Anthony Harnden

The MHRA has appointed Anthony Harnden as Chair

The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has appointed Anthony Harnden, Professor of Primary Care in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, as its new Chair.

Harnden worked for the NHS for 40 years and brings to the role over three decades of experience of working directly with patients during his time as General Practitioner in Wheatley, Oxfordshire.

He was also previously Deputy Chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, and until the end of December, is a registrant Council member of the General Medical Council and Chair of the Renumeration Committee.

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.”

Also commenting on Harnden’s appointment, the MHRA’s Chief Executive, Dr June Raine, said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Anthony Harnden as our new Chair. Anthony brings with him a wealth of experience from across the healthcare sector and academia that will be invaluable when advising on the strategic direction of the Agency to protect and promote public health.”