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ME/CFS: Research

Answer

There has not been a specific assessment of whether the current strategic prioritisation of research into myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is proportionate to the disease burden. As outlined in the ME/CFS Final Delivery Plan, published in July 2025, there has historically been a relatively low amount of research funded on ME/CFS, compared with disease burden. We are implementing the ME/CFS Final Delivery Plan to expand research activity, and there are no plans to revise this approach.

The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Since the publication of the delivery plan, we have hosted a showcase on post‑acute infection conditions, bringing together people with lived experience, researchers, clinicians, and funders to stimulate further research. A summary of this showcase has been published on the NIHR Open Research. The NIHR has awarded two application development awards to investigate the feasibility of a new clinical trial that tests multiple interventions for the treatment of post-acute infection syndromes, including Long Covid and ME/CFS.

In addition, we recently announced £4.75 million of Government funding for SequenceME, which will carry out whole genome sequencing for up to 6,000 patients with ME/CFS. The NIHR welcomes research into any aspect of health and care, including ME/CFS. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, including how the research addresses evidence gaps, value for money, and scientific quality.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

HL136

Session

2026-27

Subjects

ME/CFS Research

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk