Words by GOLD newsdesk
As the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) begins a new chapter under fresh leadership, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has published a report outlining the importance of regulatory excellence in the UK.
The report, Enhancing the Role of UK Medicine Regulation, sets out key recommendations for the MHRA to follow to ensure that world-class regulation in the UK can be rebuilt following the recent challenges faced by the regulator.
“The MHRA has long been regarded as a well-respected, global leader in medicines regulation, underpinned by solid expertise and innovative approaches,” said Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of ABPI, in a press release. “However, events in recent years have tested its resilience and capabilities.”
The MHRA has faced several hurdles in recent times, including assuming the role of a sovereign regulator in the wake of Brexit, managing the COVID-19 pandemic and undergoing significant organisational restructuring. The impact of these developments has prompted calls for reform.
In the report, the ABPI outlines three key areas for improvement:
- Enhancing communications, transparency and accountability
- Improving resourcing and expertise to support its regulatory functions
- Strengthening the regulatory framework with flexible licensing routes, expedited clinical trial approvals and horizon scanning capabilities.
These measures aim to align the MHRA with the government’s ambitions for economic growth and attract greater investment into the UK’s life sciences ecosystem. They are likely to be welcomed by the industry, with several senior pharma representatives expressing their support in the ABPI report.
Among them was Rippon Ubhi, Country Lead and General Manager for Specialty Care, Sanofi UK & Ireland, who said: “The UK is falling behind comparable countries as an early launch market for new medicines.” He called for a “re-energised regulatory system” to address this challenge and noted that it would lead to greater investment by life sciences companies in the UK.
With a recently appointed chairman, Professor Anthony Harnden, and a soon-to-be-appointed chief executive, the MHRA appears well-positioned as it seeks to rebuild its reputation as a world-class regulator and a cornerstone of the UK’s competitiveness in innovation and investment.
