Agreement signed between Malta and Italy to strengthen pharmaceutical sector

The Malta Medicines Authority (MMA) and the Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) signed a collaboration agreement aimed at strengthening the pharmaceutical sectors between the two countries.

The signing was presided over by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela in Rome, Italy.

A government statement on Tuesday said that the agreement aims to enhance cooperation between Malta and Italy to achieve shared goals in European pharmaceutical policy and beyond.

It said that this agreement not only reaffirms the strong bond between the two nations but also underscores Malta’s commitment to collaboration within the EU and, most importantly, to improving healthcare for its patients.

Abela said that the purpose of this agreement is to reinforce the role of Italy and Malta as key partners in implementing European pharmaceutical policy.

“At the same time, we seek to improve the security and accessibility of medicines while promoting innovation and sustainability across the Mediterranean and the European Union,” Abela said.

He continued that this agreement will ensure that both countries benefit from the exchange of information and best practices in regulatory sciences.

It will also encourage the adoption of innovative methodologies, including digitalization, regulatory automation, and artificial intelligence, to improve regulatory decision-making and efficiency.

Additionally, the agreement will foster joint efforts in international cooperation initiatives, enhance resilience against health emergencies, and strengthen operational capacities while expanding the expertise of employees.

Abela said that this agreement will provide an opportunity for both countries to continue advancing pharmaceutical regulatory science.

“It is essential that Malta and Italy benefit from a collaboration whose primary goal is to better serve our patients,” Abela said.

During his visit to Rome, Abela also met with Italian Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci.

The statement said that their discussions covered further collaborations between Malta and Italy on medicine accessibility, transplants, screening, blood transfusions, and training for healthcare professionals.