No further tests for FDA-approved PH medicines

Locally made medicines deemed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be effective and safe for public consumption would no longer undergo further testing in other Southeast Asian countries after the agency was officially recognized as a listed inspection service in the region.

Under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Good Manufacturing Practices for Medicinal Products, certifications and inspection reports issued by the FDA to drug manufacturers would now be recognized by other listed regulatory agencies. Currently, four countries are part of the MRA. —Jovic Yee