The Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU) is an independent registered charity (No. 327206) associated with the University of Portsmouth whose work is principally concerned with pharmacovigilance, the detection of side-effects associated with newly marketed drugs. In England, the DSRU is unique as an academic and independent unit which operates outside of the government’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) or any other government office. We have, throughout our existence, developed powerful links with doctors in general practice and their invaluable support maintains important and progressive achievement.

Our specific technique, known as Prescription-Event Monitoring (PEM), generates signals which, through pharmacoepidemiology, can be investigated in order to determine relevant concerns over drug safety. The Unit’s academic excellence is demonstrated through it’s production of publications in international peer reviewed journals since 1980.

In this way, the DSRU makes significant, valuable contributions in the area of post marketing surveillance of pharmaceutical products and through its activities, has achieved both recognition and endorsement by the pharmaceutical industry, world-wide.