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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has appointed Anthony Harnden, a professor of primary care at the University of Oxford, as its new Chair. Professor Harnden brings decades of experience to the role. He has served the NHS for 40 years, including 33 years as a general practitioner in Wheatley, Oxfordshire. Until the end of December 2024, he will also continue as a registrant council member of the General Medical Council and chair of the Remuneration Committee. He previously served as deputy chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), where he played a key role in ensuring public trust and patient safety during the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Professor Harnden succeeds Stephen Lightfoot, who served as MHRA chair from September 2020 until stepping down in 2023. On his appointment, Professor Harnden said: "It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed by ministers to be the next MHRA chair. I am looking forward to making a contribution to the future successes of the organisation.

Professor Anthony Harnden has officially commenced his role as chair of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). During his first 100 days, Professor Harnden plans to engage extensively with MHRA staff and partner organisations to gain a strong understanding of "how to drive forward the strategic direction of the MHRA to maintain the UK as a global centre of excellence in life sciences, in the best interests of patients and the public." The new MHRA chair has highlighted three primary areas of focus: Protect patient safety through robust safety surveillance systems Embrace risk-proportionate regulation Foster an inclusive workplace where people flourish. With a 40-year career in the NHS, including 33 years as a general practitioner in Wheatley, Oxfordshire, Professor Harnden brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is a professor of primary care at the University of Oxford. Until December 2024, he was also a registrant council member of the General Medical Council and chair of the Remuneration Committee.