The Pharma Legal Handbook: Asia Growth & Transition Market
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Articles
Panama AFRA June 2019
Orphan Drugs & Rare Diseases: Panama
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…
Which are the administrations, bodies and institutions in charge of public health in your country and what are their respective responsibilities? The Ministry of Health (MOH) is the primary body responsible for public health in Saudi Arabia. It sets national health policies, issues licenses to healthcare providers (public and private), oversees public hospitals and primary…
Saudi Arabia Youssry Saleh Law Firm June 2019
Post Market-Approval Processes and Regulations: Saudi Arabia
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…
Panama AFRA June 2019
Regulatory Reforms: Panama
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…
Preclinical & Clinical Trials in Panama are regulated by Law 78 November 20, 2003; Law 84 of May 14, 2019; Executive Decree 1110 June 6, 2012; Resolution No. 512 of June 28, 2019; Executive Decree 1843 December 16, 2014. 1. Are clinical trials required to be conducted locally as a condition (stated or implicit)…
Saudi Arabia Youssry Saleh Law Firm June 2019
Expenditure Control and Cost-Containment Policies: Saudi Arabia
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%…
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…
Which are the main actors involved in public procurement and tendering? In Saudi Arabia, the main actors in the public procurement and tendering process for pharmaceuticals include: NUPCO (National Unified Procurement Company): Acts as the central purchasing agent for the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Defense, National Guard, and universities. SFDA (Saudi Food and…
A brief overview of the situation regarding traditional medicines and OTC products in Panama. Prepared in association with AFRA, a leading global law firm, this is an extract from The Pharma Legal Handbook: Panama, available to purchase here for GBP 99. 1. What are the regulatory requirements for traditional, herbal, complementary, or alternative medicines and devices?…
Panama AFRA June 2019
Patents and Trademarks: Panama
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…
