The National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) plays a major role both nationally and internationally in assuring the quality of biological medicines. It develops reference materials, does product control testing and carries out research. It advises pharmaceutical manufacturers, national regulatory authorities, the UK government, the EU, World Health Organisation and United Nations. It advances global health and furthers the UK’s global status in medical research. It began its work in 1972. In 2013 it became part of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (see above). It is the UK’s official National Control Laboratory which means it is responsible for carrying out independent batch release testing of biological medicines.
