1. Pink Sheet
  2. >>Geography
  3. >>North America
  4. >>United States

Pfizer’s Lyrica Gets Split Decision As FDA Raises The Formulation Bar For Generics

With Pfizer’s blockbuster pain drug facing numerous generic challengers, the pharma gets FDA to agree not to accept any pregabalin ANDA that would include a “not less than” minimum level for R-isomer impurities; Pfizer’s patent certification arguments fall flat, however.

It arrived five months later than Pfizer Inc. had requested and denied a request that could have delayed generic challengers to its pain drug Lyrica (pregabalin) significantly, but the world’s biggest pharma still got a win Nov. 30 as FDA replied to a citizen petition by agreeing not to accept any ANDA for pregabalin that includes a “not less than” minimum level for R-isomer impurities.

Pfizer had filed its petition on June 6 against the background of a patent-infringement lawsuit pending against eight companies that...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from United States

Medicare Part B ASP Proposal Sets ‘Guardrails’ Around Bona Fide Service Fee Reporting

 
• By Cathy Kelly

Average sales prices, and Medicare spending on some drugs, would be expected to be lower, CMS says in the Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

A Record Year For US FDA Approvals? Commissioner Says It’s Possible

 
• By Michael McCaughan

FDA Commissioner Martin Makary suggested 60 new molecular entities could be approved in 2025, which appears possible, but can the strained staff deliver?

Real-Time Release Of CRLs Is US FDA’s Goal, Agency Leaders Affirm

 
• By Michael McCaughan

The US FDA says its release of complete response letters for products subsequently approved by the agency is just a first step toward releasing rejection letters when they are issued, assuming legal issues can be resolved.

No Surprise Here: Foreign Drug Facilities Should Expect Surprise Inspections, US FDA Says

 
• By Sue Sutter

The FDA's recent announcement of plans to expand unannounced inspections at ex-US facilities should put firms on advance notice that their next foreign facility inspection may not be preannounced, Ivy Sweeney, acting head of the agency's drug inspections office said.

More from North America

Base Benefit-Risk Decisions On Data, Not Opinion And Passion, CDER’s Tidmarsh Says

 
• By Sue Sutter

New US FDA drugs center director George Tidmarsh’s data-centric comments at a Reagan-Udall Foundation meeting on unapproved fluoride products could suggest patients’ and caregivers’ experiences will carry less weight in benefit-risk decisions under his leadership.

Pink Sheet Podcast: FDA’s New Top Drug Regulator, Sarepta’s Options After Elevidys Stand-Off

 
• By Derrick Gingery, Sarah Karlin-Smith, and Nielsen Hobbs

Pink Sheet reporter and editors discuss the potential impact George Tidmarsh could have as director of the US FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and the issues threatening the future of Sarepta’s gene therapy Elevidys.

EMA Says ‘No’ To Roche/Sarepta’s Elevidys, US FDA Investigates Fourth Death

 
• By Eliza Slawther and Sarah Karlin-Smith

The European Medicines Agency recommended against pan-EU marketing authorization of Roche/Sarpeta’s gene therapy Elevidys for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy as the US reported another death in an Elevidys patient.