MHRA chief floats faster reviews, closer ties to NICE

RAPS

19 October 2017 - The head of the United Kingdom’s regulatory agency has sketched out some of the ways it may change after Brexit. Dr Ian Hudson stressed the UK wants a collaborative, ongoing relationship with the EMA but is preparing for the opportunities — and risks — that will arise if it fails to secure its preferred position.

Hudson, the chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), made the comments to a House of Lords life sciences committee meeting. The MHRA chief said the UK had set out its desired future relationship with EMA in a letter two government ministers sent to the Financial Times in July, although as with many aspects of the UK’s position, the letter is clearer on the desired outcomes than how to achieve them in practice.

The failure of negotiators to reach agreements on three sticking points in the first phase of talks means the UK is yet to discuss the topic formally with the European Union. As such, MHRA and the government are preparing for a scenario in which the UK crashes out of the EU regulatory network. Hudson, in keeping with the government line, focused on the opportunities this would create.

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Michael Wonder

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Michael Wonder