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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…
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…
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.Please make a general introduction to the public health sector in your country and its organization Saudi Arabia provides universal health coverage primarily funded by the government through a tax-based model. The healthcare system is organized in a tiered structure led by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which operates: • Over 287 public hospitals •…
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…
Have local authorities published recommendations surrounding value assessment dossiers? (If yes please add link) Yes. The SFDA published the Economic Evaluation Studies Guideline (PDF, July 10, 2024), which outlines comprehensive methods and includes a checklist. Followed by the Pharmacoeconomic Submission Portal Manual (January 2025), detailing dossier preparation and submission protocols.   Have local Authorities published…
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…
What are the pricing models, processes and principles for originator drugs? Drugs are provided by a medical institution or pharmacy to a patient based on the NHI Drug Price (a patient pays 10%, 20% or 30% (depending on age and other conditions) of the NHI Drug Price). As detailed in Question I. 2. a. above,…
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?…