Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), held a high-level bilateral meeting with a delegation from the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, led by Philippe Girard, Deputy Executive Director, at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) headquarters in Amsterdam.
The meeting coincided with his participation in the 2025 International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) Summit.
The discussions focused on strengthening technical and regulatory cooperation between Egypt and Switzerland, emphasizing the exchange of expertise in pharmaceutical oversight.
Both parties reviewed a proposed comprehensive cooperation protocol aimed at transferring technical knowledge and developing human capacity, supporting EDA’s roadmap toward achieving World Health Organization (WHO) WLA (World Level Authority) classification.
In addition, the meeting explored regional collaboration opportunities through the North African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (NAMRH) initiative, chaired by the EDA. The initiative seeks to enhance regulatory efficiency across African authorities through specialized training and knowledge exchange programs.
El-Ghamrawy described the meeting as a pivotal step in advancing technical collaboration and institutional capacity-building. “Our partnership with the Swiss Drug Authority will elevate the competencies of Egyptian regulatory staff, reinforce best international practices in pharmaceutical oversight, and solidify Egypt’s regional leadership in drug, medical, and cosmetic product regulation,” he said.
The Swiss delegation reiterated its commitment to technical cooperation with Egypt, particularly in drug registration, regulatory inspections, and pharmacovigilance management, aiming to bolster safety and quality standards regionally and globally.
The meeting was attended by Osama Hatem, Deputy Chairman for Policy and International Cooperation and Head of the Central Administration for Pharmaceutical Policies and Market Support, and Sundus Mohamed, Head of the International Organizations Portfolio at the General Directorate for Public Relations and International Cooperation, representing the Egyptian side.
The Swiss side was represented by Jürg Schlapfer, Head of External Relations, Eveline Trachsel, Head of Product Licensing and Pharmacovigilance, and Gabriela Zeinhauzern, Head of Sector Engagement.
Through this collaboration, the EDA underscores its commitment to strengthening Egypt’s international presence, fostering regional integration, and advancing regulatory development across Africa, ultimately raising standards for oversight and technical proficiency worldwide.
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