Medicines are indispensable in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Therefore, it is important that they are effective, safe and of high quality. RIVM is committed to this in various ways. It analyses medicines, conducts scientific research and provides advice to policymakers. On this page we outline RIVM’s role and tasks.
Policy advice
RIVM provides advice to policymakers, such as ministries, about the whole pharmaceutical chain. For example, about the quality, safety and sustainability of medicines, their laws and regulations and shortages of medicines. We do this independently and jointly with national and international partners. In addition, RIVM closely monitors trends and developments and provides advice about these.
Would you like to know more? More information: Policy advice. There you will also find recent publications and projects in which RIVM is involved.
Quality and control
RIVM monitors the quality of medicines in the Netherlands. Operating as an Official Medicines Control Laboratory, we carry out tests to ensure that medicines comply with quality requirements established in the law. We conduct batch release for blood products and vaccines, monitor the chemical quality of medicines on behalf of the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, and investigate illegal medicines. We also contribute to European quality standards through the European Pharmacopoeia.
More information: Quality and control
Medicines & Sustainability
The sustainability of medicines and of the entire chain around are current topics of interest. RIVM conducts research into the impact of medicines on the environment. We also provide advice about how different stages, such as development, production and use, can become more sustainable.
More information: Medicines & sustainability.
New research methods
Medicines must be safe. Currently, safety is mainly tested through animal research. New knowledge and techniques enable animal-free research methods. RIVM plays a role in these developments.
More information: New research methods.