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Development of the national medicines data repository has been launched

26.3.2025 | Published in English on 13.6.2025 at 12.48

The development of the national medicines data repository has begun. The aim is to collect information on medicines in a single location, making it easier to utilise these in the future. The medicines data repository supports the implementation of pharmacotherapies and ensures their safety and affordability.

In the first phase, information on medicinal products and the pharmaceutical market related to the tasks and services of the authorities will be collected in the medicines data repository. Currently, information on medicinal products is scattered on the websites and in the services of different actors.

Medicines data repository to be compiled in cooperation

Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea will be responsible for developing the medicines data repository in cooperation with Kela, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board (Hila). The development project is based on studies and specifications produced in 2020–2023 under the leadership of Fimea, together with stakeholders. These include a study on the medicines data repository, a follow-up report on the study and descriptions of solutions as well as materials for a consultation procedure to the Ministry of Finance pursuant to the Act on Information Management in Public Administration. An external evaluation has also been carried out on the feasibility of the medicines data repository. The development of the medicines data repository will be launched as part of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health’s Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacy Economy project.

Project planning and preparation of a commissioning plan have been launched as part of the development of the medicines data repository. In addition, market dialogues have been launched to identify possible solutions and to obtain feedback on the planned procurement

A gateway to high-quality and reliable medicines data

The medicines data repository is a comprehensive solution for medicines data management. Its aim is to develop information products that meet the needs of users, improve information management and data quality, and develop the interoperability of information structures.

The importance of reliable and standard-compliant information that meets user needs will be further emphasised in the coming years. This will enable us to anticipate and respond to new user needs in which data is utilised, for example, through artificial intelligence and other modern solutions. The changing operating environment emphasises the need for authorities to make available a main source of pharmaceutical information that various actors can utilise diversely for different uses.

The development targets for the first-phase of the medicines data repository include information management processes and management services related to basic information on medicines, medicine code lists, reimbursement and price information as well as information on substitution. During the investigative phase, information products prioritised included the reform of the medicines database and tools for availability and preparedness. The aim is also to develop a joint medicines search function for the authorities.

Discussion event for users of medicines data repository services

On 15 April 2025, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will organise a stakeholder event from 13:00 to 16:00, where the objectives and schedule of the project will be presented and the views and wishes of stakeholders will be collected. The event is open to all stakeholders and especially intended for those who will utilise the information products and user interfaces of the medicines data repository.

Stakeholder event on the medicines data repository (www.stm.fi)

Please register for the event no later than 10 April. Registration link