Clean bill of health for MHRA

According to a Triennial Review, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is well-placed to steer a global drive to improve public health.

The review found that MHRA plays a critical role across each of its regulatory, science and research responsibilities and should continue to operate in its current form.

The review also recommended that the MHRA:

• review its plans for income generation

• continue to promote innovation and digital solutions

• increase awareness and engagement of its Yellow Card Scheme, a system that allows patients and clinicians to report problems with medicines and medical devices

The MHRA's chief executive Dr Ian Hudson said: “We welcome the findings of the Triennial Review. There are some interesting challenges ahead, both domestically and globally, but the review has validated that we are well prepared to enthusiastically tackle them head on.”

The review took place between November 2014 and May 2015 and was led by a small designated team within the Department of Health team, working under the direction of an independent sponsor and project board. 

The publication of the Triennial Review ties into MHRA’s 2015/16 business plan and the ongoing delivery of a five-year corporate strategy.

This year’s objectives for the company are:

• working on EU negotiations and implementation relating to clinical trials, falsified medicines and medical devices

• collaborating with the Department of Health, and partners in the health and care system, to ensure all are working towards common goals around public health, innovation and growth

• development in science, including developing the capabilities of the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC)

• improving and enhancing incident and safety reporting systems, principally the Yellow Card Scheme

See the MHRA Triennial Review for more information.