UK Puberty Blocker Trial Paused

A clinical trial, known as Pathways, into puberty blockers for children, led by King s College London, has been paused following concerns raised by the United Kingdom===Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The United Kingdom===Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warned that the trial should have a minimum age limit of 14, citing 'unquantified risk' of 'long-term biological harms'. The United Kingdom===Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that recruitment will not begin until these issues are resolved. The pause comes amidst legal action and public opposition from figures like J. K. Rowling, who described the trial as 'unethical'. Baroness Hilary Cass, whose review recommended the trial despite a 'weak evidence base' for puberty blockers, emphasized its importance to prevent unregulated drug sales. Discussions between the United Kingdom===Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and King s College London are ongoing to address the safety and wellbeing of participants.