European Medicines Agency (EMA)
The EIWH is a member of the Patient and Consumer Working Party of the
European Medicines Agency (EMA). This group provides recommendations to EMA human scientific committees on all matters of interest to patients in relation to medicinal products.
The European Medicines Agency is the European Union (EU) body responsible for the scientific evaluation and approval of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies. The EMA centrally reviews and approves innovative medicinal products, based on the clinical trial data supplied by the applicant organisation. This approval process is strictly defined and regulated by EU legislation. Once approved, the medicinal product receives a marketing authorisation for use in the EU and
European Economic Area (EEA).
EMA interacts with patient and consumer organisations
The EMA Human Scientific Committees’ Working Party with Patients’ and
Consumers’ Organisations (PCWP) was established in 2005 to provide
recommendations to the EMA and its Human Scientific Committees on all matters of direct or indirect interest to patients in relation to medicinal products.
As users of the medicines patients and consumers have specific knowledge and expertise to offer. The EMA is committed to maintaining a strong relationship with these key stakeholders in the work of the Agency.
Why is the work of the EMA important to women?
Women are some of the heaviest users of medicines, starting early with birth control pills and across their lifespan as longevity champions. Additionally, due to women’s reproductive and caring role in society, women have a specific interest in, but also knowledge to offer about medicines use for themselves and their families.
For more information about the EMA and the Patient and Consumer Working Party please see: