
What is the European Agency for the evaluation of medicinal products?
The EMA, formerly called the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products, is the European Union’s equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What is the difference between the FDA and the EMA?
I think that for medicinal products the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has the rôle that the FDA has in the USA, and for food products it is the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
What is the difference between the EU and the FDA?
The important difference between the EU and the FDA is that the FDA is only one “agency” for only one country. In the U.S., all aspects of public health are governed by the FDA laws plus.
What is the FDA 21 CFR Part 11 European equivalent?
Annex 11 is the FDA 21 CFR part 11 European equivalent. It is a guidance system for electronic records and electronic signatures in the pharmaceutical industry. Annex 11 and FDA 21 CFR are two essential resources available to regulated life-science professionals regarding the validation of computer systems.

Is the EMA better than the FDA?
However, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the FDA actually approves more drugs, at a faster rate, than the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the equivalent drug approval agency in Europe.
Does the EU have an FDA?
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralized agency of the European Union (EU) whose goal is to promote and protect human and animal health. The EMA is the European Union’s equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Does Europe follow FDA regulations?
Whereas the United States has always relied on a strictly centralized process through 1 agency, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Commission synchronized the regulations of 28 different countries as they combined to create the European Union.
What is the FDA equivalent in the UK?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory AgencyThe Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regulates medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion in the UK. MHRA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
What is the difference between EU and FDA approval?
The FDA historically developed as a consumer protection agency, whereas the regulations from the European Commission arose out of a need to harmonize inter-state commercial interests while preserving national “autonomy.” Thus, whereas the FDA has the advantages of centralization and common rules, the European Union …
What is the FDA equivalent in Germany?
BfArMThe Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte or BfArM) is the medical device regulatory authority in Germany.
What are the differences between EU and FDA GMP?
Tracking & Trending and Key Process Indicators (KPIs) So the EU will have an eye on quality metrics data mainly in the course of GMP inspections whereas the FDA has a different approach: The draft “Submission of Quality Metrics Data Guidance for Industry” was issued in November 2016.
Who regulates drugs in Europe?
The motto of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is “Science Medicines Health.” These three words signify the mission of EMA: to make science-based decisions, to regulate medicines, and to promote human and animal health.
Who approves drug in Europe?
A major step in harmonisation was taken in 1993 with the Council Regulation (EEC) 2309/93,7 which established the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products, now known as the European Medicines Agency.
Is MHRA equivalent to FDA?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America (US) are the regulatory authorities (collectively, the regulatory authorities) with responsibility in their respective countries for the authorization, …
Is MHRA similar to FDA?
FDA – Food and Drug Administration, USA Similarly to the MHRA in the UK, the FDA is the medical regulatory body in the USA and is responsible for the licensing of medications depending on their efficacy following clinical trials.
What is China FDA called?
the National Medical Products AdministrationDrugs and medical devices are overseen by the former China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) now the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), which reports to the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR).
Who approves drugs in EU?
While the majority of new, innovative medicines are evaluated by EMA and authorised by the European Commission in order to be marketed in the EU, most generic medicines and medicines available without a prescription are assessed and authorised at national level in the EU.
Which countries have FDA?
The FDA has a number of field offices across the United States, in addition to international locations in China, India, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Is there an FDA for other countries?
FDA has MRAs in place with the EU and the United Kingdom, respectively. FDA and the EU have collaborated since May 2014 to evaluate the ways in which each regulator inspects drug manufacturers and assesses the risk and benefits of mutual recognition of drug inspections.
Who regulates drugs in Europe?
The motto of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is “Science Medicines Health.” These three words signify the mission of EMA: to make science-based decisions, to regulate medicines, and to promote human and animal health.
What is the role of the European Union in the FDA?
Promoting FDA’s safety and efficacy standards and the advancement of FDA’s international objectives that contribute to improvements in global public health ; Supporting the U.S. Inter agency Mission to the European Union to ensure the coordination of U.S. government activities that are related to FDA equities. The Europe Office has staff located in:
What is the relationship between the FDA and the EFSA?
FDA and EFSA interactions are varied and involve exchanges of information, monitoring of developments on topics related to human and animal food safety, and collaborations in international forums. The Europe Office continues to work to strengthen relations with EFSA and facilitate scientific and technical cooperation in areas of benefit to FDA.
