Biologic Product Naming: US FDA Sticks With Suffixes ‘Devoid Of Meaning’

Final guidance adds new factors for biosimilar and innovative sponsors to consider in developing distinguishable suffixes for nonproprietary names but FDA is unswayed by calls for meaningful suffixes derived from license holder’s name; timing of retrospective application to previously approved products remains in question.

FDA’s final guidance on nonproprietary naming gives biosimilar developers and innovative biologic product sponsors more clarity on how four-letter suffixes will be evaluated for distinguishable nonproprietary names, but it also leaves a wake of questions about how the agency will implement this policy across a large swath of approved products.

The agency is sticking with its plan to require that distinguishable suffixes devoid of meaning be added to the nonproprietary...

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

More from Biosimilars

US FDA Could Miss User Fee Spending Triggers With House FY 2026 Funding

 

FDA employees are concerned that while the budget authority total proposed for fiscal year 2026 meets the user fee appropriations' triggers, the FDA could have trouble meeting allocation triggers without cuts to non-review work.

ICH Targets RWE, Rare Diseases, Biosimilars, ATMPs In New Guideline Push

 
• By 

The International Council for Harmonisation has identified four new topics that can benefit from global regulatory alignment, with timelines for initiating work to be determined later.

EU Biosimilar Filings, Opinions And Approvals

 

A list of EU biosimilar filings, CHMP opinions and EU marketing authorizations, including details of the biosimilar company, the brand name/INN, indication(s), the reference product/company, and the date and type of event.

Pulling Together: Global Regulators Discuss Convergence On Biosimilars

 
• By 

While the biosimilars industry has welcomed individual pockets of progress around regulatory streamlining, it is essential that approaches from global authorities move forward together if they are to have a meaningful impact on biosimilar development. At Medicines for Europe’s annual biosimilars conference, regulators from around the world talked about how their thinking is converging.

More from Biosimilars & Generics

‘The Question Is, What’s Going To Happen Next?’ – The Future For Biosimilars In Europe

 
• By 

With European biosimilars developers buoyed by recent regulatory moves, Medicines for Europe’s Isabell Remus and Julie Maréchal-Jamil discuss the next steps forward for the industry.

ICH Targets RWE, Rare Diseases, Biosimilars, ATMPs In New Guideline Push

 
• By 

The International Council for Harmonisation has identified four new topics that can benefit from global regulatory alignment, with timelines for initiating work to be determined later.

US FDA Legislative Lead Calls For User Fee Reforms As Renewal Talks Near

 

Deputy FDA Commissioner Grace Graham acknowledged the importance of user fees, while also calling for restructuring. She also said part of MAHA's mission is to reexamine uses of drugs not supported by data.