Vital Signs Winter 2026

As the days grow shorter and the year comes to a close, we’re delighted to bring you a festive winter edition of Vital Signs – your seasonal guide to the legal developments shaping the life sciences and healthcare sector. This time of year invites reflection as well as anticipation, and the industry is no exception: regulatory updates, policy shifts, and emerging technologies continue to evolve at a brisk pace, even as the world slows down for the holidays.

In this edition, we unwrap the latest insights on the UK Government proposal to create a new HDRS, including its potential impact on the sector, key milestones for 2026 and issues around privacy and cybersecurity. We also look back on the initial impact of the Procurement Act 2023, since it came into force in February 2025, and further changes expected for next year. For those with a focus on real estate, we offer practical tips and considerations for constructing life sciences facilities, given their complex design and technical requirements.

Finally, there’s a chill in the air as we look ahead to the heightened risk environment brought by the new EU Product Liability Directive – the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Grab a warm drink, settle in, and enjoy this festive winter briefing.