EMEA Restructures

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) unveiled several changes to the organization on Dec. 8, 2009, including a new structure and visual identity, according to an agency press release.
 
One primary structural change involves integrating human pre- and postauthorization activities into one unit “to guarantee seamless lifecycle-management of medicines,” says the release. Also, a group will be dedicated to the management of product data and documentation to help improve the efficiency of data-management processes throughout the agency.
 
This is the second time EMEA has undergone restructuring. Since its establishment in 1995, the agency’s “responsibilities and tasks have grown, giving it a stronger role in the protection of public and animal health in Europe,” according to the release. “All of this has been underpinned by the creation of additional scientific committees and advisory groups, which bring with them the need for enhanced coordination and support. Legislative proposals currently being considered by the European Parliament and Council are expected to bring further responsibilities to the Agency.”
 
As part of the agency’s new visual, or public, identity, EMEA will launch a new website in the coming months. The site is expected to be easier for the public to use and designed to meet readers’ needs. Also of note, from now on, EMEA will be known as EMA.