The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to bolster collaboration in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical products sectors.
Signed in Korea, the MoU focuses on exchanging expertise between the UAE and Korea in crucial areas such as drug regulation, best practices, clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance. The goal is to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety in medical products.
The agreement was formalized by Dr. Fatima Mohammed Al Kaabi, Director-General of EDE, and Joon-Su Shin, General Director of the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, in the presence of officials from both organizations.
This MoU aims to expedite the registration process for pharmaceutical products in both nations by introducing a fast-track approval process for early-stage products that have received endorsements from international regulatory authorities, including those from the European Union, the United States, and Japan. This initiative is expected to shorten the timeline for bringing new treatments to market, ultimately benefiting patients by providing quicker access to innovative therapies.
Additionally, the agreement seeks to improve post-marketing surveillance systems to identify and address quality defects or safety concerns with medical products. This includes creating early warning mechanisms to detect counterfeit or defective products, ensuring prompt action to mitigate potential public health risks.
The MoU also facilitates the exchange of findings from clinical and non-clinical research, studies, and trials to enhance scientific and technological cooperation in drug development. This includes research focused on creating innovative biomedical drugs that meet the needs of communities in both countries.
Furthermore, the agreement outlines mutual training programs designed to enhance the skills of personnel within the pharmaceutical industry. It calls for regular visits to pharmaceutical facilities in both nations to share practical and technological experiences, emphasizing the importance of Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These initiatives aim to ensure compliance with international standards throughout all stages of production and distribution.
The MoU will also strengthen research and development efforts by establishing joint task forces to assess biological products and advanced medical equipment. The two parties will collaborate to share cutting-edge technologies and devise effective strategies for managing innovative medical products, including biopharmaceuticals and invasive medical equipment, thereby fostering increased innovation in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.
Additionally, joint scientific conferences and workshops will be organized to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance research and technological capabilities in areas of shared interest.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi remarked that the MoU lays a strategic foundation for a robust partnership focused on enhancing health and pharmaceutical cooperation between the UAE and Korea. She noted that it supports innovation, improves access to modern medicines, opens new avenues in the pharmaceutical industry, and develops effective control systems to ensure the safety of medical products. The agreement aims to enhance the quality of life and promote sustainable health.
Dr. Al Kaabi emphasized that the MoU aligns with EDE’s strategy to advance the health sector and expand its international partnerships, reflecting the leadership’s vision to foster cooperation across various vital domains.
EDE is committed to further integrating with international counterparts to provide innovative and safe medical products that improve community well-being. “The MoU serves as a framework for exchanging research findings and organizing field visits and training programs to enhance the efficiency of specialized professionals,” she added.
