Pharmacovigilance (PV) is the science and activities related to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problems. It is a critical component of drug safety and public health. At the core of pharmacovigilance lies the monitoring and management of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), which are unintended and harmful effects caused by medications. 

 

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into how Adverse Drug Reactions are detected, reported, and managed, with a special focus on Pharmacovigilance Risk Management and the state of Pharmacovigilance in Egypt.

What Are Adverse Drug Reactions?

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are unintended, harmful reactions to medications that occur at doses normally used for treatment. These reactions can range from mild side effects, such as nausea or headaches, to severe outcomes like organ damage, anaphylaxis, or even death. ADRs are a significant public health concern, contributing to hospitalizations, increased healthcare costs, and reduced patient trust in medications.

 

Understanding and managing Adverse Drug Reactions is a cornerstone of Pharmacovigilance Risk Management, ensuring that the benefits of medications outweigh their risks. This process involves a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with drugs, both before and after they reach the market.

Process of Pharmacovigilance in Managing Adverse Drug Reactions

Pharmacovigilance is a multi-step process that ensures the safe use of medications. Below, we break down the key steps involved in pharmacovigilance, with a focus on Adverse Drug Reactions.

1. Collection of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs)

The first step in pharmacovigilance is collecting data on Adverse Drug Reactions from various sources. According to PVGA Egyptian guidelines, only valid ICSRs shall be reported. All reports of suspected Adverse Drug Reactions must be validated before submission to regulatory authorities such as the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA).

Sources of ADR Reports:

Unsolicited Reports:

• Spontaneous Reports: Unsolicited communication by healthcare professionals or consumers to EDA, marketing authorization holders, or regional pharmacovigilance centers about suspected Adverse Drug Reactions.

• Literature Reports: Scientific and medical literature is a crucial source for detecting safety signals and emerging safety issues.

• Digital Media: Marketing authorization holders shall screen the internet and digital media under their management for potential reports of Adverse Drug Reactions.

Solicited Reports:

• Reports derived from organized data collection systems, including clinical trials, non-interventional studies, registries, post-approval patient use programs, patient support programs, and surveys.

Types of Data Collected:

• Adverse Events (AE)
• Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)
• Lack of Efficacy
• Case Reports
• Off-label Medication
• Pregnancy and Contraindications
• Misuse and Abuse
• Occupational Exposure
• Medication Errors
• Counterfeit Products and Product Complaints

2. ADR Detection and Reporting

Once data is collected, the next step is detecting and reporting Adverse Drug Reactions.

• Spontaneous Reporting: Healthcare professionals and patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs to regulatory authorities or pharmaceutical companies.
• Active Surveillance: Proactively monitoring ADRs in hospitals, clinical trials, or specific patient populations.
• Signal Detection: Statistical techniques are used to identify potential safety signals from large datasets.

3. Follow-up of Reports (If Needed)

Reports of suspected Adverse Drug Reactions may initially be incomplete. As per PVGA guidelines, follow-ups are necessary to obtain supplementary information significant for the scientific evaluation of cases. This ensures completeness and accuracy in ADR assessment.

4. Seriousness and Causality Assessment

• Seriousness Assessment: Determines whether an Adverse Drug Reaction is classified as serious based on regulatory definitions (e.g., hospitalization, disability, life-threatening conditions).
• Causality Assessment: Evaluates the likelihood that the ADR is directly related to the drug, using standardized methods like WHO-UMC causality categories and the Naranjo algorithm.

5. Risk Assessment and Benefit-Risk Analysis

• Risk Assessment: Evaluates the severity, frequency, and impact of ADRs.
• Benefit-Risk Analysis: Weighs the therapeutic benefits of a drug against its potential risks, influencing regulatory decisions (e.g., label updates, restrictions, or withdrawal).

6. Risk Management and Mitigation

Effective Pharmacovigilance Risk Management involves strategies to minimize risks:

• Risk Management Plans (RMPs): Implemented for drugs with significant safety concerns.
• Risk Minimization Measures: Includes label changes, contraindications, and restricted distribution programs.

7. Communication and Reporting

• Regulatory Reporting: Submission of periodic safety update reports (PSURs) to regulatory authorities.
• Stakeholder Communication: Informing healthcare professionals and the public through safety alerts and Dear Healthcare Professional Letters (DHPCs).

8. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

• Post-Marketing Surveillance: Ensures ongoing drug safety monitoring in real-world settings.
• Signal Refinement: Further investigations through pharmacoepidemiological research.
• System Improvement: Adapting pharmacovigilance practices to new technologies and guidelines.

