Regulatory Revolution in Japan: The New Pathway for “Specific Use Drugs” in 2026

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In 2026, Japan is implementing a structural change in its drug designation process. The new workflow allows companies to apply for the “Drug for Specific Use” classification directly to the PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency), eliminating previous ministerial bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating the arrival of treatments for rare and critical diseases in the Japanese market.

COFEPRIS: Self-Verification Guide for Warehouses Storing and Distributing Medicines and Other Health Supplies

Mexico’s health regulatory authority, COFEPRIS, has published a Self-Verification Guide designed for companies operating warehouses that store and distribute medicines and other health-related supplies. This initiative aims to strengthen compliance with sanitary regulations, standardize procedures, and help businesses identify nonconformities—ultimately improving safety and traceability across the supply chain.

Mexican Ministry of Health Advances with SaMD

The Mexican regulator, COFEPRIS, published the 5.0 edition of the Supplement for Medical Devices in the Mexican Pharmacopoeia, introducing regulatory requirements for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD).

Exploring the Diversity of Medical Devices for Health Promotion in Brazil

Overview: Brazil stands out as the main market for medical devices in Latin America, with an established, albeit complex, regulatory system. Medical products in the country are regulated by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Against this backdrop, we explore the main types of medical devices and their specific applications within the Brazilian context. Introduction: […]