Prescription To OTC Switch

Notice published on 21 March is a word-for-word copy, other than different dates, of a document published on 24 January, Kennedy says the ACNU final rule’s effective date is delayed until 27 May, two months later than the initial delayed effective date.

Critics of requirements that sponsors first demonstrate conventional labeling wouldn’t support an OTC switch before submitting proposals for ACNU switches and for simultaneous availability of Rx formulations of approved ACNU switches likely look to delay as chance to convince the agency to strike one or both components of the final rule.

Opella says FDA “lifted a clinical hold on its planned actual use trial to support the switch of Cialis” while Petros Pharmaceuticals shifts from working on its own ED-switch proposals to developing a proprietary technology-assisted platform designed for use in consumers’ self-selection of drugs made available in ACNU proposals.

Cavazzoni, who led the drugs center four-and-a-half years, decided on her own to retire at this time, sources said. The decision may have been a preemptive move knowing her time as head of CDER would have been limited, or at the very least highly challenging, under the new administration.

Final rule’s requirement that ACNU formulations also remain available as Rx generics could limit revenues for marketers of the nonprescription drugs while approvals of ACNU applications from studies with participants having drugs delivered to their homes may require marketers to limit distribution to direct-to-consumer without clearance for sales in retail stores.

Study completed in 2024 showed consumers using an online application accurately self-selected and safely used an Rx statin drug. An “ACNU” switch NDA would have to first show conventional OTC labeling won’t support proper self-selection and use.

Agency’s proposal for targeting making more formulations available nonprescription through “novel switches” went through changes on its path from idea in 2012 to proposed rule in 2022 and final rule published in December.

FDA’s ‘ACNU’ rule went through numerous twists and turns from agency’s “new paradigm” idea of OTC switches in 2012 to publication.

Latest regulatory goals update also includes April as target date for final rule on exemptions from IND clearance for clinical trials to evaluate food, dietary supplements or cosmetics and May for an NPRM would recognize N-acetyl-L-cysteine as a lawful dietary ingredient.