research Authority exists.

“The checks that we carry out, alongside the independent ethics review process, ensure the interests of participants are put first, and that the research is safe and ethical.

“High profile studies like this will always attract extra scrutiny and we welcome the opportunity to assure the public of the safeguards put in place to protect research participants.

“We are grateful to the Court for its consideration of this case, and its recognition that Research Ethics Committees (REC) have the right expertise to review complex studies like PATHWAYS Trial.

“We would like to thank the volunteers who sit on RECs for their time, expertise and careful consideration of these important ethical questions.

“PATHWAYS Trial has all the necessary approvals to begin recruiting participants in line with the approved research protocol.”

https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Bayswater-Approved-Judgment.pdf

https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Bayswater-Press-Summary.pdf

Declared interests

No reply to our request for DOIs was received.