26January 2001
Fair regulation based on goodscience is essential to the production of new animal medicines.
Welcoming the new appointment ofSteven Dean, member from the UK, as chairman of the European Medicines EvaluationAgencys Committee on Veterinary Medicinal Products, the National Office ofAnimal Health highlights the CVMPs vital role in providing sound advice theauthorities should not ignore. Mr Dean is currently director of licensing atthe UKs Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
The CVMP members, scientificexperts from throughout the European Union, make recommendations to theEuropean authorities on the authorisation of animal medicines. The industry hasconfidence in them: NOAH is sure the constructive dialogue established betweenthe CVMP and industry, which aims to ensure the application of best science isalso practical, will continue under Mr Deans chairmanship.
The problem of lack of availabilityof licensed animal medicines, particularly for so-called minor species (such ashorses) and rare conditions has been a cause for concern for veterinarysurgeons and the industry for some time. The need to do something has beenrecognised by European regulators and has been considerably advanced by theefforts of the EMEA Task Force on the Availability of Medicines. The European Commission has recentlypublished a paper setting out how, in the short and long term, availabilityproblems might be resolved. And the role of the CVMP is paramount.
If the authorities act in line withscience, within a reasonable regulatory framework, research into animalmedicines will be stimulated. New medicines and new indications for existingmedicines - will benefit the health and welfare of farm livestock and companionanimals alike and continue to ensure the provision of healthy food from healthyanimals.
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Notes for Editors
1. Forfurther information please contact Roger Cook or Alison Glennon, 020 8367 3131,or visit the NOAH website, www.noah.co.uk.
2. TheNational Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent theUK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animalhealth products. The association has 35 corporate members and 11 associatemembers. NOAH's members account for around 95% of the 366 million UK animalhealth market, with additional valuable exports.
3. TheCommunication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament onavailability of veterinary medicinal products was published in Brussels on 5December 2000 (COM (2000) 806 final)