The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) has launched a set of Data Ethics Principles to guide the pharmaceutical industry on best practices for using data responsibly and sustainably.
On 19 July 2021, the Medical Devices Branch (MDB) of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) published its draft “Regulatory Guidelines on Risk Classification of Standalone Medical Mobile Applications (SaMD) and Qualification of Clinical Decision Support Software (CDSS)” for comments.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is seeking feedback for its proposed amendments to the Food Regulations. The proposed amendments delete a majority of the standards of identity currently contained in Regulations 39 to 260 of the Food Regulations, save where they have to be retained in the interest of food safety or to support public health-related policies. The proposed changes are expected to come into effect in April 2022.
On 12 June 2021, the Singapore Food Authority published a media release in relation to a recall of several Eat Real Puff products, following a similar recall of the same products by the United Kingdom Food Standards Authority. Separately, on 25 June 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Office published a media release in relation to a voluntary recall of the Cotton On Kids Projector Light by the Cotton On Group.
Tokyo Bust Express, a beauty industry company engaged in breast enhancement, was found to have been engaged in unfair practices. It has given an undertaking to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore to cease false claims and pressure sales tactics.
The Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries Code of Conduct (“SAPI Code”) has been amended to provide clearer guidelines on the provision of donations and independent grants. The revisions are effective from 1 August 2021.
On 14 May 2021, the Health Sciences Authority Therapeutic Products Branch announced that it would be extending the Dossier Clarification Supplement to new drug applications for biologics. The extension takes effect from 1 June 2021.
On 15 April 2021, the Cyber Security Agency of the Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team issued an alert urging administrators of internet-connected devices to patch their systems immediately.
On 30 April 2021, the Health Sciences Authority Therapeutic Products Branch published its finalized guidance on the e-labeling of therapeutic products in Singapore. The new guidance is effective from 30 April 2021.
On 26 February 2021, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that it is introducing a new voluntary listing of direct telemedicine service providers, to assist patients with making informed choices when selecting telemedicine service providers. According to the MOH, this scheme will be an interim measure to promote patient safety and welfare in the provision of telemedicine services, pending the upcoming regulation of telemedicine services under the new soon-to-be-implemented Healthcare Services Act.