FDAnews
www.fdanews.com/articles/81646-uae-to-implement-stricter-quality-regulations

UAE TO IMPLEMENT STRICTER QUALITY REGULATIONS

October 14, 2005

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new law on the safety and efficacy of drugs produced in the country. The new decree stipulates the requirements and conditions for granting licenses to manufacture drugs, veterinary medicines and medical supplies.

The UAE leads its region in terms of investment in its domestic pharmaceutical sector, which primarily produces generic drugs. The implementation of GMP standards will help the local industry develop and modernise -- a vital process if it is to survive the entry of foreign generics. The government also hopes that aligning domestic practices with international GMP will strengthen the country's regional and global status, boosting both exports and encouraging foreign investment.

The new measures could also help combat counterfeit medicines. In recent years, the copy drugs trade in the UAE has thrived, due to high medicine prices and problems with law enforcement.