Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed has been appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care as Chair of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM).
The CHM provides independent expert advice to ministers on the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines. It is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Professor Sir Munir is President of the British Pharmacological Society and has played a pivotal role in advising the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on recent COVID-19 vaccine approvals.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said:
I am pleased to confirm Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed as Chair of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM). He provides a wealth of clinical experience and expertise in pharmacology, genetics and the safety of medicines. He will lead the CHM at a time when its role and profile continues to be critically important in its independent and scientific assessments of the safety, quality and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as all other vaccines and medicines, to protect public health.
Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed said:
I am delighted to be appointed Chair of the CHM. The Commission is widely respected internationally for its work in licensing new medicines and monitoring their safety. Patient and public safety remains at the forefront of our work and I will make sure that the vital role we play in ensuring the medicines we take continue to meet the highest standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
Professor Sir Munir has been appointed for 4 years from 12 February 2021. He replaces Professor Stuart Ralston whose appointment ended on 11 February 2021.
To find out more about how pharmacology and clinical pharmacology have contributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, please read our recent news story and visit our COVID-19 news hub.
