Articles

1. Are there proposals for reform or significant change to the healthcare system? Pre-project Law No. 12 which revokes law 462 of March 18, 2025, which modifies, adds to, revokes articles of law 51 of December 27, 2005, which reforms the organic law of the social security fund and enacts other provisions.   2. When…
1. What is the authorization process for the marketing of new drugs, biologics, medical devices, over the-counter medications, and other medicinal products? In order to be placed on the Romanian market, a medicinal product needs a marketing authorization, which can be issued by NAMMD at local level (under the national evaluation procedure or under the…
Please describe the main cost containment policies in place in your country and their fundamental principles   a. Pricing and impact of generic/biosimilar approval The SFDA applies automatic price reductions for generics and biosimilars: The 1st generic is priced ≥35% lower than the originator. The 2nd generic is ≥55% lower. Additional generics must be ≥10%…
Are there any Managed entry agreements in place in your country? (If so, please list them) Yes, Saudi Arabia has implemented two types of Managed Entry Agreements (MEAs) under the Ministry of Health’s “Managed-Entry Agreement Policy” issued in January 2021. These include: A. Finance-based Price/Volume Agreement 1. Fundamentals & rationale The Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH)…
What are the pricing models, processes and principles for originator drugs? Originator drugs (innovator medicines) are priced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) following the principles outlined in its 2023 Drug Pricing Guidelines. The pricing process includes: External Reference Pricing (ERP): SFDA compares prices with a reference basket of 34 countries. Internal Reference…
In addition to the clinical data obtained through clinical studies please list the data required for   a. Market approval In addition to clinical trial data, the following documents are required for market authorization in Saudi Arabia: Quality/CMC Module: Includes full GMP certificates (PIC/S or WHO type) and a local QP release plan. Non-clinical studies:…
Which are the health technology assessment (HTA) evaluation bodies and their responsibilities in your country? The primary HTA authority is the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which hosts a dedicated HTA/Economic Evaluation Unit established in 2023. Its main responsibility is to evaluate clinical and economic evidence (EES) for: New chemical entities Biologics Re-pricing of…
1. What are the basic requirements to obtain patent and trademark protection? The basic requirements for obtaining a patent are the following:  Power of attorney granted by the applicant; no legalization nor notarization required Assignment Document legalized by Panamanian Consulate or Apostille Specifications, claims, abstract and drawings (if applicable).  If the applicant is a natural…
Orphan Drugs in Panama are regulated by Law No. 419 of February 1, 2024, Executive Decree No. 13 of March 1, 2023 and Executive Decree 1217 of December 7, 2015; Rare Diseases are regulated by Law 28 of October 28, 2014.   1. What is the definition of Rare Diseases in your country? Rare, less…
Cannabinoid Drugs 1. Are Cannabinoid Drugs authorized in your country? Cannabinoids are substances subject to national control for therapeutic, medical, veterinary, scientific and research use.    2. What are the regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over Cannabinoid Drugs? The regulatory authorities are the Pharmaceutical and Drug Department from the Ministry of Health and the  Ministry of…