Regulatory Filings and Submissions

On February 3, 2015, the FDA published a notice in the Federal Register that it is soliciting input on the collection of data to support interchangeability claims in biosimilar applications.

FDA has approved Genetech’s Lucentis to treat retinopathy in patients with diabetic macular edema.

The agency releases guidance documents on Individual Patient Expanded Access Applications and disclosing risk information to patients.

The cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer was approved more than two months ahead of the prescription drug user fee goal date.

The 2016 White House Budget proposes a change to the data exclusivity period for biologics and the authority to influence drug pricing.

FDA says it is “weighing the appropriate regulatory approach” to handle the tasks outlined by President Obama’s new Precision Medicine Initiative.

Initiatives to speed drug development must pass Congress and special interest groups.

Developing intellectual property standards for biological products is a point of conflict as negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership continue.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson announced FDA-approval of Evotaz and Prezcobix, combination HIV-1 infection treatments.

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is the first IL-17A inhibitor for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis patients.

Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that it stopped its study of Opdivo for the treatment of 2nd line squamous cell lung cancer due to superior overall survival of study participants.

When used in combination with chlorambucil to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Gazyva was found to be more effective than Rituxan.

Entrectinib has received FDA’s orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations for the treatment of neuroblastoma.

Teva Pharmaceuticals announced that FDA approved Granix injection for self-administration in patients.

Approval of anti-PD-1 antibody Opdivo represents a major milestone for patients who no longer respond to existing treatments for melanoma.

FDA set several milestones in approving more new, important drugs and biologics in 2014. Breakthrough drug designations went through through the roof, speeding more new therapies for cancer and critical conditions to patients.

FDA has scheduled a public meeting in early January to assess and weigh data on the first United States application for a biosimilar therapy.

The agency publishes two guidance documents on providing regulatory submissions in electronic format.

The new bill calls for a data exclusivity period of 15 years for drugs that treat diseases with unmet medical need.

NICE OKs biologics for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, changing its preliminary guidance that recommended against their use.

Lung Therapeutics announced that it received Orphan Drug Designation for LTI-01, an injectable designed for the treatment of loculated pleural effusion.

The United States government is ramping up support for formulation, production, and packaging of Ebola treatments.

Ralph G. Neas, president and CEO of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, requests that Congress get involved in the support of a more competitive drug market.

FDA issues draft guidance on rare pediatric disease priority review vouchers in accordance with FDASIA.

Avastin plus chemotherapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer increased progression-free survival by 62% compared with chemotherapy alone.