MHRA to change conflict of interest rules

U.K. Health Minister Lord Warner announced measures intended to make the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) operate more openly and objectively. The measures included a draft revised Code of Practice on Interests that would tighten the agency's policy governing the declaration and management of interests in the pharmaceutical industry.

The revised code would prevent the chairman and members of the Advisory Committee from holding interests in the pharmaceutical industry and require them to declare each year that they have no such holdings. Chairmen and members of subcommittees that advise the agency would be required to publicly declare their pharmaceutical interests. MHRA is seeking comments on how to address potential conflicts of interest arising from the receipt of research grants from industry, or from ownership of stocks from previous industry employment. ...