Mr. Abdulelah Alsuwaydani

Saudi Food and Drug Authority
Saudi Arabia

Abstract Title: Camel Veterinary Medicinal Product Shortages in Saudi Arabia: Root Causes and Recommendations

Biography:

Abdulelah Alsuwaydani is a dedicated pharmaceutical professional with a solid background in both laboratory work and regulatory affairs. After graduating with a degree in Pharmacy in 2016, Abdulelah Alsuwaydani began a career in a private laboratory, where they gained seven years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical testing and analysis. In 2021, they earned a Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, further deepening their expertise in drug formulation, quality control, and research methodologies. In 2022, Abdulelah Alsuwaydani joined the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), where they continue to contribute to the advancement of public health through regulatory oversight and scientific evaluation.

Research Interest:

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has been the regulatory authority governing veterinary medicinal products (VMP) in Saudi Arabia since 2009. However, SFDA is adapting a stringent veterinary medicinal regulatory. Which, consider camels a minor species resulting in limit attention in terms of regulatory, development, and product availability. Moreover, manufacturers reluctance to invest in the development medications due to profit margins. The previous reasons lead to limited registration and access of camels VMP. Data were obtained from the registered SFDA public database of Bovidae and Camelidae. Correlate camel VMP registrations trend over the period from 2009 to 2024 of approved VMP. The species divided into Bovidae (Bovine, Ovine, Caprine), Camelidae (Camel). Conducting descriptive analysis for the approval trend over the years and cumulative analysis of both groups. The data over 16 years lack proportion as Bovidae data has slope of (m=49.77) while, Camelidae is (m=2.38). The slope steepness variability indicates a significant difference with annual approval rate of 54 and 4 per year the relatively. Furthermore, historical event did affect VMP registration/approval over the years. First, VMP-registration introduced to SFDA in 2009 with steady increase of approval. However, VMP-approval decrease at 2016 since, SFDA start adapting VICH. Slow adherence to SFDA requirements was clear in the case of the Bovidae species. Camelids VMP struggled due to lack of specified camels’ drug regulation with 3.67% of approved VMP have claim for camels. We recommend enhancing the regulatory framework, addressing economic barriers, and promoting research. Regulatory could initiate camel's VMP registration specific regulation/track. Furthermore, facilitate collaboration efforts between worldwide research institutions and Saudi counterparts.