Human Pharmacology New Training Programmes for all involved in Phase I
The Faculty is now enrolling trainees on to its new training programmes in Human Pharmacology.
The Diploma in Human Pharmacology is a two-year programme of structured training and an examination for medical doctors intending to work as investigators for studies involving the first administrations of potential new medicines to humans.
The Certificate in Human Pharmacology is a part-time programme of courses and an examination for scientists in the pharmaceutical industry, universities and regulatory authorities who have an interest in early clinical drug development.
Dr Susan Bews, President of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine:
As with all clinical trials, the safety of participants, whether healthy volunteers or patients, is paramount. The Diploma and Certificate programmes will help to provide the high standards of training required by those responsible for these studies.
Professor Sally Davies, Director of NHS R&D:
Human pharmacology studies are a critically important step in the development of new medicines. They provide the bridge between translational medicine and clinical research, in which the Department of Health is already investing heavily. We are pleased to support the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine in its initiative to provide these training programmes and qualifications.
Professor Sir Gordon Duff, Chairman of the Commission on Human Medicines, who led an Expert Scientific Group to make recommendations to the Department of Health on how the safety of Phase I trials can be increased:
The training of human pharmacologists has become an increasing priority. Human Pharmacology is a multi-disciplinary area, which underpins the development of new medicines and their rational use in medical practice. Both the Academy of Medical Sciences and the ABPI have urged investment in human pharmacology and the Expert Scientific Group emphasised the need for validated higher qualifications. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine is, therefore, to be congratulated for introducing objective quality standards of training with its new Diploma and Certificate in Human Pharmacology. This important initiative will be to the benefit of public health.