General
Invitation to Bid (Provision of high speed redundant internet connectivity services at DRAP Headquarters, Islamabad)
National Pharmacovigilance Cell (NPC), DRAP released draft Guidelines on National Pharmacovigilance System (Edition 03) seeking comments from stakeholders
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has set up the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) in Islamabad to oversee the safety of medicinal products nationwide. The NPC collaborates with national and international entities to establish an effective pharmacovigilance system in Pakistan. Since 2018, Pakistan has been a full member of the World Health Organization Programme for International Drug Monitoring (WHO-PIDM) based at the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) in Sweden.
The NPC has developed a multi-channel reporting system, including electronic and manual reporting forms available through website and mobile applications for healthcare professionals and the public. The Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022, apply a legal obligation of all pharmacovigilance stakeholders to establish their system and report the pharmacovigilance data to NPC.
The 1st edition of these guidelines was drafted as per the draft Pharmacovigilance Rules and had chapters and sections for the guidance of healthcare professionals, patients and registration holders. Subsequently, the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) issued separate guidelines for the above pharmacovigilance stakeholders and also Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 were officially notified vide S.R.O 540 (I)/2022 dated 22nd April 2022. Therefore, the NPC-issued 2nd edition of guidelines with the title “Guidelines on the National Pharmacovigilance System” which were prepared in line with Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022. All those sections /chapters for the guidance of the above stakeholders were removed and the WHO PV indicators were incorporated in Chapter 11 in the 2nd edition of the guideline. This 3rd edition of these guidelines has been drafted in light of WHO recommendations in the form of Institutional Development Plans (IDP) made during its assessment of the National Regulatory System of the DRAP. As per WHO recommendation and DRAP’s Authority decision, the PRAEC has now been given an advisory role in relation to signal management and risk assessment; whereas, the NPC has been mandated to perform signal management and risk assessment process and to make decisions in the context of risk minimization and recommendation of regulatory actions to concerned Boards and Committees of the DRAP.
These guidelines are uploaded on the official website of DRAP on the 16th of September, 2024 to seek comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft document. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions within 15 days of uploading this document using the prescribed format. For further guidelines on submitting comments, visit the DRAP website or click here. Comments and suggestions can be forwarded via email to pv∂dra.gov.pk or can be posted at the mailing address, Director, Division of Pharmacy Services, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, Prime Minister’s National Health Complex, Park Road, Islamabad.
Orientation Session For Pharmaceutical Manufacturers on PIC/s GMP Guidelines
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is dedicated to enhancing the regulatory framework to meet international standards and elevate the pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan. As part of these efforts, DRAP is aspiring membership of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) for inspectorates in the field of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) of drug products.
Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S)
PIC/S is a mutual cooperative arrangement between regulatory authorities in the field of GMP for medicinal products. PIC/S aims to harmonize inspection procedures globally by developing common standards in GMP and facilitating cooperation and networking between competent authorities, regional, and international organizations, thereby increasing mutual confidence.
Virtual Orientation Sessions
To raise awareness in the industry about the PIC/S theme and GMP guidelines, and to facilitate a phased transition towards adopting these guidelines, DRAP will conduct a series of virtual orientation sessions for pharmaceutical manufacturers. The tentative schedule for the first two sessions is as follows, with further sessions to be announced later:
| Session | Date |
| Session 1 | 4th September, 2024 |
| Session 2 | 6th September, 2024 |
Interested participants are required to complete the registration form by 31st August, 2024. The virtual session links will be emailed to registered participants with the session agenda.
DRAP Switched Over to Pakistan Single Window (PSW) for Regulatory Controls on Crossborder Trade at Karachi Custom Stations
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is pleased to announce that, effective August 15, 2024, we have successfully transitioned from the Online Import Export System (OIES) to the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) for processing applications related to the clearance of commercial imports of raw materials and finished drug products at Karachi Seaport and Airport customs stations.
Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is an electronic portal enabling cross-border trade using standardized information and documents through a single entry point for all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements. The information is transmitted electronically, and individual data elements for clearance and regulatory approvals need only be submitted once. Authorized users who have completed the subscription process can access the PSW to perform cross-border procedures, including online payment/fees.
Key Highlights of the Transition:
- Single Declaration Release: DRAP officers are now electronically issuing Release Orders through a Single Declaration (SD) system, streamlining the import/export process for pharmaceutical products.
- Trade Automation: The new system allows for 24/7 electronic submission of cross-border trade applications, including online payment of fees and controlled data processing by authorized users.
- Single Entry Point: Users can now submit standardized information and documents just once, simplifying the application process.
- Clear Visibility and Application Tracking: The PSW system provides clear visibility of actions on applications, eliminating the need for physical visits for application follow-ups. It also allows for electronic calls on documents for any shortcomings.
DRAP Operations at PSW Include:
- Entity Registration: Onboarding of existing Drug Manufacturing Licenses (DMLs), product registrations, and importers with existing drug sale licenses.
- Raw Materials & Finished Drugs: Processing of drug import licenses (Form 5), clearance certificates for the import of raw materials, finished drugs, and controlled drugs.
- Clinical Trials, Tests & Analysis: Issuance of drug import licenses for test analysis (Form 6) and clearance certificates for the import of drugs/medicines for clinical trials.
- Hospital/Institutional Use & Donations: Import permits for unregistered/unavailable drugs and clearance certificates for donation medicines.
Additional Information:
- DRAP Notification: DRAP has issued a notification regarding this transition to ensure all stakeholders are informed and prepared for the new process.
- PSW User Manual: PSW has issued a comprehensive user manual to guide users through the new system, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.
For further assistance, please contact us at 021-111-111-779 or email support∂psw.gov.pk.
Stakeholders Comments are invited on Draft Guidelines On Submission of Expenditure Details Under the Ethical Marketing To Healthcare Professionals Rules, 2021
The Healthcare Industry, comprising various sectors, is interlinked and highly dependent on frequent interactions, coordination, and supportive activities for a sustainable healthcare environment. Among this industry, therapeutic goods establishments and healthcare professionals are two important stakeholders and their interaction is vital and prone to criticism due to its repercussions on patients and the public.
To ensure innovation, progress, and improvement in healthcare and healthcare products while preserving professional ethics and transparency, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has taken significant steps in line with the provision of Section 7(q) of the DRAP ACT 2012, which mandated the Authority to monitor and regulate marketing practices to ensure the rational use of drugs and ethical criteria for the promotion of therapeutic goods in line with international practices. In exercising this function, DRAP has notified the “Ethical Marketing to Healthcare Professionals Rules 2021” via S.R.O. 1472(I)/2021 on the 12th of November 2021. These rules outline the major forms of interaction between companies and healthcare professionals.
To facilitate the implementation, DRAP has developed a draft guideline on submitting expenditure details related to marketing activities targeted towards healthcare professionals to provide clarity and ensure compliance with the Ethical Marketing to Healthcare Professionals Rules 2021.
These guidelines are uploaded on the official website of DRAP on the 9th of August, 2024 to seek comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft document. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions within 15 days of uploading this document using the prescribed format. For further guidelines on how to submit comments visit the DRAP website or click here. Comments and suggestions can be forwarded via email to aqsa.hashmi∂dra.gov.pk or can be posted at the mailing address, Director, Division of Pharmacy Services, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, Prime Minister National Health Complex, Park Road, Chak Shehzad, Islamabad.
Revocation of Form-6 (provisional certificate for enlistment as manufacturer /importer & Form-7 (provisional certificate for enlistment of products)
Series of Training on National Pharmacovigilance System for Registration holders (Manufacturers and Importers)
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has established the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) under the Division of Pharmacy Services. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the safety of therapeutic goods. With its endeavour, Pakistan became the 134th full member of the Programme for International Drug Monitoring (WHO-PIDM), Uppsala Monitoring Centre in 2018.
