The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is hosting the third meeting of the Heads of National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) of OIC Member States. Under the theme “Advancing Medicine Regulation and R&D Ecosystems: Pathways to Regulatory Maturity,” the meeting will take place on December 17-18 at the SFDA headquarters in Riyadh.

The meeting will be convened under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, CEO of the SFDA, with the attendance of heads and representatives of NMRAs from OIC member states. Participants and representatives from regional and international organizations, will also be present.

By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, OIC member states aim to enhance the effectiveness of medicine regulation, ensuring equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality medicines. The meeting will also focus on strengthening cooperation among national regulatory authorities to safeguard public health and safety, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key agenda items include the OIC’s action plan for fostering collaboration among NMRA representatives; strategies to promote regulatory harmonization and coordination; the regulation and localization of biotechnology; advancing a robust R&D ecosystem; and ensuring access to affordable, high-quality medicines and vaccines.

With this initiative, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global health and its role in driving innovation and excellence in the field of medicine regulation.