Abstract: Objective To find out more about the WHO Collaborating Center for Pharmacovigilance so as to provide reference for the establishment of pharmacovigilance-related international organizations in China. Methods Based on literature study and comparative analysis, the WHO Collaborating Center for Pharmacovigilance was introduced in terms of founding, development missions and ways of academic exchange. Results The WHO has issued a series of policies and regulations to support the official status of this center, while local governments have also actively provided financial assistance to it. The WHO has established multiple international pharmacovigilance collaborating centers using a variety of collaborating methods. These collaborating centers promote regional pharmacovigilance in various forms of exchange or training. Conclusion It is recommended that China learn from international practices and set up pharmacovigilance-related international collaborating organizations in developed coastal areas in order to make China more influential in the field of pharmacovigilance, fulfill international obligations, and play a leading role in Asia.

Key words: WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmacovigilance, drug evaluation, drug safety, international exchange