The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) said Sunday permits to import all antibiotic preparations provided to the Ministry of Agriculture containing more than one active ingredient would be stopped within two months. The SFDA based its decision on the recommendation of the Committee for Registering Companies and Factories for Veterinary Preparations and Products not to approve registration of antibiotics composed of more than one substance unless it has a scientific reference among international publications with direction for identifying samples and the preparation of compound medicines recognized by the SFDA. The committee made its recommendation during its 98th session, held on April 30. The SFDA said American, British or European publications, pharmacopoeia, are acceptable references or the substances should be registered and marketed in the USA, Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand or Canada, countries that have advanced regulatory systems such as the European Medicines Agency. SFDA also called on the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce to send a memo to companies and establishments affected by the decision. __
