Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista inaugurated the extension of the premises and an increase in personnel of the Malta Medicines Authority.

The Malta Medicines Authority works on three pillars: efficacy, safety, and quality of medicines.

"The success of the Malta Medicines Authority is attributed to the motivated professional employees who operate in a proactive environment to meet the dynamics of scientific development, stakeholder needs, and local and European regulatory requirements," The government statement read.

"The Malta Medicines Authority has experienced sustainable growth with the help of highly qualified employees. The extensive investment in capacity building reflects the expanding regulatory role of the Malta Medicines Authority in line with national and European legislation in preparation for meeting the challenges and grasping the opportunities presented by Brexit. The core regulatory functions of the Authority are being optimised. The Licensing Directorate significantly increased the number of registered medicinal products in Malta. The Post-Licensing Directorate excels in pharmacovigilance activities.  The Inspectorate and Enforcement Directorate increased its third country inspections.  The Strategy, Operations and Regulatory Affairs Directorate was instrumental in gaining European and international recognition and ensuring the sustainability of the Authority."

"The Directorate for Advanced Scientific Initiatives was established to enhance the scientific acumen of the Malta Medicines Authority and to lead advanced initiatives in line with developments occurring in Malta and in Europe, the statement read. including the regulation of medicinal cannabis. Discussions are ongoing with local and international stakeholders to ensure the quality and safety of medicinal cannabis products from seed to patient. Forthcoming projects in line include the scientific regulation of medical devices and veterinary medicines."

Research, training and education are fundamental for enhancing the Malta Medicines Authority portfolio, a government statement read.

The extension of the premises inaugurated is dedicated to Micheal Chetcuti, an exemplary and intelligent medicine assessor who passed away six months ago. "This workplace consolidates the strategy of the Malta Medicines Authority as an independent, scientific, and patient-centred regulator."