What is parallel scientific advice?
Parallel Scientific Advice (PSA) for Human Medicinal Products – FDA and EMA have created a mechanism for EMA assessors and FDA reviewers to concurrently exchange their views on scientific issues, with sponsors, during the developmental phase of new medicinal products ( i.e., new human drugs and biologics). Sponsors wishing to nominate a product for PSA, follow this link for more information.
What is EMA fellowship?
EMA, on its part, hosted four FDA colleagues for “fellowships” in scientific advice collaboration in oncology, complex generics, biomarker-based drug development, and risk assessment strategies for facility inspections.
What is the MRA?
Pharmaceutical Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)– The culmination of 5 years of close collaboration between FDA, EU and MS, the US and EU may now rely on each other’s pharmaceutical GMP inspections, freeing up valuable regulatory resources. The Europe Office serves a critical role in conducting capability assessments and facilitating other steps necessary to establish and implement MRA processes. For more information about the MRA, see: FDA MRA resource pageand FDA Voices blog, “Ensuring Patient Safety and Drug Manufacturing Quality Through Partnership with European Union Regulators.”
When will the EU food law be revised?
EU’s General Food Law Reform– Earlier in 2019 , the EU revised its General Food Law Regulation with the goal of increasing transparency of the EU risk assessment in the food chain, strengthening the reliability, objectivity and independence of the studies used by EFSA, and revisiting the governance of EFSA in order to ensure its long-term sustainability. The new provisions will become applicable on March 27, 2021. In addition, in May 2020, the EC published the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, which lists several proposed future actions covering a range of food and nutrition issues. The Europe Office monitors these and other developments, including to determine potential impacts to FDA engagements.
When will IVD be implemented?
The IVD medical devices regulation foresees a five-year transition period (implementation by May 25, 2022). The Europe Office is closely monitoring the implementation of this legislation and considering opportunities to foster regulatory alignment and cooperation initiatives.
What is the European Medicines Agency?
International Counterparts. : The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralised body of the European Union, located in London. Its main responsibility is the protection and promotion of public and animal health, through the evaluation and supervision of medicines for human and veterinary use.
When was the Office International des Epizooties created?
: The need to fight animal diseases at global level led to the creation of the Office International des Epizooties through the international Agreement signed on January 25th 1924. In May 2003 the Office became the World Organization for Animal Health but kept its historical acronym OIE.
When did the European Medical Device Regulation come into effect?
The European Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR) came into effect in 2017, with medical device manufacturers originally having to comply by May 2020. The MDR deadline was amended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now giving organisations until the 26Continue reading
What is 21 CFR Part 11?
21 CFR part 11 is a regulation of the FDA that applies to drug manufacturers, biotech companies and other regulated industries.
What is an annex 11?
Annex 11 is the FDA 21 CFR part 11 European equivalent. It is a guidance system for electronic records and electronic signatures in the pharmaceutical industry . Annex 11 and FDA 21 CFR are two essential resources available to regulated life-science professionals regarding the validation of computer systems.
When was Part 11 of the annex?
Part 11 is from the year 1997 (final rule) and Annex 11 is from 2011 (revision 1)
Is 21 CFR part 11 applicable to electronic records?
While 21 CFR part 11 is only applicable for electronic records, EU GMP Annex 11 is not limited to electronic documents. The EU system applies to software, hardware, risk management and personal. Despite their similarities, what you find is that both regulations are based on different regulatory structures and intentions.
What Is the European Medicines Agency (EMA)?
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralized agency of the European Union (EU) whose goal is to promote and protect human and animal health. The EMA is the European Union’s equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The EMA is sometimes called the European Medicines Evaluation Agency or EMEA, although this is not its official name.
What is the EMA?
The EMA is the European Union’s equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The EMA is sometimes called the European Medicines Evaluation Agency or EMEA, although this is not its official name.
What is pharmacovigilance in medicine?
The EMA defines pharmacovigilance as “the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine-related problem.” 6 Medicine safety and efficacy is limited to results from clinical trials.
What is the process of monitoring the safety of medicines after they have been approved?
