There she was able to see how the Agency’s scientists ‘ensure that NHS patients receive the latest medical innovations safely and in the shortest possible time’.
As part of British Science Week and NHS Healthcare Science Week, the visit highlighted the MHRA’s role in driving life sciences innovation, as it puts it, ‘helping UK patients benefit from cutting-edge technologies – from mRNA vaccines to advanced cancer diagnostics’.
During the visit, she met with MHRA scientists and regulatory experts to hear how their work is helping the NHS move towards earlier diagnosis and prevention. This includes making sure that the annual ‘flu vaccine is as effective as possible, setting safety standards for genomic cancer testing, and enabling rapid access to new treatments.
The Minister toured MHRA biologics laboratories, where scientists rigorously test biological medicines, including vaccines, to ensure they are effective and acceptably safe for patients. She also heard how the Agency works with industry and healthcare partners to keep vital medicines available, so patients can access the treatments they need without delay.
The MHRA says its expertise has global impact, with its scientific and regulatory leadership helping to shape international standards and ensure that innovations benefit patients worldwide.
Karin Smyth MP said: “The MHRA’s scientists are making a real difference by ensuring that NHS patients can benefit from the latest medical advances safely and quickly. From speeding up access to life-saving vaccines, to setting high safety standards for new cancer tests, their work is helping the NHS focus on earlier diagnosis and prevention. It was fantastic to see first-hand how their expertise is driving innovation, protecting patients, and strengthening our healthcare system.
“British Science Week is a great time to celebrate their achievements, and the UK’s world-leading expertise in medical innovation.”
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care – is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. It says all its work is ‘underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks’.