Professor who reportedly paused UK puberty blockers trial removed over bias claims

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Tobi Thomas Health and inequalities correspondentMarch 1, 2026 at 04:02 PM

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Professor Jacob George, recently appointed to a senior role at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has been removed from involvement in the Pathways trial, a study on puberty blockers for children questioning their gender identity. The removal followed the surfacing of social media posts made before his appointment, where he expressed views considered gender-critical. These posts raised concerns about potential bias in the trial, which had already been paused in February due to concerns raised by the MHRA regarding the wellbeing of young participants. The Pathways trial, intended to assess the effects of puberty blockers, was initiated following recommendations from the Cass review, which highlighted a lack of strong evidence supporting the benefits of such medication. The MHRA has also raised the minimum age for trial participants to 14 due to concerns about potential long-term biological harms.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

NHS Children and Young People 40% Max Davie 50% Imane Khelif 60% JK Rowling 70% Hilary Cass 70% Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) ×380% Pathways trial ×385% Jacob George ×390%

Keywords

puberty blockers 100% clinical trial 90% bias 80% gender identity 70% mhra 60% gender-critical views 60% long-term biological harms 50% cass review 50% children's gender care 50% gender dysphoria 40%

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The Guardian - World News

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puberty blockers clinical trial bias gender identity mhra gender-critical views long-term biological harms cass review children's gender care gender dysphoria

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