News · 21 June 2026
Puberty blocker trial sets minimum age of 11
Unsplash / Ben White
A study evaluating puberty-suppressing medications for children exploring their gender identity will henceforth mandate that participants be no younger than 11. Operations for the Pathways Trial ceased in February 2026 after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency voiced safety worries and recommended a minimum age of 14. Academics at King's College London have consented to implement more robust protections, such as the revised age criteria, with participant enrollment anticipated to commence in August.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs