Latvia

Regulatory

Latvia is the second largest Baltic country with an area of some 25,100 square miles and a population of 2 million people. It became a EU member state in 2004, and its regulatory and legislative environment was stepwise synchronized with the European legislation.

CMEC (Central Medical Ethics committee of Latvia) is the central and the most important element of the regulatory system. CMEC is governed by Cabinet Regulation No. 9 “Statutes of Central Medical Ethics Committee”, issued in 1998. The conduct of clinical trials in the Republic of Latvia is regulated by the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 289 of 23 March 2010.

Official links

https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/207398-regulations-regarding-the-procedures-for-conduct-of-clinical-trials-and-non-interventional-trials-of-medicinal-products-labelling-of-investigational-medicinal-products-and-the-procedures-for-assessment-of-conformity-of-clinical-trial-of-medicinal-products-with-the-requirements-of-good-clinical-practice

Pharmaceutical Industry & Clinical Trials Market

In Latvia expertise in conducting clinical trials is broad — the total number of trials registered at “clinicaltrials.gov” is more than 864, while 100+ of them are ongoing clinical studies.

The pharmaceutical and clinical market is one of the key contributors to the overall growth of the national economy, employment and better public health. According to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, the global demand for modern pharmaceuticals is constantly growing. It is predicted that between 2017 and 2030 global growth in the pharmaceutical industry will reach 160 percent.

Sponsors from all over the world consider Latvia for conducting trials as it offers:

• patients for trials with diverse indications: The Baltic States have a significant incidence of oncological and cardiovascular diseases.
• fast enrollment and patient retention: in Latvia, there is a high level of patient’s trust and respect for the physician.
• experienced medical staff and good clinical practice (GCP) knowledge
• simple logistic requirements

Medical system

Despite the fact that the Government’s expenses on health are on the second-lowest level in the EU, Latvia’s health care system has begun to streamline the healthcare sector. The objectives are to strengthen prevention and primary health care in order to improve public health and reduce health inequalities.