Pharmacovigilance in Egypt: Progress and Challenges

Pharmacovigilance in Egypt has seen significant progress in recent years, thanks to the efforts of the Egyptian ministry of health  and collaboration with international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).

Achievements in Pharmacovigilance in Egypt

• Establishment of a national pharmacovigilance system for monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions.
• Training programs for healthcare professionals on ADR reporting and Pharmacovigilance Risk Management.
• Integration of digital tools for ADR reporting and data analysis.

Challenges in Pharmacovigilance in Egypt

• Underreporting of Adverse Drug Reactions by healthcare professionals and patients.
• Limited awareness about the importance of pharmacovigilance among the general public.
• Need for more resources and infrastructure to support Pharmacovigilance Risk Management activities.

Despite these challenges, Pharmacovigilance in Egypt is moving in the right direction, with a focus on improving drug safety and protecting public health.

Best Practices for Managing Adverse Drug Reactions

To effectively manage Adverse Drug Reactions, the following practices are essential:

1. Strengthening Reporting Systems: Simplify ADR reporting processes and encourage healthcare professionals and patients to report suspected reactions.
2. Leveraging Technology: Use AI, machine learning, and electronic health records (EHRs) for real-time monitoring and signal detection.
3. Collaboration and Data Sharing: Share safety data between regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers.
4. Training and Education: Train healthcare professionals on pharmacovigilance principles and educate patients about drug safety.
5. Compliance with Regulations: Adhere to international guidelines like ICH E2E and Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP).

Adverse Drug Reactions are a critical concern in healthcare, and effective pharmacovigilance is essential for ensuring drug safety. Through robust Pharmacovigilance Risk Management practices and the ongoing development of Pharmacovigilance in Egypt, we can minimize the risks associated with medications and protect public health. 

 

By reporting and managing Adverse Drug Reactions, healthcare professionals, patients, and regulatory authorities can work together to create a safer and more effective healthcare system.

 

Ensuring the safety of medications is a top priority for healthcare providers and regulators in today’s fast-evolving pharmaceutical world. Pharmacovigilance plays a crucial role in protecting public health by monitoring drug safety. 

As the industry expands, partnering with leading pharmacovigilance companies becomes essential for upholding safety standards and regulatory compliance.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of pharmacovigilance, exploring ClinMax’s unique approach to literature screening, and show why choosing a top CRO in Egypt like ClinMax ensures safer healthcare for all.

What is Pharmacovigilance?

Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities related to detecting, assessing, understanding, and preventing adverse effects or any other drug-related problems. Its primary objective is to improve patient safety by ensuring that medications on the market do not harm patients. As the healthcare sector evolves, pharmacovigilance companies become essential in mitigating risks associated with pharmaceutical products.

Importance in Healthcare

Pharmacovigilance plays a pivotal role in healthcare because, despite rigorous clinical trials, certain side effects or adverse reactions can only be identified once a drug is available to the general public. These reactions might be rare, long-term, or occur in specific patient populations. Through robust pharmacovigilance systems, healthcare providers can better understand the risks of medications, leading to safer use of drugs.

The Pharmacovigilance Process

Pharmacovigilance services is an ongoing process that extends beyond clinical trials. The process includes:

Regulatory Importance

Global health authorities such as the FDA, EMA, and WHO require pharmaceutical companies to continuously monitor their products once they are released on the market. Pharmacovigilance helps these companies meet regulatory requirements by ensuring ongoing safety monitoring and timely reporting of any new risks.

ClinMax’s Role in Pharmacovigilance

As one of the top pharmacovigilance companies, ClinMax offers specialized services that ensure pharmaceutical companies meet regulatory requirements while safeguarding patient health. With its strong reputation as a CRO in Egypt, ClinMax combines local expertise with international standards to provide comprehensive pharmacovigilance services.

ClinMax’s Approach to Literature Screening

One critical component of pharmacovigilance is literature screening, which involves reviewing medical literature to identify previously unreported adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This process is essential for post-marketing surveillance, where new safety signals can emerge once a drug is widely used.

ClinMax utilizes a thorough literature screening approach to ensure all potential safety concerns are identified and addressed. The company employs a mix of advanced technological tools and manual expertise to review global scientific literature, ensuring no relevant data is overlooked. ClinMax’s literature screening process includes:

• Extensive Database Search: ClinMax uses a range of global medical databases such as PubMed, Embase, and clinical trial registries to find safety signals in published studies.
• Data Extraction and Review: Each piece of relevant literature is meticulously reviewed and cross-checked to identify potential ADRs or safety signals.
• Report Generation: ClinMax compiles the findings into comprehensive safety reports, which are shared with clients for further action.

