Country Guides

Manufacturers must adjust labeling workflows to incorporate e-labelling mechanisms, such as QR codes, for P and GSL medicines by the stipulated date.

MAHs must update labelling components to meet new criteria, including a minimum font size of 7 points and essential information requirements regarding the medicine's name, strength, route of administration, posology, warnings, and indications as per the guidance. New packaging must be incorporated into stocked products within six months of approval.

MAHs must categorize their proposed label and PIL updates, utilizing the self-certification route for those not requiring full assessment; submissions validated through this route will receive acceptance letters within 14 days.

MAHs must ensure new medicinal product information texts use updated templates by 1 July 2026 and revise existing texts at the earliest opportunity if they include instructions for use.

1) Retrieve and review the updated “Submitting risk management plans guidance document” (PDF) and linked templates referenced from the overview (e.g., RMP note to reviewer, Canadian-specific addendum, RMP summary template) and map deltas vs the superseded 2015 approach. 2) Update Canada submission checklists/work instructions for the 1 July 2025 effective date, including the requirement that the RMP include a summary in English and French and use of the RMP summary attestation/acknowledgment form. 3) Ask Regulatory Intelligence/RA to brief PV leadership on the Agile Licensing notice timeline (RMP provisions in force 1 April 2027) and confirm how transitional provisions will be operationalized for existing RMPs submitted prior to that date.

MAHs must execute safety communication plans, update Risk Management Plans (RMPs), and revise product information including the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and Package Leaflet.

MAHs must update their application submission procedures to utilize the SUGAM portal for all relevant post-approval changes from June 24, 2026.

MAHs must implement safety monitoring protocols and ensure compliance with reporting obligations associated with the newly classified prescription drugs.

Review the guidance to ensure compliance with post-marketing safety reporting timelines and annual report submissions; update SOPs for ICSR processing and periodic report generation.

Update internal labeling workflows to align with the revised checklist; ensure submission documents meet updated formatting requirements for linguistic review.

Stakeholders, including those involved in labeling and signal management, should consider the published comments to align future processes with the regulatory expectations detailed in the draft ICH E22 guideline.

MAHs should review the updated DRGD to understand new processing timelines for variation submissions and assess how the reliance mechanism can be leveraged for faster safety updates. Adjust internal timelines and processes for post-marketing variation submissions accordingly.