The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) has elected Dr Violeta Stoyanova-Beninska as its new chair for a three-year mandate. She follows Professor Bruno Sepodes who served as COMP chair for two three-year terms, the maximum number allowed.

Dr Stoyanova-Beninska has been working since 2007 at the Dutch national competent authority, the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB), as a senior clinical assessor. She has strong expertise in neurology, psychiatry, and ophthalmological, dermatological and pain management.

She has been involved in EMA activities since 2009, first in the Scientific Advice Working Party (SAWP) and since 2012 as a member of the COMP.

“I cherish the unique responsibility the COMP has in the interest of patients suffering from rare diseases. Building on what has been achieved over the past 18 years since the COMP was established, I will work closely with all committee members and experts, building on the high professionalism and the collaborative spirit in the committee,” said Violeta Stoyanova-Beninska. “Orphan medicines have their specific challenges which we shall tackle involving all stakeholders. As chair, I would like to contribute to reinforcing the COMP’s interaction and communication with other scientific committees at EMA and also with international partners.”

More information is available at this link.