The CECMED Office of Innovation: A Core Initiative to Bolster Novel Pharmaceutical Products-The Cuban Approach

Abstract

Regulatory agencies across the Latin American region have strengthened their activities through the development of new regulatory science-based tools, standards and other approaches to evaluate and assess the safety, efficacy, quality and performance of therapeutics and devices. These processes have been implemented to promote the development and authorization of innovative new drugs and technologies, which pose a challenge to even well-established regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, in today's environment, the regulatory framework to protect public health can create barriers to marketing entry of novel drugs and medical devices. This article describes the pioneering approach that the Cuban regulatory agency (CECMED) has developed with the aim of building a comprehensive regulatory framework geared to accelerated innovation and enable successful transition of novel products from research and development to clinical practice. The Office of Innovation recently established at CECMED is the first flagship initiative of this type in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Its goal is to serve a leading role as a driving force for national and regional biopharmaceutical innovation. Herein, we discuss the conceptualization and management of the Office from the Latin American regional and national Cuban contexts.