In April 2013, it merged with the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) and was rebranded, with the MHRA identity being used solely for the regulatory centre within the group.

[8] In response to a Freedom of Information request, in 2022 the MHRA stated that approximately £3 million had been received from the Gates Foundation for a number of initiatives spanning several financial years.

[38] The government suspended the scheme the following week, citing risks arising from high prevalence of the virus and higher rates of transmission of a new variant.

[39] In July 2023, MHRA began a consultation to reclassify cough syrups containing codeine (an opiate) as prescription-only medicines, in response to a rise in recreational drug abuse cases since 2018.

[40] In 2005, the MHRA was criticised by the House of Commons Health Committee for, among other things, lacking transparency,[41] and for inadequately checking drug licensing data.

Released in 2020, the report highlighted the suffering of thousands of patients who experienced complications from treatments such as pelvic mesh implants, sodium valproate, and Primodos.

It criticized MHRA's failure to adequately respond to these issues, calling for improved patient safety measures, better regulation of medical devices, and increased support for those affected.

[45] The COVID Response & Recovery APPG wrote to Stephen Brine, chairperson of the Health Select Committee, in October 2023 raising concerns about serious failures by MHRA and demanding an urgent investigation.