Anthony Harnden begins role as MHRA chair, outlines key priorities

Professor Harnden succeeds Stephen Lightfoot, who served as MHRA chair from September 2020 until stepping down in 2023

Professor Anthony Harnden has officially commenced his role as chair of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

During his first 100 days, Professor Harnden plans to engage extensively with MHRA staff and partner organisations to gain a strong understanding of “how to drive forward the strategic direction of the MHRA to maintain the UK as a global centre of excellence in life sciences, in the best interests of patients and the public.”

The new MHRA chair has highlighted three primary areas of focus:

• Protect patient safety through robust safety surveillance systems
• Embrace risk-proportionate regulation
• Foster an inclusive workplace where people flourish.

With a 40-year career in the NHS, including 33 years as a general practitioner in Wheatley, Oxfordshire, Professor Harnden brings a wealth of experience to the role.

He is a professor of primary care at the University of Oxford. Until December 2024, he was also a registrant council member of the General Medical Council and chair of the Remuneration Committee.

Notably, as deputy chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Professor Harnden played a critical role in maintaining public trust and patient safety during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Anthony Harnden was announced as the new MHRA Chair in November 2024 by the Department of Health and Social Care

Speaking on his appointment, he 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.

“I will use my experience in healthcare and regulation to help the MHRA deliver its strategic priorities - keeping patients safe and enabling timely access to new medicines and technologies.”

Professor Harnden succeeds Stephen Lightfoot, who served as MHRA chair from September 2020 until stepping down in 2023.