Subsequently, the DRAP notified Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 which outline the roles and responsibilities of pharmacovigilance stakeholders, including registration holders of therapeutic goods. The DRAP has also developed Guidelines on Good Pharmacovigilance practices for registration holders that outline step-by-step guidelines on the establishment of pharmacovigilance systems in pharmaceutical companies. The NPC has dedicated tools in place for the collection of adverse drug reaction reports (ADRs) from pharmaceutical companies (registration holders) such as E2B XML submission through dedicated email, and hard copy submissions via mailing address
Despite the above efforts of DRAP, very few pharmaceutical companies have established their pharmacovigilance centres and nominated their qualified persons for pharmacovigilance. Implementing pharmacovigilance rules, 2022 and establishing an effective pharmacovigilance system by all stakeholders, including registration holders is a prerequisite for ensuring the safety of medicines in Pakistan. This will reduce the risks associated with medications, thereby ensuring patient safety. This is why DRAP feels that there is a need to enhance the capacity of registration holders in respect to pharmacovigilance.
In this regard, the NPC, Division of Pharmacy Services, DRAP intends to conduct training of pharmaceutical companies (registration holders) on pharmacovigilance rules, guidelines and pharmacovigilance systems including collection and reporting of pharmacovigilance data. Three virtual training session will be conducted in the month of July 2024.
Introducing Centralized Case Management System for Enhanced Efficiency and Transparency
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has introduced a centralized case management system, aimed at boosting operational efficiency and ease of doing business processes for the therapeutic goods industry. This system is designed to monitor the processing of applications and to enable applicants to track their regulatory submissions and furnish additional details as required, marking as a significant step towards enhancing transparency and efficiency.
All licensed / applicant of therapeutic goods manufacturers/importers/exporters/ clinical trial sites/ CROs etc can access this system on eAPP module (www.eapp.dra.gov.pk) of DRAP through their existing secured account credentials, effective from 29th May, 2024. This module ensures that submissions are forwarded to the Director of the concerned Divisions with visibility for applicants to track their cases and receive timely responses, under monitoring by the DRAP’s higher management.
We are hopeful that implementation of this new system will significantly improve the visibility of application processing and streamline regulatory operations.
Report on Availability Status and Supply Disruption of Eye Drops
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has received information that certain brands of eye drops are short in supply in the market. The DRAP’s committee has conducted a quick survey of the market and found certain alternative brands available in the market. The main reason behind their short supply is the change of ownership globally from Allergan to AbbVie.
In this regard, Physicians are advised to consider prescribing the available alternative brands to their patients in light of the shortage. Patients should be informed about this during their consultations. Similarly, pharmacists should also communicate the availability of alternative brands to patients or caregivers.
Briefly, the availability status of eye drops reported short along with their alternative brands is presented in the table below:
| Sr. No. | Name of Drug Products | Manufacturer/ importer | Status | Reason / Stock position | Alternate brand available |
| 1 | Combigan Eye drops (Brimonidine and Timolol) | M/s Barrett Hodgson | Short supply | Global merger/ acquisition (Change of ownership from Allergan to AbbVie) | Brytim Eye Drops (Remington) Imosol eye Drops (Schazoo) |
| 2 | Lumigan Eye drops (Bimatoprost) | M/s Barrett Hodgson | Short supply | Global merger/ acquisition (Change of ownership from Allergan to AbbVie) | Allure Eye drops (Sante) |
| 3 | Alphagan Eye drops (Brimonidine tartrate) | M/s Barrett Hodgson | Short supply | Global merger/ acquisition (Change of ownership from Allergan to AbbVie) | Brimodine Eye drops (Sante) Brimod eye drops (Remington) |
| 4 | Cosopt eye drops (Dorzolamide and Timolol) | M/s OBS Pakistan | Short Supply | Stock of 30,000 packs is in transit. | Co-Dorzol eye drops (Sante) Co-Dorz eye drops (Ethical) |