Europe: First Paediatric Use Marketing Authorisation (PUMA) is granted
11/9/2011
The first ever children’s medicine to hold a new paediatric use marketing authorisation (PUMA) has been granted by the European Commission.
The medicine, Buccolam, is now specifically licensed for children aged three months to 18 years to treat severe convulsions and epileptic seizures.
The news is a landmark in the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA’s) ongoing campaign to improve the quality, safety and efficacy of children’s medicines available in the UK.
The MHRA has been advocating the increased availability of specific children’s-only medicines for several years in recognition that many adult medicines are offered to children in cut-down doses.
Author: Greer Deal, Director of Global Regulatory Services (GRS)