A government watchdog has given the green light to the University of Glasgow Medical Faculty to continue its involvement with clinical trials.

The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency inspected the way in which clinical trials are run by the University and have given a positive report.

The week-long inspection, which took place in December, examined the procedures followed by university staff when involved in conducting clinical trials.

The MHRA inspected compliance with legislation, including governance, clinical trial contracts, insurance, risk assessment procedures, safety and monitoring of clinical trials, ethics and approval processes, and communication between the University and the NHS.

The MHRA have now completed their report and are satisfied with the way in which clinical trials are run by the University.

Welcoming the findings, Professor David Barlow, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, said: “We are delighted to have passed the MHRA’s inspection. The process is both intense and detailed, as it should be.

“This shows that the University’s clinical trial activity is fit for purpose and we have met the highest standards set by the legislation and the MHRA.”

The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health. It is charged with regulating medicines and medical devices and equipment, as well as clinical trials. Its inspections are designed to ensure good and safe practice.

The MHRA has the power to withdraw a product from the market, halt the production of medicines and suspend clinical trials if they find procedures are not being followed correctly.


For more information, contact Ray McHugh in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3535 or email r.mchugh@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 1 July 2008

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