Pharmaco-epidemiology is defined as the study of the impact of medications in general (or of a particular medication) on the population, when used in real life conditions.
This relatively recent evaluation science relies much more upon epidemiological evaluation techniques than on clinical ones. Pharmaco-epidemiology grew with the changing scope of drug evaluation during the late 1990s. With the arrival of increasingly specific and innovative molecules, the need for evaluations of safe drug use became more and more important.
The clinical development of these innovative drugs corresponds primarily to their demonstrated effectiveness. However, their evaluation after marketing and actual use ensures their safe use. Following increased demand from French drug regulation authorities, the pharmaco-epidemiology industry also evaluates the conditions of use and adherence to strict usage constraints of these drugs.
As a result, pharmaco-epidemiology has asserted itself as an indisputable science in the evaluation of medicines using constantly innovating techniques.
Paradoxically, it is an investigative domain subject to very few guidelines, leaving room for methodological and operational considerations. Gradually, pharmaceutical firms are organizing and implementing specialized structures. At the same time, regulatory authorities are learning how best to organize themselves to evaluate proposed project studies and shared partners within the pharmaceutical industry are specializing in pharmaco-epidemiology. Authorities responsible for drug regulation are also forming specialised subcommittees.
The UPE conferences were created within this context, in 2004, in the hope of creating a solid foundation for future development in this field...
 |
UPE MEMBERS ONLY |