The EMA also monitors the safety of medicines after they have been approved, through a process called pharmacovigilance. The EMA has established joint task forces with the heads of other medicine agencies to explore the costs and benefits and how to probably utilize big data.
What is a biosimilar?
A biosimilar is a biological medicine very similar to another approved biological medicine. Biological medicine is medicine where the active ingredient is a living organism. Lantus is a good example of biomedicine. It is a man-made form of the insulin hormone.
Is the EMA involved in clinical trials?
The EMA is not involved in research and development (R&D), nor is it involved in clinical trials. The FDA and EMA collaborate through “clusters” to share safety information on issues such as medication safety, biosimilars, cancer medicines, orphan medicines used to treat rare diseases, medicines for children, and blood-based products.
Which body approves, denies, suspends, or revokes a drug?
It is the European Commission that actually approves, denies, suspends, or revokes marketing authorizations. The EMA’s role is to scientifically evaluate marketing authorizations for medicines.
When assessing sponsors, CROs, and monitors, will FDA inspectors compare the practices and procedures conducted by?
When assessing sponsors, CROs, and monitors, FDA inspectors will compare the practices and procedures conducted by the sponsor or CRO against the commitments made in the FDA application.
What is the IWG in the EU?
In the EU, regulatory oversight relies on the GCP Inspection Working Group (IWG) of the EMA. EMA inspections are requested by a specific division — usually based on special interest in a particular product or simply to verify compliance to GCP requirements. The IWG inspectors use the FDA/EMA harmonization initiative to ensure conformity among member states and to make sure trials stay in accordance with recognized agreements among European countries.
Why do FDA require remote inspections?
More rigorous inspections – Rather than having one or two inspectors visit the facility, remote inspections will enable the FDA to involve more subject matter experts (SMEs) as needed.
How does an FDA inspector start an inspection?
An FDA inspector begins an inspection by presenting credentials and the original signed FDA Form 482. EU inspectors have no formal documentation at the beginning of an inspection. Instead, everything is discussed verbally during an opening discussion about the purpose of the inspection, expectations, and documents or people they will need to interview.
Why conduct periodic exchanges on GCP-related information?
Conduct periodic exchanges on GCP-related information in order to streamline sharing of GCP inspection planning information.
What is the FDCA?
Records requests – Under section 704 (a) (4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), the FDA has authority to request records or information in advance of or in lieu of an on-site inspection. (Note: reviewing records is not an inspection.) Inspections preannounced – Prior to COVID-19, domestic inspections were unannounced.
When did the FDA stop conducting inspections?
The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled the FDA to change some of its policies and practices regarding domestic and international inspections. Early in 2020, the agency suspended all on-site inspections. The safety of the inspectors and site’s employees was the agency’s top concern. In July 2020, the FDA was able to start conducting inspections domestically for facilities manufacturing products it deems mission critical.
When did the FDA and EMEA adopt the orphan medicine designation process?
In an effort to simplify part of the orphan medicines designation process, in November 2007, the EMEA and the FDA adopted a common application form for drugs for rare diseases in both jurisdictions. According to the EMEA and FDA, rare diseases are defined as those affecting fewer than five in 10,000 people in the EU and fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. This common application format allows sponsors to apply to both jurisdictions at the same time with one application.
What is the EMEA?
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the FDA share similar objectives, including “promoting and protecting public health, evaluating the safety and efficacy of therapeutic products, working collaboratively with outside experts, reducing the regulatory burden through international harmonization, providing regulatory and health information, …
What is the FDA’s rule for identifying medical devices?
In September of 2013, the FDA established a rule stating that a unique device identifier number should be assigned by the device manufacturer to each version or model …
When did the FDA start requiring unique device identifiers?
In September of 2013, the FDA established a rule stating that a unique device identifier number should be assigned by the device manufacturer to each version or model of a device, and that the unique device identifier should be both in the human-readable format and in AutoID format.
What are the requirements for a Class I device?
Per FDA requirements, Class I devices without a measuring function and are not sterilized, do not need to be audited. The manufacturer can self-declare and then place it on the market (with appropriate documentation). Class II and upwards require a 510 (k) process thereby requiring a clinical testing protocol along with a Design History File (DHF). The multi-dimensional 510 (k) submission includes the following evaluations: 1 Preliminary safety testing 2 Risk management processes – including risk estimation, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies 3 Overall residual risk analysis and risk-benefit assessments
How many pages are there in the EU MDR?
