Regular publication of marketing authorization decisions is helpful to procurement and distribution networks and to other DRAs. This does not represent a breach of confidentiality as national registers are usually public documents. The WHO Pharmaceuticals Newsletter also publishes information on new marketing authorizations, as well as the latest regulatory safety information on, for example, withdrawals and changes in product information. DRAs are encouraged to transmit their regulatory decisions to the Department of Essential Drugs and other Medicines, WHO, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.

WHO distributes an Alert to all DRAs when important drug safety problems are detected. The journal WHO Drug Information provides more in-depth information, together with a discussion of current topics in drug regulation. The United Nations and WHO jointly prepare a Consolidated List of Products Whose Consumption and/or Sale Have Been Banned, Withdrawn, Severely Restricted or not Approved by Governments. This publication enables DRAs which assess applications for marketing authorization to ascertain whether any restrictive action has been taken in other countries. It is updated periodically.

WHO also distributes information to DRAs about new ICH guidelines, both those under discussion and those that have been finalized.