Article 20: Methodology for determining the evidentiary value of a signal

1.   National competent authorities, marketing authorisation holders and the Agency shall determine the evidentiary value of a signal by using a recognised methodology taking into account the clinical relevance, quantitative strength of the association, the consistency of the data, the exposure–response relationship, the biological plausibility, experimental findings, possible analogies and the nature and quality of the data.

2.   Different types of factors may be taken into account for the prioritisation of signals, in particular whether the association or medicinal product is new, factors related to the strength of the association, factors related to the seriousness of the reaction involved and factors related to the documentation of reports to the Eudravigilance database.

3.   The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee shall regularly review the methodology(ies) used and publish recommendations, as appropriate.