Egypt concluded the third edition of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Conference this week in Cairo, marking a milestone in international regulatory cooperation and pharmaceutical safety. Themed “Impurities in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Active Ingredients,” the event gathered global regulatory experts, pharmaceutical industry leaders, and representatives from international health organizations for high-level dialogue on drug quality and safety.
Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), opened the conference by emphasizing the growing strategic partnership between Egypt and the U.S. Pharmacopeia. “This collaboration is a pioneering model for international regulatory integration to enhance public health,” he said, highlighting the importance of unified global standards in pharmaceutical oversight.
The Cairo venue was not incidental. Its selection reflects what Dr. El-Ghamrawy called “increasing international confidence in Egypt’s regulatory leadership,” both regionally and globally. The EDA, recently certified by the World Health Organization for its vaccine and pharmaceutical regulatory systems, has positioned itself as a regional hub for drug governance and innovation.
A key focus of the conference was the Egyptian Pharmacopoeia. Dr. El-Ghamrawy announced the release of its fifth edition—its most comprehensive to date. This version aligns closely with global pharmacopoeial standards and expands coverage to all pharmaceutical products circulating in the Egyptian market. The reform, he stated, is a “leap toward international harmonization” and a vital tool for integrating Egypt into the global pharmaceutical dialogue.
Digital transformation was also in the spotlight. The updated Egyptian Pharmacopoeia has been made available on digital platforms since mid-2024, enabling regulators, pharmacists, and pharmaceutical companies to access real-time updates and ensure compliance with evolving standards.
Throughout the conference, EDA experts shared technical insights in dedicated sessions. Dr. Rania El-Hosary, General Manager of Stability Studies, detailed Egypt’s approach to impurity evaluation in stability research. Dr. Mohamed Badawy, Head of Technical Affairs, provided a comprehensive framework for assessing impurities in both active substances and final drug products. Meanwhile, Dr. Abeer Drar of the Regulatory Laboratories Directorate addressed analytical challenges and innovations in impurity testing.
These sessions not only enriched the scientific discourse but also reinforced Egypt’s commitment to transparency, evidence-based regulation, and global alignment.
Officials noted that continued cooperation with the USP will contribute to the development of robust regulatory frameworks capable of ensuring drug safety and efficacy, while also encouraging local pharmaceutical innovation and international trade.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of Egypt’s intention to expand its role in shaping the future of pharmaceutical governance. With increasing technical sophistication and a proactive global outlook, Cairo is positioning itself as a rising power in drug regulation—a role that many global health experts now regard as essential for equitable health access worldwide.
