The Drug Information Association (DIA), a leader in the life sciences sector, is hosting its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) conference in Cairo, in collaboration with the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA). This significant event brings together regulators, industry leaders, government officials, academics, and patient advocates from across the MENA region and beyond to discuss innovative strategies for enhancing cooperation and improving patient access to treatments.
The conference aims to address the challenges faced by regulatory authorities in licensing medicines at the regional level, exploring the latest developments and strategies. It includes case studies and insights from esteemed regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which have implemented similar strategies successfully.
Marwan Fathallah, Executive Director of the DIA, expressed pride in hosting the DIA MENA Congress alongside the EDA, emphasizing the value this partnership adds to regional health systems. “The DIA Congress exemplifies our mission, providing a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and solutions among key stakeholders, including health authorities, industry leaders, academia, and patients,” Fathallah stated.
Dr. Ali Al-Ghamrawi, Head of the EDA, highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation between the EDA and the DIA. He underscored the strategic partnership’s role in enhancing pharmaceutical industry practices in Egypt, improving clinical trials, and ensuring the quality and safety of medicines. Dr. Al-Ghamrawi also pointed out the promising investment opportunities in Egypt’s pharmaceutical sector, reflecting the EDA’s commitment to supporting industry localization and encouraging both local and international investments.
The conference’s opening session will feature representatives from regional regulatory bodies, discussing their achievements and priorities. Special attention will be given to the Egyptian Drug Authority’s recent developments and its alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Panel discussions throughout the conference will address topics such as digital transformation, the use of electronic common technical documents (eCTDs) in marketing applications, new guidance on supply chains, and national plans for treating rare diseases. Additionally, the conference will explore the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of the medical product lifecycle, despite its largely unregulated status in the region.
This conference marks a pivotal step in advancing pharmaceutical innovation and cooperation across the MENA region, setting the stage for future developments in healthcare and regulatory practices.
