Isotretinoin REMS Modifications Show How Advisory Panel Can Push FDA To Change Its Mind

US FDA makes five changes to ease burden of risk management program for acne drug – going further than the agency initially seemed comfortable with in March, though not always in line with what the generic sponsors were seeking.

close up of women with acne on her face
Changes to isotretinoin REMS should make access to the acne drug easier. • Source: Shutterstock

The US Food and Drug Administration agreed to five modifications to the isotretinoin Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy including a relaxation of pregnancy test procedures following an advisory panel that stands out as an example of how a committee's input can shift the agency’s thinking.

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

US FDA Commissioner Makary Wants To Combine Adverse Event Reporting Systems

 

In discussing FDA’s adverse event monitoring, Makary also seemed to falsely imply the agency did not fully investigate the myocarditis signal with COVID-19 vaccines.

Global Regulators Consider Extending Pilot On Post-Approval CMC Changes After Positive Findings

 

Regulatory authorities from multiple regions are considering extending a pilot project related to collaborative assessments of post-approval chemistry, manufacturing and controls changes, with a focus on the supply of critical medicines.

Pharma Industry Wants Easier Access To England’s Revamped NHS Data Sharing System

 

The pharmaceutical industry was not sufficiently involved in designing updates to England’s health data infrastructure, leading to a “misalignment” between company needs and what is currently being delivered, according to the results of a survey by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

US FDA In ‘First Stages’ Of Reconsidering Black Box For Antipsychotics

 

Patient advocates and sponsors want the US to reconsider a 20-year-old class warning against the use of antipsychotics in patients with dementia. The agency is weighing the issue, but also defending the current labels of newer agents.

More from Product Reviews

US FDA User Fee Collection Safe In Preliminary Trump 2026 Budget Plan

 
• By 

The preliminary White House 2026 budget plan cuts agency funding, but not so sharply that user fees are excluded from collection.

New EU Approvals

 

The Pink Sheet's list of EU centralized approvals of new active substances has been updated to include four new products, one of which is Tivdak, Pfizer/Genmab’s treatment for previously treated recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer.

US CDC Panel Recommends Some 50-59 Year-Olds For RSV Vaccination

 

All RSV vaccines with US FDA approval for high-risk younger adult patients will be incorporated in US CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices recommendations. Merck’s infant RSV antibody is on track for a June vote