Regulation in healthcare

NICE may be ‘systematically undervaluing’ medicines for severe conditions, says ABPI

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry is urging the government and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to “show greater flexibility when assessing medicines for severe conditions”.…

Unsafe online pharmacies serve as a warning in the move to a ‘digital first’ NHS

In this month’s health policy column, Andy Cowper looks at regulators’ long history of trying to ensure safe access to medicines online, considering the implications for medicine shortages.…

Online pharmacy activity linked to 40 open fitness-to-practise cases, says GPhC

Presenting at The Pharmacy Show on 13 October 2023, Roz Gittins revealed that 68% of online pharmacies were found to meet all regulatory standards at inspection, 17 percentage points lower than for registered pharmacies overall.…

Manufacturer withdraws treatment for sickle cell disease following concern over deaths

Pfizer's withdrawal is based on data that suggest “an imbalance in vast-occlusive crises and fatal events which require further assessment”.…

Almost 14,000 temporary pharmacy closures reported across England in 2023, research finds

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board recorded the highest number of temporary closures (1,438) and hours lost (4,054).…

Regulator misses fitness-to-practise timeliness standard for sixth year in a row

The Professional Standards Authority said the General Pharmaceutical Council “is still taking too long to progress fitness-to-practise investigations”.…

Pharmacy regulator to require ‘two-way communication’ in new draft guidance

In its latest guidance, the regulator has expanded the list of medicines for which additional safeguards should be in place for online pharmacies.…

Men taking valproate advised by MHRA to use effective contraception

The regulator advises that males and their partners should use effective contraception during, and for at least three months after, valproate treatment.…

MHRA finds no link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and suicidal behaviour

The regulator says it will continue to monitor the risk of severe psychiatric reactions and assess new data as they become available.…

Pharmacy2U blocked from taking over LloydsDirect premises

The application was refused on the basis that the appeals committee “could not be satisfied that there are procedures likely to secure safe and effective provision of essential services”.…