Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1096

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Publication type: media release

Revised Advisory Committee Structure
MHRA 2005 Apr 5

Full text:

PRESS RELEASE
Date: 5th April 2005
Time: 900 hrs
Subject: Revised Advisory Committee Structure
Contact: Press Office 020 7084 3535 or press.office@mhra.gsi.gov.uk

New Commission for Human Medicines

Regulations were today introduced to abolish the Medicines Commission and the Committee on Safety of Medicines. The amendments to the Medicines Act
1968 have replaced these with the establishment of a new Commission – The Commission for Human Medicines.

There is now a requirement for a greater degree of expert scientific judgement at the earlier stages of specific product developments and following on from extensive consultation a need for a more transparent structure. The amendments therefore have removed the entitlement provision of industry to be represented on the Commission, have updated the handling of, conflicts of interest and are to increase lay membership on the Committee.

Some specialised Committees will remain and at least 10 new Expert Advisory Groups will be set up to advise them on specific and technical issues. These ‘section 4’ Committees will be able to advise Ministers direct. Within the revised structure separate arrangements will be made to ensure the views of industry are heard across a wide range of topics.
It is anticipated that there will be a maximum of 18 members plus a Chairperson recruited to this Commission with adverts for positions appearing in early April 2005, the NHS Appointments Commission will be managing this process.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
1. The British Pharmacopeia Committee will remain as it is an exception to this new structure because it requires specific industry knowledge on the practical application of chemical & pharmaceutical sciences in manufacturing and quality control.
2. Lay members will, in addition to their Commission duties, meet regularly to consider wider medicines regulatory matters.
3. The MHRA is currently consulting on proposals to establish a ‘section 4’
Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee.