The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is encouraging those in the research community to apply to use valuable data from the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) and the Yellow Card Scheme to help their studies to protect public health.
The call by the MHRA comes on the publication today of the first ever annual report by the Independent Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC). ISAC reviews the scientific merit of proposals for research using data from the GPRD and Yellow Card Scheme, whilst protecting the identity and interests of those who have provided the data in confidence. The annual report has seen the review of many challenging and exciting protocols. Topics covered have included genetics, research into long-term conditions, cancer, drug safety and epidemiology. These are illustrative of the wealth of data contained in these two important MHRA databases. The annual report also provides useful information to researchers wishing to apply for data to ensure a smooth journey through the review process.
Professor Sir Alasdair Breckenridge, Chairman of the MHRA said, “The potential of the data we hold at MHRA for public health research is unparalleled and I am delighted that the launch of ISAC’s first report shows that this is increasingly recognised by researchers. Although GPRD data has been available for some time, opening up access to the Yellow Card database was a new venture, and yet another milestone in implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review of Access to Yellow Card data.
Information on approved studies in the report will help more researchers make successful applications to use MHRA data in the interests of public health.”
MHRA website