The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is introducing a new, single code of practice for all its scientific advisory committees, to ensure that experts providing it with advice are independent and impartial, and that processes in place to manage conflicts of interest are robust, consistent and clear to all.
The launch of the new code of practice follows a six-week public consultation, launched in response to a key recommendation of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review for the MHRA to review the way it identifies and manages potential conflicts of interest from members of expert advisory committees. These include the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) and its expert advisory groups.
The new proposals will help to ensure that the MHRA is a transparent and inclusive independent regulator. They will also support the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that the perspectives of those with lived and personal experiences have greater inclusion in regulatory decisions.
Other steps include:
Dr Glenn Wells. MHRA Chief Partnerships Officer said:
The independent committees that advise the MHRA provide an additional layer of expertise and input to our regulatory decision-making so that we can be sure we are delivering the right outcomes for patients and the public.
In recognition of this important role, we are strengthening the code of practice for all independent advisory committees so the public can feel confident that those called upon to give their expert opinions do so in an impartial way.
Part of this means ensuring that those with relevant experience of the topics being discussed as a patient, family member or carer, are invited to committee meetings to inform the discussions that are taking place.
The new proposals will be introduced from 8 September 2022.
To continue reading this article please go to GOV.UK .