Why We Are Here
After the 1960s thalidomide tragedy, the legal framework to control the marketing of medicines was established, currently the responsibility of the UK regulatory authority the Medicines and Health Care Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) supported by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM). However lack of incentives and regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical companies to conduct trials in children has resulted in a 'knowledge gap' with high levels of unlicensed and off-label prescribing resulting in possible ineffective doses and exposure of some children to potential harm.
In recognition of these challenges European Union legislation, that includes both incentives and regulatory requirements was enacted in January 2007.
In response the Chief Scientist Office in partnership with the Scottish National Health Service (NHS) is supporting our Network with the aim of improving the evidence base by promoting and supporting relevant clinical research and clinical trials.