EMA warned of potential “conflicts of interest” involving former exec director

Publication date: 
Monday, February 28, 2011
Author: 
Lynne Taylor
Media title: 
PharmaTimes

The European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s decision to allow its former executive director, Thomas Lonngren, to take up an advisory role within the private pharmaceutical sector - just weeks after leaving his position at EMA - risks conflicts of interest, campaigners have claimed.

Excerpt: 

“When former EU Commission officials pass through the revolving door - as happens frequently - it is essential that clear checks are made to ensure they are not exploiting their knowledge and contacts to benefit the private sector. All too often such conflicts of interest appear to be overlooked, showing that tougher rules and more rigorous enforcement are required,” says ALTER-EU Alliance spokesman Olivier Hoedeman.