Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, held a bilateral meeting with a delegation from the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic), headed by Dr. Philippe Girard, Deputy Executive Director of the agency. The meeting took place at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) headquarters in Amsterdam, on the sidelines of the 2025 International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) Summit.
The discussion focused on avenues for technical and regulatory cooperation between the two sides and the exchange of expertise in the field of pharmaceutical regulation.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed a draft comprehensive cooperation protocol between the Egyptian Drug Authority and the Swiss agency, aiming to transfer technical expertise and develop human capacities, in support of the EDA’s efforts to achieve World Health Organization (WHO) “WLA” classification (WHO Listed Authority).
The talks also explored regional cooperation opportunities through the North Africa Medicines Regulatory Harmonization Initiative (NAMRH), chaired by Egypt, by means of training programs and knowledge exchange to enhance the efficiency of African regulatory authorities in drug oversight and governance.
Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy emphasized that the meeting with the Swiss authority represents a significant step toward strengthening technical collaboration and experience-sharing. He affirmed the EDA’s commitment to adopting global best practices in pharmaceutical regulation and oversight. He further noted that this partnership will help upgrade the skills of Egyptian professionals, support the EDA’s path toward WHO WLA classification, and reinforce its regional leadership in the regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical products, and cosmetics.
The Swiss delegation expressed its commitment to expanding technical cooperation with the Egyptian Drug Authority and sharing expertise in areas including drug registration, regulatory inspection, and pharmacovigilance systems management, to help strengthen safety and quality standards at both regional and international levels.
The meeting was attended on the Egyptian side by Dr. Osama Hatem, Assistant to the EDA Chairperson for Policy and International Cooperation Affairs and Supervisor of the Central Administration for Pharmaceutical Policies and Market Support, and Dr. Sondos Mohamed, Supervisor of the Organizations Portfolio at the General Administration of Public Relations and International Cooperation.
From the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic), attendees included Dr. Jürg Schläpfer, Head of International Affairs, Dr. Evelyne Trachsel, Head of the Division of Licensing of Medicinal Products and Pharmacovigilance, and Dr. Gabriela Zehnhäusern, Head of Sectoral Partnerships.
Swissmedic is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical regulatory authorities, with extensive experience in drug registration and evaluation, regulatory inspection (GMP, GDP, GCP), and pharmacovigilance system management, in addition to supervising clinical trials and ensuring product safety in the market.
The meeting provided an important platform for exchange of expertise and discussion of mechanisms to develop joint regulatory frameworks, thereby promoting the application of global standards and best regulatory practices.
This cooperation reflects the Egyptian Drug Authority’s commitment to enhancing its international standing and reaffirming its leadership role in promoting regional integration and regulatory development across Africa, contributing to higher levels of regulatory recognition and technical excellence worldwide.