Articles

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…
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 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…
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)…
1. What is the authorization process for the marketing of new drugs, biologics, medical devices, over the-counter medications, and other medicinal products? To obtain authorization to develop and market a product, each product must obtain a sanitary registration before the Ministry of Health.  STEPS A. Drugs and Biological and medicinal products Before the application for…
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…
The legal framework for product liability 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 types of liability are recognized in your jurisdiction? Contractual and extracontractual responsibility. These can be administrative, civil, or criminal…
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…
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…
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…