UK's HPA widens remit with top biologics R&D and standards body
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The UK's National Institute of Biological Standards (NIBSC) is to merge with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in April 2009. The move will broaden the HPA's remit to cover safety in relation to the development and use of biological products, including those involving blood and tissues. The NISBC, which was behind the creation of the UK Stem Cell Bank, runs a "broad and vibrant research programme", produces "almost all the world's" international standards for biologics safety and effectiveness, and is said to be pre-eminent in areas of emerging importance, such as the H5N1 "avian flu" virus. The NIBSC's director, Stephen Inglis, spoke of the plans during the HPA's annual conference (University of Warwick, September 15-17).