PATIENTS will be able to take part in pioneering clinical trials on new medicines after NHS Scotland signed a partnership with a biopharmaceutical company.

NHS Grampian, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lothian and Tayside health boards will host sites for future research studies by Pfizer.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: "I believe it is only right Scottish patients benefit from the medical advances and new treatments that clinical trials make available."

Dr David Montgomery, from Pfizer Oncology UK, said: "This partnership will help bring the latest innovative medicines to the people of Scotland."