Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) Archives

COFEPRIS Introduces Abbreviated Regulatory Pathway (“Reliance”) to Accelerate Health Product Approvals in Mexico

On 2025, the Mexican Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) published a new regulatory framework in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) establishing an abbreviated regulatory pathway for sanitary licenses of health products. This mechanism is grounded in the concept of regulatory reliance, whereby COFEPRIS recognizes the evaluation outcomes of trusted foreign regulatory authorities (Reference Regulatory Authorities – RRAs) as the basis for its own approval decisions.

Leadership Transition at COFEPRIS: Regulatory Consistency Risks and the Need for Stability

The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) is Mexico’s national regulatory authority responsible for protecting public health by overseeing medicines, medical devices, food products, tobacco, and other health-related inputs. COFEPRIS plays a central role in ensuring product safety, authorizing market access, and establishing technical regulatory requirements across the country.

Strategic Alliance in Mexico: COFEPRIS and CCINSHAE Join Forces to Strengthen Patient Safety

This blog details the recent agreement signed between the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) and the Coordinating Commission of National Institutes of Health and High Specialty Hospitals (CCINSHAE). The primary objective is to optimize the detection of adverse reactions and medical device incidents within the most complex health institutions in the country.

Strengthening Health in Latin America: Brazil and Mexico Join Forces in Historic Agreements

In a strategic move to strengthen public health in Latin America, Brazil and Mexico are advancing negotiations to sign important bilateral agreements. Preliminary discussions, which took place in August, involved a Brazilian delegation led by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. The main focus of these agreements is cooperation in key areas such as vaccines, medicines, and regulatory harmonization. The final agreements are expected to be signed in 2026.

Anvisa’s Regulatory Agenda and Strategic Plan

This Blog analyzes the importance of ANVISA’s 2024-2025 Regulatory Agenda and its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan for companies operating in regulatory affairs. The text explains how these documents serve as a planning guide, helping companies anticipate new regulations and align their strategies to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

PMDA Outlines Initiatives to Promote Pediatric Drug Development in Japan

PDMA’s report, published in Japanese in March and translated into English in April, outlines the need for action. The agency notes “growing concerns about the expansion of drug loss n Japan, where pharmaceuticals approved in the EU and the US are not being developed for Japanese patients.” The problem is particularly challenging for pediatric and orphan drugs, PMDA said.

Supporting the Development of Regenerative Medical Products for Rare Diseases

Japan, the Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) system is designed to promote the development of treatments for rare diseases, including regenerative medical products. Regenerative medical products, which encompass therapies aimed at repairing or replacing damaged tissues or organs, can qualify for ODD if they meet specific criteria.

Japan’s Orphan Drug Designation System: Advancing Medical Technologies for Rare Diseases

In Japan, the Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) system is a pivotal regulatory framework designed to encourage the development of medical devices targeting rare diseases. This initiative aims to address unmet medical needs by providing various incentives to manufacturers, ensuring that patients with rare conditions have access to essential medical technologies.