Who We Are
Established in 1981, the Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU) monitors, studies and communicates the safety of medicines in order to protect the public from untoward and unwanted side-effects of new medicines. The DSRU’s activities are principally concerned with pharmacovigilance, that is, the detection of side-effects associated with newly marketed drugs. The DSRU undertakes all forms of research studies and evaluations of the safety of medicines and provides education and training in pharmacovigilance and related subjects.
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 continues to maintain 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 its 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 regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical industry worldwide.
As a registered independent medical charity, its aim is to achieve the highest possible scientific and ethical standards, by putting the interests of patients first and to work with integrity and fairness with all our partners.