Reclassification of Curative Products

Well-Established Use (WEU) and traditional herbal medicinal products – procedures and dossiers

Reclassification of Non-Medicinal Curative Products

Under applicable regulations, manufacturers and distributors were permitted until March 31, 2011, to request the reclassification of substances and preparations possessing therapeutic effects not qualified as pharmaceuticals ("gyógytermékek") into medicinal products, traditional herbal medicinal products, or other product categories. Reclassification as non-prescription (OTC) medicinal products or traditional herbal medicinal products can be granted upon meeting the conditions set forth in statutory legislation.

If you intend to market your curative products that currently hold a valid registration entry or marketing authorization with therapeutic claims after April 1, 2011, and therefore plan their reclassification into medicinal products, please inform us of your intentions in advance. Should any difficulties arise while compiling the documentation to be submitted for the reclassification procedure, we provide personal consultation opportunities (subject to prior arrangement).

If preparations are not reclassified as pharmaceuticals, they may only be authorized under new (national) procedures after April 1, 2011.

Pursuant to Section 3 of Decree 53/2005 (XI. 18.) EüM on the conditions for reclassifying curative substances or products into medicinal products for human use, the original documentation submitted for registration and its supplements may be utilized as part of the documentation proving quality, relative safety, and efficacy.

1. Well-Established Use (WEU) – Reclassification as Non-Prescription (OTC) Medicinal Products

Such an application may be filed if "the applicant can demonstrate that the active substances of the medicinal product have been in well-established medicinal use within the EEA for at least 10 years, with recognized efficacy and an acceptable level of safety."

Documents and data required for authorization should preferably be submitted in electronic format. Detailed guidance on the dossier requirements is provided in Decree 52/2005 (XI. 18.) EüM and its Annex 1.

Key Components of the Dossier:
Official fee for reclassification as an OTC medicinal product: 405,000 HUF

2. Reclassification as Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products (THMP)

Traditional herbal medicinal products are preparations that:

  1. have indications exclusively appropriate to traditional herbal medicinal products intended for use without the supervision of a medical practitioner;
  2. are exclusively administered in accordance with a specified strength and posology;
  3. are oral, external, or inhalation preparations;
  4. have satisfied the period of traditional use specified in Decree 52/2005 (XI. 18.) EüM;
  5. have sufficient data on their traditional use—in particular, demonstrating that the product is not harmful under normal conditions of use and its pharmacological effects or efficacy are plausible on the basis of long-standing use and experience.

The presence of vitamins or minerals in the herbal medicinal product does not prevent the granting of a traditional herbal registration, provided that safety is adequately substantiated.

Key Components of the Dossier:
Official fee for reclassification as a traditional herbal medicinal product: 405,000 HUF

Source: National Institute of Pharmacy (OGYI)

Planning to place a product on the market?
Save valuable time! Our experienced regulatory experts will handle the official procedures and product dossiers for you.

Call Us Contact Us