On April 20, 2004, Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released a draft Bill to amend Singapore Medicines Act. The Bill will improve Singapore standing in the medical industry through better protection of pharmaceutical patents. It will also help attract more research-based pharmaceutical... Read More
Three major agencies responsible for drug and medical device approval in Japan merged into one organization called the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), on April 1, 2004. Previously, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Evaluation Center (PMDEC), Organization of Pharmaceutical Safety and... Read More
Increasing drug prices in Vietnam prompted Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MoH) to adopt a series of measures to efficiently control drug prices and drug imports and stabilize the country’s pharmaceutical market. Beginning in June 2004, foreign pharmaceutical companies holding operating licenses in... Read More
On June 1, 2004, Hong Kong’s Department of Health launched the Center for Health Protection (CHP) under the recommendation from the SARS Expert Committee Report. The CHP will help strengthen Hong Kong’s ability to prevent and control communicable diseases. In order to... Read More
In May 2004, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health announced the drafting of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act. This Act will provide guidelines to better regulate traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practices in Malaysia by integrating them into the country’s National Healthcare System.... Read More
After conducting several recent investigations into medicine labeling habits of pharmacies in Taiwan, the Taiwan Department of Health (DOH) found that some pharmacies are failing to comply with the labeling requirements. Currently, several associations in Taiwan are establishing programs to provide additional... Read More
When applying for a Certificate for Clinical Trial/Medicinal Test in Hong Kong, a summary of the pre-clinical studies (or alternate similar information) is now required as part of the application packet. The registration and payment may be submitted Monday through Friday, between... Read More
The race is on among foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers to meet the needs of Japan’s increasingly aging female population. Demand for treatments for osteoporosis, breast cancer, and other post-menopausal ailments is expected to grow in line with the rising number of women suffering... Read More
In response to concerns about the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical manufacturing in China, the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) will require Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) authentication for all Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturers. The regulation goes into effect on July 1, 2004,... Read More
In a move to ensure standards of quality, efficacy and safety in medical products, India’s Central Drug Standard Control Organization has revised its guidelines on bioequivalence and bioavailability for pharmaceuticals. The revisions will become part of Schedule Y of the Drugs and... Read More