PJ, March 2016, Vol 296, No 7887

EMA launches Priority Medicines Scheme

A new initiative to support drug companies developing therapies with the potential to address unmet medical needs and bring them to market more quickly has been launched by the European Medicines Agency.…

Welsh government puts up £750,000 to support pharmacy minor ailments service

A £750,000 technology investment that will enable pharmacists across Wales to provide a minor ailments service to patients has been announced by deputy health minister Vaughan Gething.…

Code of practice for pharma

While welcoming the prominence The Pharmaceutical Journal gave to the Disclosure UK database, which will shortly be a reality (‘Shining a light on drug company payments’, The Pharmaceutical Journal 2016;296:81), we would like to point out that this is in addition to other longstandi…

Integration of pharmacists into primary care in Scotland

Elaine Thomson, member of the RPS Scottish Pharmacy Board, draws on her knowledge of the primary care sector to provide clarity as to how pharmacists will integrate into primary care teams across Scotland.…

Meningitis B vaccine: basing decisions on evidence not emotions

Public opinion should be listened to when it comes to healthcare policies, but must not influence methodological, evidence-based decision making.…

New research suggests female libido drug offers ‘marginal’ benefits

Flibanserin (Addyi), dubbed the “female Viagra”, offers “marginal” benefits to women who suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder, according to new research.…

Preregistration tutors should be held to account to ensure pharmacists meet performance standards

Preregistration pharmacy tutors need to be held to account to ensure that pharmacist trainees meet required performance standards, according to delegates who attended a round table event organised by the General Pharmaceutical Council.…

Deaths: Anne Falconer

On 18 February 2016, Anne Falconer, aged 59, of Kirkcaldy, Fife. Mrs Falconer registered with the Society in 1979 and left in 2015. …

Dieticians join ranks of prescribers

More health professional groups in England are being given the chance to prescribe, sell and supply medicines, NHS England has announced.…

Deaths: Thomas Whitehead

On 28 November 2015, Thomas Whitehead MRPharmS, aged 92, of Stalybridge, Cheshire. Mr Whitehead registered with the Society in 1944. …