U.S. and EU Officials Discuss Closer Cooperation During Pandemic

In a June 18-19 virtual meeting, U.S. and EU regulatory officials pledged to share their common experiences and challenges in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Among other topics, the officials from the FDA, the European Medicines Agency and the European Commission discussed extending an existing mutual recognition agreement for good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspections. The extension would include vaccines and plasma-derived products by July 2022. 

In addition, the officials agreed to collaborate on COVID-19 postmarket surveillance of COVID-19 vaccines and the use of medicines in pregnant women with COVID-19.