By using state-of-the-art technology alongside the expertise of experienced pharmacovigilance professionals, ClinMax ensures that its literature screening process is both accurate and efficient.

Technology and Expertise at ClinMax

ClinMax’s expertise in pharmacovigilance is enhanced by its use of cutting-edge technologies. The company invests in advanced software tools to automate and streamline the data collection and analysis process, ensuring faster and more reliable results. ClinMax’s team of experts in drug safety provides valuable insights to pharmaceutical companies, helping them make informed decisions about drug safety and regulatory compliance.

ClinMax also stays up to date with global pharmacovigilance standards, ensuring its services meet the requirements of health authorities worldwide.

Why Choose ClinMax Among Top Pharmacovigilance Companies?

As a leading CRO in Egypt, ClinMax offers unique advantages that make it stand out from other pharmacovigilance companies. Here are the key reasons why ClinMax is a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies:

Experience and Reputation

ClinMax has extensive experience in the pharmacovigilance industry, having worked with pharmaceutical companies in Egypt and globally. Their expertise in managing complex safety data and ensuring regulatory compliance has earned them a solid reputation in the industry.

Tailored Services for Clients

ClinMax understands that each pharmaceutical company has unique needs. They offer tailored pharmacovigilance solutions that are customized to suit the specific requirements of each client. Whether it’s for local companies in Egypt or international pharmaceutical organizations, ClinMax ensures the right approach for every situation.

Comprehensive Support

From initial clinical trials to post-marketing surveillance, ClinMax offers a full range of pharmacovigilance services. Their team works closely with clients to provide ongoing support throughout the lifecycle of a drug, helping to identify and address any safety concerns that arise.

The Advantages of Working with a CRO in Egypt like ClinMax

Choosing a Clinical Research Organization in Egypt like ClinMax offers several advantages:

• Local Expertise and Cost-Effectiveness
  • ClinMax offers cost-effective services while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
  • Their deep understanding of the Egyptian healthcare landscape and the MENA region provides valuable expertise.
  • Essential for companies navigating the regulatory environment in Egypt.
• Global Reach with Local Knowledge
  • ClinMax combines local expertise with a global perspective to serve international clients effectively.
  • Ensures that pharmacovigilance activities are aligned with both local regulations and international standards.

Pharmacovigilance is an essential part of ensuring that medications are safe and effective for patients worldwide. As one of the top pharmacovigilance companies, ClinMax plays a critical role in safeguarding patient health through its comprehensive pharmacovigilance services, including literature screening, data analysis, and risk management. 

By choosing a CRO in Egypt like ClinMax, pharmaceutical companies gain access to reliable, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant solutions that ensure safer healthcare for all. If you’re looking for a trusted partner in pharmacovigilance, ClinMax’s expertise and commitment to excellence make it the right choice.

Pharmacovigilance is a cornerstone of public health, ensuring that the medicines we rely on are safe and effective. In Egypt, the growing pharmaceutical industry necessitates robust systems to manage and monitor drug safety effectively. ClinMax has emerged as a leader in pharmacovigilance in Egypt, leveraging advanced safety databases and comprehensive services to address local and global needs. 

This blog explores the essentials of safety databases and how ClinMax strengthens pharmacovigilance practices in Egypt.

What is a Safety Database in Pharmacovigilance?

Definition and Role

A safety database is a critical tool in pharmacovigilance, designed to capture, store, and analyze data related to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). These systems enable healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to identify potential risks associated with medicinal products and implement measures to mitigate them.

Components of a Safety Database

1. Individual Case Safety Report (ICSR): Captures detailed information about ADRs reported by healthcare professionals or patients.
2. Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation Report (PBRER): Summarizes the ongoing safety profile of a drug.
3. Risk Management Plan (RMP): Outlines strategies to identify, monitor, and mitigate risks associated with a drug.

These components ensure the comprehensive management of drug safety, making safety databases indispensable for effective pharmacovigilance services.

Challenges in Pharmacovigilance in Egypt

 

Barriers in Local Systems of Pharmacovigilance in Egypt

Pharmacovigilance in Egypt faces several barriers that hinder its effectiveness in ensuring drug safety. These challenges include limitations in infrastructure, lack of awareness, and gaps in aligning with international standards.

