UK clinical trial into puberty blockers on hold after medicines regulator steps in

The Guardian World

by Nadeem Badshah

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The UK’s clinical trial testing puberty blockers for children has been temporarily halted after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) raised concerns about the potential risks involved. The regulator emphasized that participants in such trials should be at least 14 years old due to the “unquantified risk” of long-term biological harm, prompting a pause in recruitment for the study led by King’s College London. The MHRA’s decision comes amid ongoing discussions with trial sponsors to address concerns about participant well-being. The Department of Health and Social Care revealed that talks will begin next week to explore these issues further. This move highlights growing scrutiny over the use of puberty blockers, particularly in younger children, as medical professionals and regulators weigh the benefits against potential long-term effects. Puberty blockers are increasingly used in clinical practice to help transgender and non-binary individuals delay physical changes during adolescence. However, critics argue that more research is needed to fully understand their impact on long-term health and development. The MHRA’s intervention underscores the importance of thorough evaluation when it comes to interventions that alter natural biological processes. This pause in the trial reflects broader debates around medical ethics and the balance between innovation and patient safety. As puberty blockers gain attention worldwide, questions about their appropriate use, especially for younger patients, continue to spark discussion among healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for future research and treatment practices globally.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026