UAE: ministry approves 126 new drugs

The Higher National Committee for Drugs Registration and Pricing at the Ministry of Health has approved 126 new treatment drugs of which 15 are innovative and five are biological. About 105 other generic medicines from national, gulf and international factories were approved after thorough studies of their bioequivalence. Dr Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing and acting Chairman of the committee, noted that the committee approved these drugs taking into consideration their availability to satisfy the needs of patients and pharmaceutical security in the UAE. The drugs are used for the treatment of various diseases such as tumors, diabetes, high blood pressure, MS sclerosis, allergy and arthritis. The committee also approved the prices of 133 new drugs taking into account their lower prices in the region and maintaining the rights of obtaining efficient drugs at affordable prices without any damages to the economies of manufacturers. Al Amiri also called on community members, especially athletes, to stop using steroids and hormonal drugs without medical supervision. Dr Al Amiri said: “The committee also discussed the increasing numbers of traded and distributed steroid and hormonal drugs without any surveillance or supervision, especially in sports centres. The body building drugs are very dangerous to the community as they are given without any approved medical prescriptions and are not licensed and may lead to several health problems or infertility. The drugs are sold illegally and do not subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Health or health authorities in the UAE but other bodies. Therefore, the ministry will address these bodies to stop these practices that are harmful to the community members”. The Drugs Registration and Pricing Higher National Committee, which held its meeting at the Ministry of Health in Dubai was headed by Dr Amin Al Amiri, in the attendance of representatives from the ministry, the UAE University, Sharjah University, Dubai Healthcare City and Dubai Health Authority. From Khaleejtimes