Strengthening Veterinary Medicines Regulation Across the World
The Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Agency Self-Assessment Tool (VMRA-SAT)
The Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Agency Self-Assessment Tool (VMRA-SAT) is a structured, globally applicable diagnostic instrument designed specifically for national authorities responsible for regulating veterinary medicinal products.
Its primary purpose is to help regulators systematically evaluate the performance and maturity of their veterinary medicines regulatory systems through a self-led, evidence-based process. VMRA-SAT is explicitly designed to be country-owned, voluntary and focused on learning rather than judgement.
Supporting countries at every stage of regulatory development
To support countries at different stages of regulatory development, VMRA-SAT is offered in two versions. The Lite Web Version (WebApp) provides a quick and accessible starting point for assessing regulatory maturity, while the Full Version (Desktop) enables a detailed, evidence-based evaluation and development planning process. Together, they provide a practical pathway for strengthening veterinary medicines regulatory systems and advancing regulatory excellence.
Developed for national veterinary medicines regulatory authorities
Designed for National Regulatory Authorities, the VMRA-SAT provides a practical framework for consistently assessing how veterinary medicines regulatory activities are organised, resourced and delivered across the full product lifecycle.
It supports authorities to benchmark performance, identify improvement needs, strengthen internal coherence and transparency, and move from ad hoc problem-solving to structured planning, prioritisation and continuous improvement.
By using the tool, regulators can improve consistency in decision making, communicate regulatory needs and progress more clearly, and support coordinated capacity building and harmonised standards across countries and regions.
VMRA-SAT supports the work of Chief Veterinary Officers
VMRA-SAT helps Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) strengthen the regulatory systems needed to respond effectively to national animal health priorities and emergencies.
By identifying gaps in areas such as veterinary medicines authorisation, import control, inspection, pharmacovigilance, enforcement and supply chain oversight, the tool gives CVOs practical evidence to target action where it is most needed, regardless of whether veterinary medicines regulatory activities fall within their remit.
This enables more effective control of antimicrobial resistance through better oversight of veterinary medicines. It helps to ensure controls to prevent substandard and falsified products from reaching animals and farmers are fit for purpose. It also helps ensure effective systems are in place to import critical veterinary medicines during emergency situations where rapid access to safe, effective and quality-assured veterinary medicines is essential.
VMRA-SAT therefore supports CVOs to prioritise resources, guide regulatory reforms and build stronger, more resilient systems that protect animal health, public health and confidence in veterinary services.
A new home for VMRA-SAT
WOAH is currently considering whether to adopt VMRA-SAT and provide it with a permanent institutional home.
Housing the tool within WOAH would place it under the global authority for animal health, veterinary services and international standards, giving it the legitimacy, neutrality and long-term stewardship needed for a global veterinary medicines regulatory self-assessment tool.
It would also help align VMRA-SAT with WOAH’s existing work on PVS, AMR and One Health, while drawing on its technical networks, convening role and trusted relationships with Chief Veterinary Officers and national authorities. This would support the tool’s sustainability, consistency and wider acceptance as a credible reference point for strengthening regulatory systems across regions over time.
Partners
The development of VMRA-SAT began through a Gates Foundation-funded project led by the UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate. GALVmed now leads the Better Regulation Project supporting further development and piloting, while WOAH facilitates global engagement and alignment with its international frameworks.