Dr. Aljadhey Participates in the Annual International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) Summit in Brazil

The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, led the SFDA delegation at the annual International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) Summit, hosted by the Federative Republic of Brazil, from November 12 to 13.

Dr. Aljadhey co-chaired a panel discussion titled “Beyond Accelerated Pathways: Expanding Regulatory Strategies to Improve Patient Access to Essential Medicines” alongside Dr. Yasuhiro Fujiwara, the Chief Executive of Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). Leaders and representatives from drug regulatory authorities in Australia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom also participated in the panel.

The panel addressed the availability of medicines and the roles played by regulatory bodies in ensuring their effectiveness and safety. Possible solutions to enhance drug availability while achieving a balance between accessibility and safety were also discussed. The panel highlighted ICMRA’s valuable role in this field.

The ICMRA Summit featured several panel discussions that examined lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and future preparedness for potential global health emergencies.

This participation aims to strengthen the SFDA's roles on the international stage, enhance its position, increase alignment with peer organizations and international bodies, and operate within a global framework to anticipate future challenges and develop solutions that ensure public health.

The ICMRA is a global coalition of drug regulatory authorities, established in 2012, focused on enhancing international collaboration among regulatory bodies. It addresses challenges related to drug safety and the development of laws and regulations. The coalition comprises 34 countries, each represented by its respective drug authority.