The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) is the national authority responsible for drug regulation and health technology assessment in Italy. Established to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines, AIFA plays a pivotal role in overseeing the entire lifecycle of pharmaceutical products, from clinical trials to market access and pharmacovigilance. Engaging with AIFA is essential for stakeholders aiming to navigate market access in the Italian pharmaceutical landscape.
Core Functions of AIFA
AIFA’s primary responsibilities include:
- Authorization of Medicinal Products: Evaluating and granting Marketing Authorizations (MA) for new medicines to ensure they meet rigorous standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
aifa.gov.it - Pricing and Reimbursement: Negotiating drug prices and determining their reimbursement status within the National Health Service (NHS) to ensure accessibility and sustainability.
- Pharmacovigilance: Monitoring the safety of medicines post-marketing to promptly identify and manage adverse reactions.
- Promotion of Research and Development: Encouraging innovation in pharmaceuticals by supporting clinical research and facilitating early access programs for promising therapies.
aifa.gov.it
Leadership and Key Contacts
As of January 2025, AIFA is led by President Robert Giovanni Nisticò, who oversees the agency’s strategic initiatives and operations.
Contact Details for AIFA
Website: https://www.aifa.gov.it/en/
Postal Address:
Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA)
Via del Tritone, 181
00187 Rome, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 5978401
Challenges in Working with AIFA
Engaging with AIFA involves:
- Understanding Regulatory Procedures: Familiarity with AIFA’s authorization processes and requirements is crucial for successful market access.
- Timely and Accurate Submissions: Ensuring that all necessary documentation is complete and submitted promptly to facilitate evaluation processes.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Working effectively with various healthcare stakeholders in Italy to align with AIFA’s guidelines and standards.
Successful collaboration with AIFA can lead to efficient market entry and favourable HTA and pricing and reimbursement outcomes in Italy.
Opportunities / Solutions with Justin Stindt Consultants
Justin Stindt AIFA expertise ensures:
- Expert Consultant AIFA Submissions: Creating high-quality submissions for Marketing Authorizations and reimbursement applications.
- Market Access AIFA Strategies: Developing strategies that align with AIFA’s regulatory framework to optimize market access.
- Specialist AIFA Processes: Providing insights into AIFA’s procedures to enhance compliance and expedite approvals.
Justin Stindt Consultants specializes in helping clients navigate AIFA’s regulatory and HTA environment to achieve successful market access in Italy.
Case Studies
A Pharmaceutical Company’s Success with AIFA
Challenge:
A pharmaceutical company sought our assistance to obtain a reimbursement approval for a novel therapy in Italy.
Solution:
We guided them in preparing a comprehensive dossier that addressed AIFA’s evaluation criteria.
Outcome:
Our strategic approach led to a positive outcome, enabling the therapy’s inclusion in the national reimbursement lis.
Need support with AIFA market access? Justin Stindt Consultants has the expertise to help you succeed.
Other Key Institutions in Market Access
Global Institutions
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR)
United States
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
- Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER)
France
Germany
- Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA)
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)
- GKV Spitzenverband
United-Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC)
- All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG)
- National Health Service (NHS)
Italy
Spain
- Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS)
- Dirección General de Cartera Común de Servicios del Sistema Nacional de Salud y Farmacia (DGCF)
- Interministerial Commission on Medicine Prices (CIPM)