EMA — What It Means in Clinical Trials
Plain English Definition
The EMA (European Medicines Agency) is the European Union's equivalent of the FDA. The EMA evaluates and supervises medicines for use across EU member states. If a drug is approved by the EMA, it can be prescribed in all EU countries. The EMA and FDA often review the same drugs but may reach different conclusions or approve them at different times.
Why It Matters
If you are in Europe or a drug is being tested internationally, the EMA's approval status matters. A drug approved by the FDA may not yet be available in Europe and vice versa.
Example
A listing might note: "This drug has received EMA marketing authorization but is not yet FDA-approved." This means it is available in Europe but still investigational in the US.
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