Commission on Human Medicines

Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) is an advisory non-departmental public body of the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are acceptably safe. The CHM plays a crucial role in the regulation of medicines in the UK by providing independent expert advice to the MHRA on the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicinal products.

History

The Commission on Human Medicines was established in October 2005, following the merger of the Medicines Commission and the Committee on Safety of Medicines. This reorganization was aimed at streamlining and strengthening the regulation of medicines in the UK, ensuring that regulatory decisions are made based on robust and comprehensive advice.

Function

The primary function of the CHM is to advise the Secretary of State for Health, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and the Department of Health on matters relating to human medicines. The advice provided by the CHM covers a wide range of issues, including:

• The safety, efficacy, and quality of medicinal products
• The balance of risks and benefits of medicinal products
• The classification of medicines in terms of their supply (e.g., prescription only, pharmacy only, and over-the-counter)
• Applications for marketing authorizations (licenses) for new medicines
• Changes to existing marketing authorizations
• The monitoring of adverse drug reactions through the Yellow Card Scheme

Composition

The Commission on Human Medicines consists of a chair and up to 30 members. These members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and include experts in various fields such as clinical pharmacology, general practice, pharmacy, statistics, and patient/public involvement. The diversity of expertise among CHM members ensures that the commission can comprehensively assess the multifaceted issues related to medicinal products.

Impact

The CHM's work significantly impacts public health and the pharmaceutical industry in the UK. By ensuring that only safe and effective medicines are available on the market, the CHM helps to protect public health and promote confidence in the UK's healthcare system. Additionally, the commission's decisions can have substantial economic implications for the pharmaceutical industry, influencing the development and marketing of medicinal products.

Challenges

The Commission on Human Medicines faces several challenges, including keeping pace with the rapid advancements in medical science and technology, addressing the complexities of global drug development and regulation, and managing the increasing public expectations for safe and effective medicines. The CHM must also navigate the ethical considerations related to medicinal products, ensuring that its decisions reflect the best interests of patients and the public.

See Also

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
• Pharmacovigilance
• Clinical trial
• Drug safety