Drug regulation fears spark probe

Concerns have been raised about the drug approval mechanism

Health minister Lord Hunt has ordered a probe into links between drug companies and the organisation that decides whether to approve their products.

The move follows reports that members of the board which licenses new medicines have major shareholdings in the pharmaceutical companies which produce them.

Lord Hunt has insisted that the safeguards already in place at the Medicines Control Agency are sufficient to prevent conflicts of interest.

The MCA must be made open, accountable and they shouldn't have a vested financial interest in the decisions they take

Paul Flynn, Labour MP

But it was reported on Sunday that some members of the MCA have investments worth as much as £100,000 in drug companies like SmithKline Beecham - whose profits are greatly dependent on the agency's decisions.

Labour backbench MP Paul Flynn told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday: "We have to see that this body, which has such great powers, is free from any accusations that they are acting in their own financial interests.

"The MCA must be made open, accountable and they shouldn't have a vested financial interest in the decisions they take."

Lord Hunt said the MCA had a very important role in the licensing of medicines.

Beyond reproach

"Clearly its members must be of first class and above reproach.

I understand public concerns over issues to do with shareholdings

Lord Hunt, Health Minister

"The MCA has a very strong code of practice, published in their annual report, and if there is any question of any financial interest, the members of the committee must declare it and withdraw from the meeting, and lawyers are present at every meeting to make sure that that is observed to the letter."

He continued: "I understand public concerns over issues to do with shareholdings.

"The government is reviewing current advice in relation to shareholdings on scientific advisory committees.

"The government's current review will take another look at these issues.

"In the meantime, I am convinced that the MCA does operate a very vigorous code of practice effectively.

"Inevitably, the pharmaceutical industry invests considerable amounts of money in research.

"The people on these committees are first-class people, world leaders in many respects, and will be in receipt of some research monies."

Lord Hunt urged committee members to think twice before accepting any hospitality from drug companies, saying: "My own view is that committee members need to be very, very careful about the way they conduct themselves."