Portugal's Pharmacy Association launches Ethics Commission for Pharmacy Research

The Associação Nacional das Farmácias (ANF) formally established the Comissão de Ética para a Saúde das Farmácias Portuguesas (CESFP) on 28 July. The independent, multidisciplinary, consultative body is tasked with safeguarding the highest ethical standards in research and care conducted within community pharmacies.

CESFP, composed of eleven members and chaired by Amílcar Falcão with Jaime Correia de Sousa as vice‑chair, will address issues such as participant protection, data confidentiality, informed consent, secondary use of data and conflicts of interest. By leveraging the close relationship community pharmacies have with millions of Portuguese citizens, the commission aims to support scientific innovation while ensuring ethical integrity.

The creation of CESFP reflects the growing role of Portuguese pharmacies in generating real‑world health evidence and underscores the sector’s commitment to responsible research practices.