A University of Oxford professor has been appointed chair of the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Professor Anthony Harnden, of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, said it is an "honour" to take on the role at the agency that regulates medical devices, medicines, and blood components for transfusion.

He succeeds Stephen Lightfoot, who stepped down in 2023 having served since September 2020.

Professor Harnden joined the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences in 1992 and has worked for the NHS for 40 years, including 33 years as a GP in Wheatley.

He has also previously served as the deputy chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

He said: "It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed by ministers to be the next MHRA chair.

"I am looking forward to making a contribution to the future successes of the organisation.

"I will use my experience in healthcare and regulation to help the MHRA deliver its strategic priorities – keeping patients safe and enabling timely access to new medicines and technologies."

He will play a key role in driving forward the strategic direction of the MHRA to maintain the UK as a global centre of excellence in life sciences.

Health minister Karin Smyth said: "I am delighted to welcome Anthony, who brings a wealth of regulatory and healthcare experience.

"The MHRA plays a vital role in ensuring the safe use of medicines, medical devices, and blood transfusions across the UK and I look forward to working with Anthony as we reform our health service and make it fit for the future."

Dr June Raine, MHRA chief executive, said: "We are delighted to welcome Professor Anthony Harnden as our new chair.

"Anthony brings with him a wealth of experience from across the healthcare sector and academia that will be invaluable when advising on the strategic direction of the agency to protect and promote public health."

Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, head of department at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, added: "Anthony is a fantastic choice to chair the MHRA as he brings a wealth of clinical, academic, and regulatory expertise to the role.

"He is widely respected, not least because of the vitally important role he played in serving as deputy chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Anthony’s open, inclusive, and transparent approach to leadership will prove invaluable in developing the strategic direction of the MHRA to ensure that it remains a thought leader in enabling the life sciences to promote public health."