Latest news with #GlobalHealthSpanSummit
Makkah Newspaper
07-08-2025
- Health
- Makkah Newspaper
Saudi FDA Leading a Journey of Continuous Excellence and Development
Dear reader, according to recent reports and statistics from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), significant and remarkable developments have been achieved over the past few years across all regulated sectors. These developments have solidified the SFDA's standing as a leading regulatory body, not only in the region but also globally. This continuous advancement is part of broader efforts to improve and regulate pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food products, sectors that are critically important to public health. SFDA is notably one of only three national regulatory bodies worldwide, alongside those of Singapore and South Korea, to have attained maturity level four (ML4) in the regulation of medicines and vaccines, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Achieving this highest level of regulatory competency underscores the exceptional capabilities and efficiency of the SFDA. Furthermore, in 2023, the SFDA became the first Arab member of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), an achievement that highlightsinternational trust in Saudi Arabia's pharmaceutical oversight capabilities. Additionally, the SFDA collaborates closely with prominent global organizations such as the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) of pharmaceuticals, and Codex Alimentarius, which ensures global food safety standards. These partnerships significantly contribute to harmonizing local and international regulatory systems and standards, enhancing the quality of healthcare and food products both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. The SFDA's regulatory role has notably expanded beyond its traditional functions of approving pharmaceuticals and medical devices. At the recent Global HealthSpan Summit held in Riyadh, Dr. Hisham Bin Saad Al-Jadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), emphasized that the role of regulatory authorities has become increasingly comprehensive and influential. He explained that SFDA's responsibilities now extend beyond ensuring safety and efficacy to actively supporting innovation, adopting advanced health technologies, and regulating health practices that impact all aspects of the healthcare system. A key component of these broader responsibilities is the growing emphasis on the role of nutrition in public health. Recognizing Saudi Arabia's high incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, the SFDA has launched several practical initiatives aimed at reducing these health challenges. These include implementing clear labeling of calorie content, restricting salt content, and minimizing sugar and trans fats in food products. These initiatives are not limited to food alone but extend to incorporating modern health technologies into daily societal practices, significantly contributing to public health improvements and reducing hospital admissions related to chronic diseases. Moreover, the SFDA plays a crucial role in stimulating investment and growth within the regulated sectors by creating a safe and efficient regulatory environment that encourages innovation and product development. Balancing safety, efficiency, and innovation not only fosters growth in local healthcare industries but also enhances Saudi Arabia's global reputation as a leading investment and health destination. The importance of these developments is evident, as they significantly enhance Saudi Arabia's international standing and its attractiveness to global investors in the healthcare and food sectors. Furthermore, these advancements positively impact the national economy by creating new investment opportunities, generating high-quality jobs for citizens, and generally improving public health quality. Consequently, Saudi Arabia has become a global model in healthcare regulation and food and drug safety. In conclusion, dear reader, the continuous and significant achievements of the SFDA underscore the ambitious vision adopted by the Kingdom to establish an advanced healthcare system based on global best practices, fundamentally aimed at enhancing the quality of life and ensuring public health and safety. These ongoing efforts solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in healthcare at both regional and global levels.
Al Arabiya
04-02-2025
- Health
- Al Arabiya
Saudi summit: GLP-1 drugs could revolutionize global health, access remains a challenge
A leading obesity researcher has called for broader access to revolutionary GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy at Saudi Arabia's Global HealthSpan Summit, which is highlighting the importance of longer, healthier lives. Speaking at the second annual Global HealthSpan Summit, organized by the Kingdom's Hevolution Foundation, David Bradley Allison raised crucial questions about the future of GLP-1 drugs, which have shown remarkable effectiveness in treating obesity and potentially extending healthy lifespans. 'Who decides who gets these drugs? Who pays for them?' Allison asked, addressing the ethical considerations surrounding access to these medications. 'Should a person be able to choose to take one of these drugs for their benefits that they perceive, even if it's not judged by mainstream medicine as medically indicated?' Allison questioned, highlighting the tension between personal choice and medical oversight. Addressing concerns about the high cost of GLP-1 drugs, Allison drew parallels with other technologies that became more affordable over time. 'People talk about how it would cripple the economy, but these are predicated on assumptions that the price doesn't come down,' he said. 'Pocket calculators were very expensive in 1970. Now you give pocket calculators away.' The researcher also noted ongoing developments in drug delivery systems, including oral medications currently in development as alternatives to injections, which could potentially increase accessibility and reduce costs. While acknowledging the promise of GLP-1 drugs, Allison emphasized the importance of addressing broader social and economic factors affecting public health. He cited two significant studies demonstrating the impact of environmental and educational factors on obesity rates. The Moving to Opportunity study, a long-term randomized controlled trial by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, showed that people who moved to better housing conditions were less likely to develop obesity and diabetes decades later. Similarly, the Abecedarian study revealed that early intervention programs focusing on education and parent training led to lower obesity rates, particularly among women and girls. When asked about potential policy solutions, Allison advocated for a freedom-oriented approach rather than restrictions. 'I like giving things, not taking things,' he said, suggesting that government action should focus on making anti-obesity medications more accessible while ensuring proper informed consent. The summit was organized by the Hevolution Foundation, established by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman through a royal decree. The foundation commits over one billion dollars annually to research aimed at extending healthy human lifespans, representing one of the largest investments in longevity science globally. The non-profit foundation aims to democratize access to healthspan science to benefit all of humanity, marking a significant shift in Saudi Arabia's role in global health research. The discussion comes at a time when GLP-1 drugs have gained significant attention for their effectiveness in treating obesity and potential implications for healthy aging. These medications work by mimicking hormones that influence appetite, fullness, and digestion, representing a potentially transformative approach to treating obesity and related conditions.