Limited Infrastructure for Pharmacovigilance in Egypt

• Many regions lack the technological systems needed to collect, manage, and analyze ADR data for pharmacovigilance in Egypt.
• Rural and underserved areas have limited access to tools for reporting ADRs, leading to significant data gaps in pharmacovigilance services.
• Insufficient trained personnel reduces the ability to monitor drug safety effectively, especially for CROs in Egypt involved in pharmacovigilance.

Low Awareness of ADR Reporting Among Healthcare Professionals and the Public

• Healthcare professionals are often inadequately trained in identifying, reporting, or managing ADRs, a key component of pharmacovigilance in Egypt.
• Many ADRs remain unreported due to a lack of knowledge among medical staff about the importance of ADR documentation in pharmacovigilance services.
• Patients are often unaware of their role in reporting ADRs, contributing to underreporting and unrecognized reactions, thus limiting the effectiveness of pharmacovigilance in Egypt.

Gaps in Aligning with International Regulatory Standards

• Egypt’s pharmacovigilance practices are not always aligned with international standards set by the WHO and ICH, impacting the overall quality of pharmacovigilance in Egypt.
• Outdated or partially implemented regulatory frameworks hinder effective drug safety monitoring, affecting the scope of pharmacovigilance services provided by CROs in Egypt.
• There is a lack of synchronization between local authorities, the pharmaceutical industry, and healthcare professionals, which prevents alignment with global pharmacovigilance standards.

Insufficient Funding and Resources for Pharmacovigilance in Egypt

• The budget allocated for pharmacovigilance infrastructure and personnel training is often insufficient to strengthen pharmacovigilance services.
• Without adequate funding, the ability to improve ADR reporting systems and ensure the safe use of medicines is limited, affecting the work of CROs in Egypt involved in pharmacovigilance efforts.

Fragmented Reporting Systems in Pharmacovigilance

• There is no centralized reporting system for ADRs, which leads to inconsistent data collection across different healthcare institutions, undermining pharmacovigilance in Egypt.
• Different reporting platforms or manual methods used by healthcare providers result in fragmented ADR data, hindering the effectiveness of pharmacovigilance services.
• A unified, central system would help streamline data collection, improving the effectiveness of pharmacovigilance in Egypt and supporting CROs in their safety monitoring efforts.

Cultural and Societal Challenges to Pharmacovigilance

• Cultural attitudes toward healthcare and medication use in Egypt may discourage patients from reporting ADRs.
• Fear of questioning the quality of medications or mistrust in the healthcare system can prevent patients from reporting negative drug experiences, limiting the scope of pharmacovigilance services.
• Social norms may also hinder open discussions about ADRs, further contributing to underreporting and impeding effective pharmacovigilance in Egypt.

By addressing these barriers, Egypt can improve its pharmacovigilance practices and better safeguard public health through more effective drug safety monitoring.

Why Partner with a CRO in Egypt?

Collaborating with a Contract Research Organization (CRO) like ClinMax addresses these challenges effectively. ClinMax offers specialized pharmacovigilance services, including:

• Qualified Person for Pharmacovigilance (QPPV) Outsourcing: Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Local and Global Literature Screening: Identifies potential safety signals proactively.
• Pharmacovigilance System Master File (PSMF): Maintains essential documentation for regulatory compliance.

How ClinMax Enhances Safety Databases

Tailored Solutions for Egypt

ClinMax’s approach to pharmacovigilance in Egypt includes:

• Developing robust safety databases integrated with local and global requirements.
• Weekly, monthly, and on-demand literature screening to stay ahead of potential risks.
• Providing comprehensive training programs for healthcare professionals and stakeholders at all levels.

Technology-Driven Systems

ClinMax employs cutting-edge technology to optimize safety database operations:

• Automated signal detection to identify and analyze potential ADRs.
• Local display systems customized to meet Egyptian regulatory requirements.
• Seamless integration with global pharmacovigilance networks for efficient reporting.

Core Features of ClinMax’s Safety Database

Ensuring Compliance and Efficiency

1. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): ClinMax develops detailed SOPs to streamline pharmacovigilance workflows.
2. Pharmacovigilance Training: Tailored programs for different levels of expertise ensure all stakeholders are well-equipped.

Data Integrity and Security

ClinMax’s safety databases are designed with a strong emphasis on security and reliability. They prioritize secure data storage by utilizing robust encryption protocols to ensure that all sensitive information is protected. This level of security is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of pharmacovigilance data.

