MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a technical working group (TWG) to intensify its regulatory oversight on traditional medicines and health supplements.
The TWG “Taskforce Thomson” would provide regulation policies on traditional medicines and health supplements based on existing laws, rules and regulations.
“The TWG shall formulate an Administrative Order for the registration of Health Supplements under the Center for Food Regulation and Research (CFRR) and an FDA Circular for the registration of Traditional Medicines under the Center for Drug Regulation and Research,” the agency said in a statement Friday night.
Taskforce Thomson derived its name from Samuel Thomson, a self-taught American herbalist and botanist, well-known as the founder of “Thomsonian” medicine.
The alternative system of medicine enjoyed wide popularity in the United States during the 19th century.
The FDA said it would give clear guidelines and streamlined registration processes, and enhanced regulatory oversight, ensuring that only safe, effective and quality products are available.
It would also create a simplified regulatory framework that encourages innovation and investment, bolstering industry growth and consumer confidence.
“These concerted efforts reaffirm our commitment to protecting public health and promoting the accessibility of safe and effective healthcare products within the country,” the FDA said. (PNA)