Saudi FDA drug approvals and GMP inspections: trend analysis

Generics and biosimilars Initiative

Building trust in cost-effective treatments

Sign up
eng / esp

Saudi FDA drug approvals and GMP inspections: trend analysis

Generics/Research | Posted 22/05/2024 0 Post your comment

A GaBIJ Review Article entitled ‘Trends in Saudi FDA drug approvals and GMP inspections: an observational study’, was published by a group of authors, Alhomaidan et al., from Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) in October 2023 [1].

The pharmaceutical landscape in Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant growth in the past decade, with a surge in the number of approved medications and active ingredients. Regulatory bodies like the SFDA play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products through stringent oversight and inspections.

Alhomaidan et al., discuss the importance of regulating pharmaceuticals to prevent the use of unsafe or ineffective medications, which can have serious health implications. SFDA, established to oversee the pharmaceutical sector in Saudi Arabia, is responsible for ensuring the correctness, quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines, as well as regulating manufacturing facilities and the registration of products.

Good manufacturing practices (GMP) inspections are a key aspect of SFDA's regulatory activities, aimed at assessing compliance with international quality standards. The authors examine trends in SFDA approvals and GMP inspections from 2011 to 2020, highlighting the increasing number of medications approved annually and the common deficiencies found during inspections.

One significant finding is the reduction in review timelines by SFDA, which enables pharmaceutical companies to bring their products to market more quickly. However, despite improvements in review times, deficiencies identified during inspections remain a concern. The authors present data on the most frequent deficiencies observed, including issues related to production, premises and equipment, quality control, and personnel.

The discussion delves into specific chapters and annexes of GMP regulations where deficiencies are commonly found, such as production, premises and equipment, quality control, and validation. It emphasizes the importance of addressing these deficiencies to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Furthermore, the article underscores the need for continuous improvement and training within pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. By analyzing inspection reports and identifying common sources of errors, manufacturers can develop targeted training programme to address deficiencies and enhance product quality.

In conclusion, Alhomaidan et al. highlight the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products in Saudi Arabia. By addressing common deficiencies and investing in training initiatives, manufacturers can improve compliance with regulatory standards and maintain high-quality standards, ultimately benefiting public health and the reputation of the pharmaceutical industry.

Biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars: regulatory challenges for global harmonization of GMP standards

Global harmonization of GMP standards for biologicals

LATIN AMERICAN FORUM
The new section of the ‘Latin American Forum’ on GaBI has been launched. The objective of this new section is to provide you with all the latest news and updates on developments of generic and biosimilar medicines in Latin America in Spanish.

View the latest headline article: Bio-Thera y SteinCares firman acuerdo para comercializar dos biosimilares en LATAM

Browse the news in the Latin American Forum!

FORO LATINOAMERICANO
Se ha lanzado la nueva sección del ‘Foro Latinoamericano’ sobre GaBI. El objetivo de esta nueva sección es brindarle las últimas noticias y actualizaciones sobre desarrollos de medicamentos genéricos y biosimilares en América Latina en español.

Ver el último artículo de cabecera: Bio-Thera y SteinCares firman acuerdo para comercializar dos biosimilares en LATAM

!Explore las noticias en el Foro Latinoamericano!

Regístrese para recibir el boletín informativo GaBI Foro Latinoamericano. Informe a colegas y amigos sobre esta nueva iniciativa.

Reference
1. Alhomaidan AM, Alageel MA, Alrafie TA, et al. Trends in Saudi FDA drug approvals and GMP inspections: an observational study. Generics and Biosimilars Initiative Journal (GaBI Journal). 2023;12(3):78-86. dot: 10.5639/gabij.2023.1203.013

Permission granted to reproduce for personal and non-commercial use only. All other reproduction, copy or reprinting of all or part of any ‘Content’ found on this website is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publisher. Contact the publisher to obtain permission before redistributing.