Strengthening Veterinary Medicines Regulation Across the World
The VMRA-SAT software tool helps national regulatory authorities evaluate their maturity, identify gaps, and build the evidence base for targeted investment and reform.
Introducing the VMRA-SAT
The Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Authority 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. Unlike general regulatory reviews or external audits, VMRA-SAT is explicitly designed to be country-owned, voluntary and focused on learning rather than judgment.
Get the VMRA-SAT and Improve Regulation today
Improve Veterinary Medicines Regulation
VMRA-SAT helps strengthen the regulation of veterinary medicines by providing a practical framework to assess systems, identify gaps, and prioritise improvements. It supports more efficient oversight, better compliance, and stronger protection for animal and public health.
Developed For National Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Authorities
Designed for National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), VMRA-SAT enables consistent benchmarking and coordinated capacity building. It helps institutions work together to improve regulatory performance and harmonise standards across countries and regions.
For Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Authorities
For veterinary medicines regulatory authorities, VMRA-SAT provides a practical framework to systematically review how regulatory activities are organised, resourced and delivered across the veterinary medicines lifecycle (pre and post authorisation).
It supports regulators to critically examine whether policies, procedures and practices are working as intended and where improvement is needed to strengthen regulatory outcomes. By using VMRA-SAT, authorities can move beyond ad hoc problem solving to a more structured approach to planning, prioritisation and continuous improvement. The tool supports internal coherence, transparency, consistency in regulatory decision making and clearer communication of regulatory needs and progress to leadership, government and partners.
How does VMRA-SAT support the work of CVOs?
VMRA-SAT supports CVOs by equipping their regulatory authorities with the clarity and evidence needed to make informed decisions, prioritise resources and demonstrate regulatory credibility at national, regional and international levels.
VMRA-SAT provides a structured and evidence-based foundation that enables regulatory authorities to take effective action on national priorities such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), substandard and falsified veterinary products (SFVPs) and access to quality assured medicines.
By clearly identifying strengths, gaps and priorities within the regulatory system, the tool supports authorities to design and implement targeted reforms, strengthen oversight across the supply chain and improve regulatory performance in practice. Strong regulatory systems are essential for promoting responsible use of antimicrobials, preventing poor quality products from entering the market and ensuring the availability of safe and effective veterinary medicines.
A New Home for VMRA-SAT
VMRA-SAT Adoption by WOAH
Currently the tool is being looked at for adoption and a new home with WOAH.
Housing VMRA-SAT within WOAH ensures the tool sits within the global authority responsible for animal health, veterinary services and international standards. WOAH is uniquely positioned to provide the legitimacy, neutrality and long-term stewardship needed for a global regulatory self-assessment tool for veterinary medicines.
By being anchored within WOAH, VMRA-SAT can align with existing frameworks such as PVS, AMR strategies and One Health priorities, while benefiting from WOAH’s convening power, technical networks, trusted relationships with Chief Veterinary Officers and national authorities. This institutional home supports sustainability, consistency and global acceptance, enabling VMRA-SAT to be used as a credible reference point for regulatory system strengthening across regions and over time.
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