The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) welcomed a delegation from the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association (PReMA) for a meeting and information exchange aimed at promoting access to innovative medicines in the Asian region.

Ms. Supattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the Thai FDA, delivered welcoming remarks to the representatives of JPMA and PReMA on the occasion of their courtesy visit and technical discussions on academic cooperation to enhance pharmaceutical regulatory processes in Asia.

She emphasized that the Thai FDA is firmly committed to ensuring that the Thai population can gain timely access to new medicines that are effective, of assured quality, and compliant with international standards. This is being pursued through continuous improvement of regulatory systems, including the adoption of reliance practices and the application of digital technologies. These efforts are in line with the upcoming theme of the Asia Partnership Conference of Pharmaceutical Associations (APAC).

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on the outcomes of the 14th APAC and discussed progress and key issues in preparation for the 15th APAC, which is scheduled to be held in 2026 in Japan.

The forthcoming conference will focus on the application of reliance approaches throughout the pharmaceutical product lifecycle, as well as the advancement of manufacturing and quality control standards through the use of advanced technologies.

Representatives of JPMA expressed their appreciation to the Thai FDA for its continued cooperation over the years, noting the agency’s leading role as a health product regulatory authority in the ASEAN region. They also commended the Thai FDA’s progress as a regional leader in regulatory agility and digital transformation in regulatory oversight.

In closing, the Secretary-General of the Thai FDA stated that the agency had gained valuable perspectives from both JPMA and PReMA through this exchange. These insights will support the Thai FDA’s efforts to further drive digital innovation and fully enhance the effectiveness of reliance practices, with the ultimate goal of maximizing benefits for patients across the region—both at the forthcoming 15th APAC and through other collaborative initiatives to achieve shared objectives.

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Publication Date 19 November 2025