Philippines Pharmaceutical Registration
Your PFDA Gateway
Regulatory . Certification . Licensing . Assurance
Navigate the Philippines' $8 billion pharmaceutical market with expert local guidance. Our Philippines-based team provides comprehensive PFDA registration services to capture opportunities in this growing market dominated by generics but with significant potential for imported drugs and cosmetics.
Why Philippines
Exceptional Market Potential for Imported Pharmaceutical Products
Significant Market Opportunities
The pharmaceutical market in the Philippines offers a significant opportunity for imported drugs and cosmetics due to:
Market Growth Drivers:
• Growing population with increased healthcare awareness
• Expanding middle class with greater purchasing power
• Economic growth, tourism, and globalization creating consumer adoption of global trends
• Varied consumer preferences allowing for introduction of broad range of imported products
• Different market segments providing multiple entry opportunities
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Market Access Benefits:
• Trade agreements supporting market entry for international companies
• Demand for innovative solutions making the market particularly appealing
• Strong consumer interest in international pharmaceutical and cosmetic brands
• English-speaking business environment facilitating market entry
Our Philippines Services
Market Structure & Challenges
The $8 billion pharmaceutical industry, dominated 80% by generics, presents both opportunities and complexities:
Industry Characteristics:
• Large market size with significant generic drug presence
• Strong demand for affordable pharmaceutical alternatives
• Growing interest in innovative and imported pharmaceutical products
• Market fragmentation creating diverse opportunities
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Regulatory & Market Challenges:
• Regulatory complexities requiring expert navigation
• Market fragmentation demanding strategic approach
• Heavy reliance on imports creating supply chain considerations
• Balance between affordability and safety requiring careful market positioning
Philippine Food and Drug Administration (PFDA) Framework
The regulatory framework, overseen by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensures safety and quality, instilling confidence in foreign brands.
PFDA Regulatory Environment:
• Strives to uphold international standards for pharmaceutical products
• Comprehensive oversight of drug and cosmetic product registration
• Focus on safety and quality assurance for imported products
• Recognition of international pharmaceutical standards and practices
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Modernization & Efficiency Initiatives:
• Ongoing modernization initiatives to improve regulatory processes
• Technological integration aimed at enhancing efficiency
• Efforts to address bureaucratic hurdles and streamline approvals
• Commitment to balancing accessibility with quality standards
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Future Market Outlook:
Successfully navigating these complexities will be crucial for unlocking the true potential of the Philippine pharmaceutical industry, ensuring accessibility without compromising quality amid the interplay between imported and local drugs.
Ready to Enter the Philippines' $8 Billion Pharmaceutical Market?
Let's Navigate Your PFDA Registration Success
Don't let regulatory complexity delay your entry into the Philippines' significant pharmaceutical market opportunities. Our Philippines-based regulatory experts, with deep PFDA knowledge and proven track record, are ready to accelerate your market access in this import-friendly $8 billion market.
Contact us today to discuss how our Philippines expertise can unlock opportunities in Southeast Asia's most English-friendly pharmaceutical market.
Our Experiences
Successfully obtained various drug licenses for a diverse range of products, including New Chemical Entities (NCE), Monitored Release(MR), Generics, and Biologics/Biosimilars, all in full compliance with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
Acted as the Market Authorization Holder (MAH) and the appointed Regulatory and Local Responsible Person for Pharmacovigilance, ensuring effective communication and coordination with the Philippine FDA for timely approvals and adherence to regulatory standards
Managed MAH transfers ensuring seamless transitions between Product Owners and Distributors
Delivered comprehensive lifecycle management services, including regulatory submissions for product variations, pharmacovigilance activities such as Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs), Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs), and handling of product defects, in line with both local and international standards.
Provided strategic regulatory guidance and conducted detailed dossier gap analyses, facilitating smooth market entry and ensuring full compliance with FDA.
Coordinated pre-submission meetings with the FDA, offering expert advice on technical and clinical study requirements to ensure clarity and alignment throughout the regulatory submission process.
Our Establishment
We will act as the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) for the product. Our company is a legally registered entity in the Philippines with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and holds a valid License to Operate (LTO) as a drug and medical device distributor-importer with the FDA. We maintain a permanent address in the Philippines and adhere to all regulatory requirements set forth by the Philippine government agencies.
As the MAH, we will provide a dedicated local liaison who ensures compliance with all FDA requirements, offering comprehensive support throughout the registration process and product lifecycle management.
Responsibilities of the Product Registration Holder (MAH)
1. Ensure that all communications and transactions with the FDA are conducted through the appointed representative(s) of the company. This includes the timely submission of documents, responding to inquiries, and ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met throughout the product lifecycle.
2. Ensure the accuracy of all submitted information regarding the product's quality, safety, and efficacy. The MAH will promptly notify the FDA of any significant changes to the product, including formulation, packaging, labeling, and manufacturing processes. Any changes that could affect product compliance must be reported without delay.
