The Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP)
The Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products was created in 2000 within EMA, the European Medicines Agency.
Activities & role
The principal task of this committee is to examine applications for the designation of Orphan Medicinal Product.
In addition to this role, Committee also:
- advises the European Commission on the development of policies and guidelines concerning orphan drugs in Europe
- assists the EU Commission by liaising internationally on matters related to Orphan drugs and by liaising with patient support groups
Membership and Eurordis representation
Headquartered in London, the COMP today is chaired by Kerstin Westermark, with Birthe Byskov Holm (Eurordis) serving as Vice-Chairperson.
The Committee is composed of:
- 1 member nominated by each EU Member State
- 3 patients' organisations representatives (2 seats held by Eurordis)
- 3 members nominated on the recommendation of the EMA. The official nomination of these last 6 members is done by the Commission.
- other members are listed on the COMP website >
In addition to voting members, a number of Observers attend COMP meetings, including two Eurordis representatives.
Eurordis representation at COMP:
Mrs. Birthe Byskov Holm is a Eurordis nominated Patient Representative
Current mandate: July 2009 – 2012
Vice-chair of COMP
Danish Osteogenesis Imperfecta Association
Mrs. Lesley Greene is a Eurordis 
nominated Patient Representative
Current mandate: July 2009 – 2012
Vice-president of CLIMB
Dr. Maria Mavris, Eurordis Observer
Dr. Fabrizia Bignami, Eurordis Observer
For further information:
Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products
Scientific Advice & Orphan Drugs
Pre-authorisation
Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use
7 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf
London E14 4 HB
United Kingdom
Tel: + (44-20) 74 18 84 00
Fax: + (44-20) 75 23 70 40
e-mail: info@ema.europa.eu
Website:
Information about the COMP is available on the EMA website.
Author: Eurordis
Photos & graphics: © EMA
