The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7344 p414
9 April 2005

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News summary

New commission to replace CSM

On 30 October, the Commission on Human Medicines will replace the Committee on Safety of Medicines and the Medicines Commission (PJ, 20 November 2004, p734). A maximum of 18 members plus a chairman will form the CHM, with advertisements for positions being placed this month. Consultation on the future of the Veterinary Products Committee and a proposed new Herbals Advisory Committee are ongoing.

The changes are part of a review of the committees established under Section 4 of the Medicines Act 1968 to advise ministers. Two Section 4 committees — the Advisory Board on the Registration of Homoeopathic Products and the British Pharmacopoeia Commission — are not affected.

The CHM appointments will be managed by the NHS Appointments Commission, which will also be advertising for chairmen and members of the other Section 4 committees.

People who work in the pharmaceutical industry or hold shares in drug companies will not be allowed to sit on the new CHM. This prohibition will not apply to members of new expert advisory groups that will be created to advise the CHM on products or general safety issues.