​3. Respond to requests for supplementary data, information, or samples within the prescribed time frame. If additional time is required, the MAH will formally request an extension from the FDA and ensure that all requested documentation is submitted accurately and on time to avoid delays in approval.
4. Oversee all matters related to the quality, safety, and efficacy of registered products, ensuring that the product continues to meet FDA standards. This includes:
(i) Ensuring compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and regulatory updates regarding product quality and safety.
(ii) Monitoring product performance in the market and conducting post-market surveillance to address any adverse events or quality issues.
5. Implement an effective pharmacovigilance system to monitor and manage the safety profile of the product throughout its lifecycle. This includes collecting and reporting adverse events and ensuring the FDA receives timely updates on safety information. The MAH will also implement risk management strategies to mitigate any identified risks associated with the product.
6. Ensure that all product labeling, advertising, and promotional materials comply with the FDA’s guidelines and regulations. Any changes to the product label or marketing materials will be submitted to the FDA for approval before they can be used in the market.
Overview of Pharmaceutical Product Registration in The Philippines
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency under the Department of Health (DOH), is the regulatory authority responsible for evaluating, approving, and monitoring pharmaceutical products in the Philippines. The process of product registration is designed to ensure that all pharmaceutical products meet strict standards for safety, quality, and efficacy. The registration process involves several key steps: Pre-assessment of Submitted Dossier, GMP compliance, Evaluation, Approval, Post-Market Surveillance.
Medicinal Product Classification in The Philippines
Medicinal products are classified into the following categories:
Biologics
Health and Food Supplements
Veterinary Products
New Chemical Entities (NCE) and Monitored Release (MR)
Generics
(Prescription (Rx), Over the Counter (OTC), Herbal and Household Remedy)
Registration Requirements for Pharmaceutical Products in The Philippines
International
• WHO, ICH, EMA, US-FDA
Regional
• ASEAN Guidelines for Stability Process Validation Variation
• ASEAN Common Technical Dossier (ACTD)
Local
• Drug registration guidance document
• FDA administrative orders, guidelines, memorandums and circulars
The pharmaceutical product registration process in The Philippines involves the following key steps:
01
Determine Product Classification
Proper classification of the product is essential, whether it is a RX, OTC, health supplement, or herbal medicine.
02
Appoint an Authorized Representative
Foreign manufacturers must appoint a local authorized representative to liaise and serve as the MAH with the FDA.
03
Submit Application via the FDA Submission Platform
All registration applications must be submitted electronically and should include the complete product dossier, along with all necessary administrative documents in granular format advised by the FDA.
04
Evaluation and Review
The FDA conducts a thorough evaluation of the submitted dossier to ensure compliance with safety, efficacy, and quality standards. During this phase, the FDA may request additional information, clarification, or supplementary documents to further assess the product.
05
Approval and Registration Number Issuance
Upon successful evaluation and approval, the Philippine FDA issues a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR). This registration number allows the product to be legally marketed, distributed, and sold in the Philippines. The product must continue to comply with FDA regulations throughout its lifecycle, including post-market surveillance and reporting.
Authority Registration Timeline for Pharmaceutical Products in The Philippines
Application Type | Product Category | Published Timeline (Working Days) |
|---|---|---|
Full Evaluation | New Chemical Entities (NCE), Monitored Release (MR) | *120 |
Biologics and Biosimilars | ||
Generics, RX, OTC, Herbal | ||
Verification Evaluation | NCE, MR | *30 |
Abridged Evaluation | NCE, MR | *45 |
*Subject to change, always refer to the official website for the latest information
Authority Registration Fees for Pharmaceutical Products in The Philippines
Product Category | Total Fees (PHP) |
|---|---|
New Drug Product (NCE, MR) | *45,960 |
Biologics | *15,660 |
Generics, RX, OTC, Herbal |
*Subject to change, always refer to the official website for the latest information
How can we help?
• Pre-market strategic consulting and feasibility assessment
We provide expert advice on market potential and regulatory pathways to ensure your product is ready for launch.
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• Regulatory intelligence and market entry strategy
We guide you through the complex regulatory landscape, offering tailored strategies for seamless market entry.
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• Product classification and regulatory gap analysis
Our team ensures accurate product classification and identifies any regulatory gaps to streamline the approval process.
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• Dossier preparation and submission handling
From document preparation to submission, we manage the entire process to ensure a smooth regulatory review.
• Life cycle management
Ongoing support including post-market surveillance and pharmacovigilance services, ensuring your product’s continued compliance and safety.
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• Change of product registration holder
We help facilitate the transfer of the MAH ensuring a seamless transition.
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• Ad-hoc regulatory affairs consultation
We offer on-demand regulatory consultation to address any urgent or specific issues that may arise during the product lifecycle.