Policy Centre and WHO Collaborating Centre

Since March 2008, the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology at Utrecht University hosts the Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation. The Centre was established to create innovative synergies between the methods and contents of pharmacoepidemiology and pharmaceutical policy analysis, with the aim to provide new and innovative answers to public health questions. The Division is uniquely positioned to address these answers because of its strong scientific and independent record in pharmacoepidemiology, its expertise in a broad range of clinical areas, its strong international network encompassing scientific institutions, regulatory bodies, and NGOs, and its experience in evaluating pharmaceutical policies.

The Centre today

At the Centre, we are committed to developing innovative methods for independent policy research, crafting evidence-based policy scenarios, and driving conceptual advancements in pharmaceutical policy analysis, regulatory science and health technology assessment. We deliver training courses on these topics both in the Netherlands and internationally, offering conferences, summer courses, and tailored educational programs in pharmaceutical policy, regulatory science and health technology assessment.

We also provide scientific advice to third parties, including public health authorities, NGOs, and academic institutions, focusing on pharmaceutical policy issues, regulatory issues and HTA. Through collaborations with WHO and other international partners, we engage in joint research initiatives to improve the use of medicines. One of our key initiatives is the annual organization of a Pharmaceutical Policy Analysis summer course which aims to provide students and professionals with insights into current developments in pharmaceutical policymaking and a deeper understanding of regulatory science, HTA, and methods for analysing policy interventions.

WHO Collaborating Centre

As a WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, we support WHO’s mission to enhance access to essential medicines and health technologies. Through our research and development of new methodologies, we address global challenges in pharmaceutical systems and access to medicines. Our key functions include building capacities for the development, implementation, and monitoring of pharmaceutical pricing policies, conducting research on price transparency, and fostering expert networks in pricing and policymaking. Additionally, we work closely with WHO headquarters, other WHO Collaborating Centres, and a diverse range of public stakeholders to advance pharmaceutical policies and ensure better access to medicines worldwide.