ABPI response to Cumberlege Review statement

The Government has laid a statement in Parliament updating on the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review by Baroness Cumberlege. 

ABPI Chief Executive Richard Torbett said: 

“This statement is a welcome initial response from the Government in addressing the recommendations made in Baroness Cumberlege’s Report.

“Whilst every single medicine used by the NHS goes through strict assessments for safety and efficacy and is monitored continuously, the experiences of patients should always drive improvement.

"Establishing a Patient Safety Commissioner is a welcome step and we look forward to working with Government to ensure a Commissioner will be effective alongside the NHS and MHRA.

“The announcement of the Safe Medicines in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Consortium is also welcome and our members continue to work with both the MHRA and patient representatives in this area to ensure better representation of pregnant women in the design of, and recruitment for, clinical trials.

“The ABPI also shares the Government’s commitment to continued transparency about the relationship between healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies. Our Disclosure UK platform has been in place for five years, and we look forward to supporting Government to develop policy in this area.

“We remain committed to working with the Government, NHS and MHRA on all areas where we can be part of the solution”.