§ 02 · Comparison
Compare regulatory pathways side-by-side
Benchmark MAHMAH, GMPGMP, HTAHTA and pathway requirements across up to three markets.
Lead pathway (timeline & fees), New Drug Registration, Standard Review · Centralised Procedure
Pathway name
- EgyptNew Drug Registration, Standard Review
- European UnionCentralised Procedure
Approval timeline
- Egypt365-730 days
- European Union210-277 days
Headline fee and pathway
- EgyptFees not covered
- European UnionEUR 865,200, Centralised Procedureconditional on other
Recurring charges
- EgyptFees not covered
- European UnionEUR 232,400 a year, per marketing authorisation, other applications
Local representative
- EgyptRequired
- European UnionRequired
Local manufacturing
- EgyptNot required
- European UnionNot required
GMP inspection
- EgyptRequired
- European UnionRequired
MAH & local presence
Local entity required
- EgyptYes
- European UnionYes
Local responsible person
- EgyptYes
- European UnionYes
RP role
- EgyptMAHs must designate a Qualified Person responsible for the licensed premises (typically a registered pharmacist), and a Qualified Person for Pharmacovigilance (QPPV) as the contact for the Egyptian Pharmacovigilance Centre (EPVC) within EDA.
- European UnionQualified Person Responsible for Pharmacovigilance (QPPV), must reside and operate in the EU/EEA, is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the pharmacovigilance system. A Qualified Person (QP) in the EU/EEA performs batch certification under Article 51 of Directive 2001/83/EC. Local Contact Person for pharmacovigilance required in each Member State where the product is marketed (since 2012 GVP).
Accelerated pathways
Designations available
- Egypt3 designations
- European Union6 designations
Examples
- EgyptReliance / Verification, Expedited Pathway, Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA), Conditional Registration / Compassionate Use Programme
- European UnionAccelerated Assessment, Conditional Marketing Authorisation, Authorisation under Exceptional Circumstances +3
Post-approval lifecycle
Variations framework
- EgyptVariations are classified per EDA variation guidelines (aligned with EU variation classification) into Type IA / IAIN (notification), Type IB (minor, prior approval), Type II (major, prior approval) and Extensions. EDA aligned its variations framework with EU practice as part of its ML3 work.
- European UnionCommission Regulation (EC) 1234/2008 establishes four categories: Type IA (minor, Do and Tell, 12-month notification), Type IAIN (minor, immediate notification), Type IB (minor, Tell, Wait, and Do, 30-day default), Type II (major, prior approval, 60 to 90 days), and Extensions (Annex I changes, full review). Worksharing procedures consolidate variations across multiple authorisations.
Renewal cycle
- EgyptDrug Registration Certificate is initially valid for 10 years (from 2019 reform, replacing the prior 5-year cycle) and renewable for 10 years; renewal requires up-to-date CMC, safety, GMP and labelling information.
- European UnionInitial 5-year renewal, application 9 months before expiry. After the first renewal, MA is granted for unlimited duration unless the CHMP/NCA, on justified grounds relating to pharmacovigilance, decides on one additional 5-year renewal.
Pharmacovigilance
- EgyptThe Egyptian Pharmacovigilance Centre (EPVC) within EDA coordinates national ADR reporting; Egypt is a member of the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring (Uppsala Monitoring Centre). MAHs must submit PSURs aligned to ICH E2C(R2), report serious ADRs within statutory timelines, and maintain a Risk Management Plan (RMP) for new active substances and vaccines.
- European UnionComprehensive PV framework under Directive 2010/84/EU and Regulation (EU) 1235/2010, codified in Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP). Pharmacovigilance System Master File (PSMF) required. Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) on EU-harmonised birth-date list. Risk Management Plans for all new MAs and significant variations. Suspected serious ADR reporting to EudraVigilance within 15 days. Black triangle (▼) for additional monitoring of selected products.
Unlicensed access
Named Patient Supply
- EgyptAvailable
- European UnionAvailable
Compassionate Use
- EgyptAvailable
- European UnionAvailable
Emergency Import
- EgyptAvailable
- European UnionAvailable
Parallel Import
- EgyptNot permitted
- European UnionPermitted
Clinical trials
CTA approval
- EgyptRequired
- European UnionRequired
Ethics approval
- EgyptYes
- European UnionYes
CTA timeline
- Egypt60-120 days
- European Union60-106 days
GCP standard
- EgyptICH E6(R2) GCP; Egyptian Clinical Trials Law No. 214/2020 and EDA GCP guidelines; Helsinki Declaration
- European UnionICH E6(R3), Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2748 transposing R3, applicable from 23 July 2025
Pricing & reimbursement
Price regulation
- EgyptRegulated
- European UnionRegulated
Reference pricing
- EgyptYes
- European UnionYes
HTA required
- EgyptNo
- European UnionYes
HTA body
- EgyptNo formal national HTA agency; HTA capacity is being developed within EDA and the General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR) under the UHI reforms.
- European UnionEU HTA Coordination Group (EUnetHTA legacy); national HTA bodies (NICE, HAS, G-BA/IQWiG, AIFA, AEMPS, etc.)