Regulatory Cooperation for Vaccines: The Asia-Pacific and Beyond

What is it about?

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for quicker vaccine approval processes, leading national regulatory authorities (NRAs) to cooperate more closely. This collaboration improved networking, work-sharing, and harmonization of rules and procedures. The article explores the history, factors driving international regulatory cooperation, key global actors like WHO and ICMRA, and effective regional initiatives. The pandemic demonstrated the importance of international coordination for public health and safety. The article offers policy recommendations for enhancing regulatory agility in medicine approvals, focusing on transparency, streamlined decision-making, and inter-agency cooperation. In conclusion, the article provides an overview of vaccine regulation, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and quality. It discusses global variance in medical regulation and public health crises as catalysts for regulatory advancements. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can help improve regulatory agility for future public health emergencies, protecting global well-being.

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