In addition to security, ClinMax’s databases provide real-time access for authorized users. This ensures that healthcare professionals and stakeholders can promptly access the necessary information to report adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Timely reporting is essential for effective pharmacovigilance and ensuring patient safety.

ClinMax’s safety databases also adhere to international pharmacovigilance standards, ensuring full compliance with global regulatory requirements. This alignment with international guidelines guarantees that the databases meet the highest industry standards, further enhancing their effectiveness in monitoring drug safety.

Benefits of ClinMax’s Pharmacovigilance Services

Support for Pharmaceutical Companies

ClinMax provides end-to-end support, including:

• Addendum to Clinical Overview (ACO): Comprehensive analyses to support regulatory submissions.
• Performing qualification audits to ensure adherence to global standards.

Building Trust and Credibility

With its robust pharmacovigilance services, ClinMax helps pharmaceutical companies:

• Build confidence among regulators and stakeholders.
• Enhance the safety and effectiveness of their products.

Safety databases are the backbone of effective pharmacovigilance, ensuring drug safety and regulatory compliance. ClinMax expertise as a leading CRO in Egypt positions it as a key player in advancing pharmacovigilance practices. From robust safety databases to comprehensive services, ClinMax delivers innovative solutions tailored to the Egyptian market.

The WHO defines pharmacovigilance as “The science and activities associated with the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other possible medication-related problems.

Its scope has recently expanded to cover herbals, traditional and alternative medicines, blood products, biologics, medical devices, and vaccines.

Meaning of Pharmacovigilance:

• Pharmakon (Greek) = drug
• Vigilare (Latin) = to stay alert, keep watch, maintain caution and care, and be vigilant about dangers. 

Pharmacovigilance (PV) plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. It is a key component of the healthcare system that monitors, evaluates, and identifies drug interactions and their impact on humans. 

While pharmaceutical and biotechnological products are designed to treat, prevent, or manage diseases, they come with inherent risks, particularly adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which can have serious consequences for patients. 

For this reason, monitoring ADRs is vital for ensuring medication safety throughout the entire lifecycle of a drug—from pre-marketing stages, drug discovery, clinical trials, to post-marketing surveillance. 

It is widely accepted that a drug must undergo multiple phases to demonstrate its safety and efficacy before it is marketed commercially. 

However, clinical trials come with several limitations. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria mean that these trials only involve a highly selective group of patients. In addition, special populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly are often excluded from these studies. 

Factors such as genetic variability, environmental influences, and drug-drug interactions may also be overlooked during clinical trials. These limitations highlight the importance of continued safety monitoring once a drug is on the market.

Reports of adverse events gathered by PV systems can benefit communities by facilitating communication between reporters and public health professionals, as these systems are both knowledgeable and accessible to the population. 

Pharmacovigilance thus supports patients in their recovery and contributes to optimal disease management or even prevention. Ensuring patient safety is a joint responsibility involving pharmaceutical companies, regulators, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals, all of whom aim to enhance public health through PV.

History of Pharmacovigilance:

Pharmacovigilance as a formal practice has evolved over time, prompted by several historical events that exposed the need for better drug safety measures. 

Three major incidents have played a critical role in shaping pharmacovigilance practices: 

1- Hannah Greener Incident (1848): 

On January 29, 1848, a young girl named Hannah Greener from northern England died after receiving chloroform anesthesia during the removal of an infected toenail. 

Sir James Simpson had introduced chloroform as a safer and more effective anesthetic. Investigations into her death were inconclusive, though it was suspected that she might have died from a lethal arrhythmia or pulmonary aspiration. This incident is considered an early recognition of the importance of monitoring medical safety.

2- Sulfanilamide Disaster (1937): 

Sulfanilamide was sold by the S.E. Massengill company in the United States as a treatment for streptococcal infections like pharyngitis and tonsillitis. 

To create a liquid form of the drug, the company dissolved sulfanilamide in diethylene glycol, a toxic solvent. This led to the deaths of 107 people, including many children. 

The lack of regulations regarding drug safety at the time contributed to this tragedy. In response, the U.S. government enacted the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, which required safety testing of drugs before they could be marketed. However, the law focused solely on safety, not efficacy.

3- Thalidomide Tragedy (1950s–1960s): 

Thalidomide, a sedative introduced by West Pharmaceuticals in the 1950s, was marketed as a safe and effective sleep aid and was widely prescribed to pregnant women to alleviate morning sickness. However, in 1961, a significant rise in cases of phocomelia—babies born with shortened or missing limbs—was linked to the use of thalidomide during pregnancy. 

