SFDA And OIC Collaborate With WHO To Strengthen Regulatory Systems For Medicines

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) recently held a virtual workshop in partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This event was part of efforts to enhance cooperation and regulatory capacities, as outlined in the Riyadh Declaration from the third meeting of National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) in OIC member states.

The workshop, titled "Strengthening Regulatory Systems: The SFDA’s Path to ML4 Compliance with WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) - Achievements and Lessons Learned," attracted 200 specialists from 57 OIC member states. It aimed to establish a unified international standard for evaluating national regulatory systems for medicines and vaccines.

During the session, the SFDA shared its journey in improving regulatory systems to ensure timely access to high-quality medicines. The authority addressed challenges posed by substandard and falsified products, showcasing its commitment to public health safety.

Saudi Arabia has reached Maturity Level 4 (ML4) of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT), marking it as the first country in the region and third globally to achieve this status. This accomplishment enables the SFDA to act as a reference body for medical product approvals.

The workshop provided an overview of the GBT framework and its maturity levels. Participants discussed international experiences, exchanged insights, and explored opportunities for technical collaboration. This open dialogue aimed at fostering practical solutions among member states.

The initiative aligns with the Riyadh Declaration's emphasis on enhancing cooperation among OIC member states. By sharing experiences and lessons learned, participants aimed to strengthen their regulatory systems collectively.

This collaborative effort underscores Saudi Arabia's leadership in advancing regulatory standards within the region. The SFDA's achievements serve as a model for other countries striving for excellence in medicine regulation.

With inputs from SPA