The itch that upset Christmas
And so it was, after freewheeling through airports, flying, train-hopping, and suitcase-dragging on the way to my family, I began coughing in a deafening, barking manner that made people worried my lungs might jump out of my throat.
How are new medicines approved?
If you have MS or any other chronic or acute illness, you might be dependent on pharmaceutical intervention at some stage. But, how exactly do your medicines arrive in your hands once they passed the clinical trials stage? The EMA (European Medicines Agency) own scientific committees will scientifically assess the clinical trial data. Once this stage is finished, the EMA gives independent recommendations on medicines. When they receive a green light, i.e. when the benefit of the medicine is greater than its risk, the EMA gives its approval to the EC, the European Commission. This means it can be authorised and can now be marketed across the European Union, including the EEC, the European Economic Area.