Make sure you and your business are compliant with the new EU MDR. Get our 23 page checklist for actionable technical documentation requirements.
What is required for CE marking?
Additionally, for CE marking, notified bodies will require a design manufacturing report along with any manufacturing validation activities to be completed before the certification audit. Finally, the Technical File submitted to the Notified Body must also contain a Clinical Evaluation Report which summarizes the review of data held by the manufacturers, a literature review of the device and/or equivalent devices, and a search from vigilance databases to identify known hazards and risks of using those devices.
What is the MDR?
The recent requirements of the new medical device regulations (MDR) are much closer to that of the FDA requirements in terms of prerequisites for the conformity assessment, the quality management system compliant with ISO 13485, and the conformity to harmonized standards such as IMDRF, IEC 62304, IEC 62366, and ISO 14971.
Do Class I devices need to be audited?
Risk Process. Per FDA requirements, Class I devices without a measuring function and are not sterilized, do not need to be audited. The manufacturer can self-declare and then place it on the market (with appropriate documentation).
What is the European Medicines Agency?
The European Medicines Agency ( EMA) is an agency of the European Union (EU) in charge of the evaluation and supervision of medicinal products. Prior to 2004, it was known as the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products or European Medicines Evaluation Agency ( EMEA ).
Why is the European Medicines Agency review process criticized?
The review process of the European Medicines Agency regarding medical issues has been criticized for its lack of transparency and issues of conflict of interest. In a rebuttal of an EMS review that included her work, Louise Brinth, a Danish physician, noted that “experts” reviewing data remain unnamed and seem to be bound to secrecy. Minutes are not released and diverging opinions are not reported suggesting that all the “experts” are of the same opinion. In her view the process is unscientific and undemocratic.
What is the role of pharmacovigilance?
Pharmacovigilance: The Agency constantly monitors the safety of medicines through a pharmacovigilance network and EudraVigilance, so that it can take appropriate actions if adverse drug reaction reports suggest that the benefit-risk balance of a medicine has changed since it was authorised.
What happened to the EMA in 2016?
Following the 2016 decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union (” Brexit “), the EMA chose to search for another base of operations. According to EU Law the European Commission had to decide on the fate of the EMA’s location. The EU ministers met to vote on their preferred successor.
How many experts does the EMA have?
The Agency decentralises its scientific assessment of medicines by working through a network of about 4500 experts throughout the EU. The EMA draws on resources of over 40 National Competent Authorities (NCAs) of EU Member states.
What is PDCO in Europe?
The Paediatric Committee (PDCO) deals with the implementation of the paediatric legislation in Europe Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 since 2007. Under this legislation, all applications for marketing authorisation of new medicinal products, or variations to existing authorisations, have to either include data from paediatric studies previously agreed with the PDCO, or obtain a PDCO waiver or a deferral of these studies.
Where is the EMA located?
The EMA was founded after more than seven years of negotiations among EU governments and replaced the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products and the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products, though both of these were reborn as the core scientific advisory committees. The agency was located in London prior to the United Kingdom’s vote for withdrawal from the European Union, relocating to Amsterdam in March 2019.

What Is The European Medicines Agency (EMA)?
Understanding The European Medicines Agency
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The European Medicines Agency (EMA) originated in London in 1995.1 It serves a population of more than 500 million people in the EU.2 The EMA’s mission is to protect the health and well-being of both people and animals living throughout the 27 EU member states, along with those in the countries located in the European Economic Area (EEA).34 It operates through four mission …
Special Considerations
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The EMA defines pharmacovigilance as “the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine-related problem.”6Medicine safety and efficacy is limited to results from clinical trials. This means that the medicine has been tested in a relatively small number of people and must be consistently m…
European Medicines Agency (EMA) vs. U.S. FDA
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The EMA inspects clinics and labs to make sure medicines are being tested and produced correctly. The EMA is not involved in research and development(R&D), nor is it involved in clinical trials. The FDA and EMA collaborate through “clusters” to share safety information on issues such as medication safety, biosimilars, cancer medicines, orphan medicines used to treat rare diseas…