Why Convergence & Reliance Are Key To Managing The Challenges Of CMC Post-Approval Changes

Implementing post-approval changes (PACs) is a challenging business. Different countries have their own PAC requirements, approval times and classification systems, which can potentially cause or exacerbate drug supply shortages. In this article, a group of pharmaceutical experts led by Andrew Deavin of GSK tells the Pink Sheet about the concrete progress that is being made to address these problems.

Four hands of businessmen connect gears to a puzzle on a background of sunset. Business concept idea, partnership, cooperation, teamwork, community,
Cooperation helps to smooth the wheels of regulation • Source: Shutterstock

Efforts are under way to encourage the global regulatory convergence of requirements and the use of reliance among world regulators in the area of chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) post-approval changes (PACs).

Key Takeaways

Heterogenous requirements together with unpredictable review, approval and implementation timelines make it very difficult for the pharmaceutical industry and regulators to put post-approval changes (PACs) in place.

Duplication of effort, a backlog of PAC requests, and the risk of product shortages are among the problems experienced by industry and regulators.

Industry wants the use of regulatory reliance and convergence procedures to be increased at global level, including maximum review periods for PACs.

The ICH Q12 guideline is intended to make the management of PACs more predictable and efficient and to reduce the regulatory burden.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of regulatory flexibilities have led to a rethink of how PACs should be managed, particularly in emergency situations and for products of early access.

Pilot programs are under way in numerous countries and at global level to test the principles of regulatory reliance and convergence.

  • The International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities is exploring the feasibility of further collaboration and convergence among regulators regarding data expectations and assessment approaches.

Efficient and harmonized PAC management by all players is key to ensuring continuous supply in the best interest of patients.

Several pilot programs are currently being conducted to test both convergence and reliance principles as way of supporting the uninterrupted...

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 Post-Marketing Regulation & Studies

COVID-19 Vaccine Studies On Spike Protein, Coadministration Reflect New US FDA Paradigm

 

CBER Director Vinay Prasad wants the American public’s concerns about a possible link between spike protein and post-vaccination syndrome answered, while also demanding larger immunogenicity studies and new pragmatic trials to support coadministration with other vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccines: Pfizer Arguments To Keep EUA Failed To Persuade US FDA’s Prasad

 
• By 

The CBER director rejected Pfizer’s assertions that pediatric dosing gaps, supply constraints and comparative mRNA content justify keeping the vaccine under emergency use authorization for younger children.

US FDA Requires Opioid Class Labeling Changes Despite Adcomm Advice

 
• By 

Quantitative estimates of the safety risks with opioid pain medication, including the risk of addiction and misuse, must be added to labeling.

Repurposed Generics For Rare Diseases: Janet Woodcock Proposes Shortcut

 
• By 

A Duke-Margolis working group is developing ideas to enable non-profit firms to seek US FDA approval for new indications for off-patent medicines. The former acting commissioner thinks citizen petitions might be the fastest route.

More from Product Reviews

Japan Roundup: Approvals Recommended For Ibtrozi, Voranigo And Ycanth

 
• By 

Along with multiple new therapeutics for NSCLC, Astellas's Izervay and several products licensed from US companies receive approval recommendations in Japan.

US FDA Compounding Advisory Panel Hit Hardest By Recent Purges

 

A Pink Sheet review found 10 FDA advisory panel members recently pulled off committees despite having time left in their appointed terms.

First-Of-A-Kind Nasal Spray For Pain In Children Among 13 New EU Filings

 

Cessatech and Proveca’s investigational, sufentanil/ketamine fixed-dose combination analgesic nasal spray is among the latest drugs that the European Medicines Agency has started to review for potential pan-EU marketing authorization.