Dr. William McBride and Dr. Widukin Lenz independently identified the connection between thalidomide and these birth defects. Animal studies confirmed that the drug, once considered safe, was causing severe congenital malformations. 

This incident led to the introduction of stricter regulations worldwide, emphasizing both the safety and efficacy of drugs.

Bodies and Procedures Aimed at Monitoring Drug Safety

Following these events, the first bodies and procedures emerged aimed at monitoring the safety of the drug.

The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (1938)

The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (1938) was established in the United States. This set of laws charged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), established in 1906, with supervising the safety of foods, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics, laying the foundations of pharmaceutical legislation.

World Health Organization (1948)

The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in Geneva to centralize health issues worldwide.

Mandatory Preclinical Studies (1962)

In 1962, following the Thalidomide accident, the Harris-Kefauver amendments were introduced in the United States, mandating the need to conduct mandatory preclinical studies. 

Only after evaluating the results of these studies could the clinical trial phase on humans begin. Furthermore, marketing authorization depended on data obtained in the three phases of clinical trials. After marketing, drugs were subjected to post-marketing surveillance.

Yellow Card Scheme (1964)

In the United Kingdom, the Yellow Card, the first form for reporting adverse reactions by doctors, was introduced in 1964.

Program on International Drug Monitoring (PIDM) (1968)

The WHO, in 1968, promoted the Program on International Drug Monitoring (PIDM), an international drug monitoring program aimed at centralizing global data on adverse reactions. 

Initially, 10 states were involved. In that same year, the WHO created the global reporting database located in Uppsala, Sweden.

Pharmacovigilance Developments in France and Sweden

In 1973, France inaugurated the first six hospital surveillance centers, where the term “pharmacovigilance” was formally adopted. 

The Swedish government and the WHO founded the Uppsala Monitoring Centre in 1978.

European Medicines Agency and EudraVigilance (1995-2001)

In 1995, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) was founded. In 2001, Eudravigilance, the European database for the management of adverse reaction reports, was implemented.

National Pharmacovigilance Network (RNF) in Italy (2001-2006)

In Italy, the National Pharmacovigilance Network (RNF) was created in 2001 to collect reports of adverse reactions at the national level, and in 2003, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) was created. 

Since 2006, Italian healthcare companies have been obliged to designate a qualified person responsible for pharmacovigilance activities (QPPV).

Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) (2012)

With the establishment of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) in 2012, the European pharmacovigilance system was further strengthened, clearly defining roles and responsibilities. 

The PRAC is responsible for evaluating and monitoring the safety of medicines for human use and provides recommendations to the relevant committees.

Pharmacovigilance in Arab Countries

The development of pharmacovigilance (PV) in Arab countries began with the formation of national regulatory authorities. These authorities collaborated with international bodies such as the WHO and the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) to establish PV centers.

Pharmacovigilance in Egypt

Pharmacovigilance in Egypt has emerged as a leader in the Arab world. The country’s journey began in the 1990s, with significant progress following the establishment of the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Vigilance Center (EPVC) under the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) in 2009.

In Egypt, national pharmacovigilance guidelines issued by the EPVC under the EDA provide a comprehensive framework for monitoring drug safety, reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and ensuring compliance with local regulatory standards.

Aim of pharmacovigilance: 

• To strengthen public protection against new medications
• To assist in the evaluation of the efficacy and risks of medicines. 
• To promote healthy communication within communities. 
• To encourage the rational and safe use of medications. 
• To monitor drug efficacy and side effects.
• To prevent adverse drug reactions through vigilant monitoring. 
• To improve public health and safety by raising awareness, education, and clinical training regarding pharmacovigilance. 

Need for pharmacovigilance: 

• Clinical trial evidence of safety is often insufficient, necessitating further vigilance.
•  While medicines are meant to prolong life, deaths caused by drugs, unlike those caused by diseases, are unacceptable.
•  The cost of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can exceed the cost of the drugs themselves.
•  Encouraging the rational use of medicines and adherence to guidelines.
•  Maintaining public trust in the healthcare system.
•  From an ethical perspective, it is immoral to withhold information about harm when others are unaware and at risk.

In summary, pharmacovigilance is vital for safeguarding patient safety and ensuring the effectiveness of medications. By continuously monitoring and evaluating drug safety, contract research organization companies play a key role in helping protect public health and prevent adverse effects. As new treatments emerge, the importance of pharmacovigilance will only grow, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in the healthcare system.

Author: Samah Sherif