ABPI welcomes new MHRA Chair

Anthony Harnden has been appointed the new chair of the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Following the announcement, Richard Torbet, Chief Executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), said:

“I would like to offer my warm congratulations to Professor Harnden on his appointment as Chair of the MHRA. His significant experience and expertise within the health ecosystem, especially his time at the JCVI during the COVID-19 pandemic, provide a strong foundation on which to build his leadership of the MHRA.

“Professor Harnden’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the agency as it works to rebuild and strengthen its role as a global leader in medicines regulation. Our industry stands ready to support him and the wider MHRA in continuing to deliver the highest UK quality and safety standards alongside timely patient access to new medicines and technologies.”

The ABPI will shortly publish a new report with a number of recommendations designed to help rebuild the UK’s world-class reputation in regulatory science, medicines development and licensing.

Last modified: 19 November 2024

Last reviewed: 19 November 2024

[1] Department of Health and Social Care, New chair of the MHRA, 19 November 2024

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future. 

Our members supply cutting edge treatments that improve and save the lives of millions of people. We work in partnership with Government and the NHS so patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, we partner with organisations in the life sciences community and beyond to transform lives across the UK.