US FDA's Biosimilars Program: Five Years In, Complete Response Letters Still Outnumber Approvals

Agency is meeting its review timelines for biosimilar applications but handing our more complete response letters than first-cycle approvals; sponsors have publicly disclosed 24 original biosimilar application submissions to the agency since the review program began in fiscal year 2013, with 10 product approvals to date and at least 13 CRLs, according to the Pink Sheet's biosimilars report card.

FDA entrance sign 2016

The US FDA’s biosimilar application reviews continue to remain stellar as far as user fee performance goal timelines go, but the end result more often than not is a complete response letter.

As it has since the Biosimilar User Fee Act (BsUFA) program began in fiscal year 2013, the agency met its performance goals for reviewing original biosimilar applications and resubmitted applications...

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

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.

Missing BsUFA Revenue Trigger Could Open US FDA Staff To Criminal Penalty

 

Massive layoffs and the biosimilar user fee program’s historic flirtation with the non-user fee spending requirements raise concerns that the FDA could lose its ability to collect BsUFA revenue, which could mean a fine or jail time for agency staff.

More from Biosimilars & Generics

Viatris Agrees To $335m Opioid Settlement Ending US State, Local Government Cases

 
• By 

Viatris joined Hikma and Amneal, in signing agreements for cash settlements that resolve allegations its practices fueled the US’ deadly opioid epidemic.

US FDA Shows Support For Generic Drug User Fee Goals Amid Cutbacks

 

The FDA struck an upbeat tone during its annual Generic Drugs Forum despite an unprecedented period of cutbacks and disruptions and reiterated a desire to continue meeting user fee goals.

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.