Guidelines

Draft guide on monitoring medical literature released for public consultation

On 5 June 2014, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) released a draft guide on the monitoring of medical literature and the entry of relevant information into the EudraVigilance database. The draft guideline has been released for a two-month public consultation period.

Brazil speeds up approval process for generics and biologicals

Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency [Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, ANVISA] announced on 3 June 2014 the publication of a new guideline for generics and biologicals aimed at speeding up the regulatory procedure.

EMA issues draft guideline for insulin biosimilars

On 30 April 2014 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) released a draft guideline on the non-clinical and clinical development of insulin biosimilars. The draft guideline has been released for a three-month consultation period.

FDA releases further biosimilars guidance

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new draft guidance for biosimilars. The draft guideline, issued in May 2014, explains how to use clinical pharmacology data to show biosimilarity to a reference product.

Iranian guidelines for ‘biogenerics’

The regulatory body for approval of medicines in Iran is the Ministry of Health and Medical Education through its Food and Drug Organization (FDO). The agency is responsible for the scientific evaluation of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in Iran.

FDA releases bioequivalence guidance for 26 generics

On 2 April 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released 26 new draft guidance documents on the bioequivalence requirements for the development of generic drugs in question.

Development of Iranian guidelines for ‘biogenerics’

The national regulatory authority for approval of medicines in Iran, the Iranian Food and Drug Organization (FDO), has issued its new guidelines for registration of biologicals (recombinant medicines and monoclonal antibodies) in Iran. The guideline which was published online on 15 March 2014 describes the requirements for registration of both imported and locally manufactured biopharmaceuticals into the Iranian pharmaceutical market.

EMA issues concept paper for revision of immunogenicity guideline

On 25 March 2013 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced the publication of a concept paper to discuss the revision of the guideline on immunogenicity assessment of biotechnology-derived therapeutic proteins. The concept paper has been released for a three-month consultation period.

Nigerian guidelines for biosimilars

Last update:  11 March 2014

The regulatory body for approval of medicines in Nigeria is the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The agency, through its Regulatory and Registration Directorate, is responsible for the scientific evaluation of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in Nigeria.

New Zealand guidelines for biosimilars

Last update:  28 February 2014

The regulatory body for approval of medicines in New Zealand is the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe). The agency is responsible for the regulation of medicines and medical devices in New Zealand, ensuring that medicines and medical devices are acceptably safe.

Australia to adopt EMA’s monoclonal antibody guideline

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulatory body for therapeutic goods, announced on 14 February 2014 that it was carrying out public consultations on the adoption of European Union guidelines in Australia.

Colombia issues draft decree for registration of biologicals

Last update:  10 January 2014

The Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection (Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia) announced on 21 January 2013 the release of a new draft guideline for biologicals, including productos bioterapéuticos similares (similar biotherapeutic products), in Colombia.

Venezuela issues draft guideline for bioterapéuticos similares

The Venezuelan Instituto Nacional de Higiene ‘Rafael Rangel’ (INHRR National ‘Rafael Rangel’ Institute of Hygiene) via its National Monitoring Biological Products Division has released a new draft guideline for bioterapéuticos similares (similar biotherapeutics) in Venezuela.

EMA releases product-specific bioequivalence guidelines

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced on 15 November 2013 the release of the agency’s first product-specific guidance on the demonstration of bioequivalence for 16 active substances. The draft guidelines have been released for a three-month public consultation period.

EU guidelines for nanosimilars

Last update:  5 November 2013 

The regulatory body for approval of medicines in the European Union (EU) is the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The agency is responsible for the scientific evaluation of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the EU.

EMA issues draft reflection paper for iron-based nano-colloidal products

On 7 October 2013, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced the publication of a draft reflection paper^‡ to discuss the data requirements for intravenous iron-based nano-colloidal products developed with reference to an innovator medicine. The draft reflection paper has been released for a five-month consultation period.

FDA publishes guidance on ANDAs for new strengths

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published draft guidance for industry for abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) and prior approval supplements (PASs) where the applicant is seeking approval of a new strength of the drug product.

EMA organizes workshop on biosimilars guidelines

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced on 25 September 2013 that the agency would be organizing a workshop on biosimilars.

EMA issues draft concept paper on comparing quality in biologicals and biosimilars

On 28 June 2013, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) released a draft concept paper to discuss the issue of how to compare the quality attributes for biological products and biosimilars. The draft concept paper has been released for a three-month consultation period.

Revision of guideline on clinical and non-clinical issues for biosimilars

On 10 June 2013, EMA released a revision of the guideline addressing the clinical and non-clinical issues related to similar biological products (biosimilars) containing biotechnology-derived proteins as the active substance. The draft guideline has been released for a six-month consultation period.

EMA issues draft revision of overarching biosimilar guidelines

EMA announced on 2 May 2013 the publication of its new draft biosimilars guideline, which will revise the agency’s 2005 overarching guideline on similar biological medicinal products. The draft guideline has been released for a six-month consultation period.

FDA issues draft guidance for biosimilar meetings

FDA announced on 1 April 2013 that it had issued draft guidance for biosimilar meetings outlining standardized procedures for requesting, preparing, scheduling, conducting and documenting such formal meetings with FDA.

Guideline update on prevention of febrile neutropenia with G-CSF

Patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer are at risk of developing the sometimes fatal condition of febrile neutropenia (FN), involving infection, fever and sepsis due to a loss of neutrophils. Prophylaxis with recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to reduce hospital admissions, antibiotic use and the need for chemotherapy dose reduction. Several forms of recombinant G-CSF are available, including filgrastim and its biosimilars, or the pegylated version of filgrastim. All three are considered to be equivalent in terms of clinical efficacy and safety.

EMA releases guidelines on biosimilar interferon beta and r-FSH

In March 2013, EMA released two guidelines on how pharmaceutical companies should test biosimilar medicines containing interferon beta and recombinant follicle stimulation hormone (r-FSH).

Egypt issues draft guidelines for biosimilars

The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) announced on 20 January 2013 that a draft guideline for the registration of biosimilars in Egypt had been released by the Central Administration for Pharmaceutical Affairs (CAPA) in coordination with the National Organization for Research & Control of Biologics (NORCB).

Draft revision of biosimilar low molecular weight heparin guideline

EMA announced on 31 January 2013 that it had released a draft guideline to revise the agency’s current guideline on biosimilars containing low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs). The draft guideline will be released for a six-month public consultation period.

China’s SFDA to fast-track high-priority generics

China’s State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has set out a number of proposed changes to the drug registration process, providing encouragement for domestic innovation and allowing the fast-track review of generic drugs which answer an unmet clinical need.

EMA publishes draft guideline for biosimilar human insulin

EMA announced on 14 December 2012 that it had published a draft guideline revising its current guideline on the non-clinical and clinical development of biosimilar human insulin and insulin analogues. The draft guideline will be released for a six-month public consultation period.

CESP makes submissions totally electronic

The Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG-MEB) announced on 1 November 2012 that starting from 12 November 2012, it will be possible to submit applications for marketing authorizations and deviations in the national, MRP (mutual recognition procedure) or DCP (decentralized procedure) procedures through the improved Common European Submission Platform (CESP).

China to release biosimilars guidelines

China, one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in the world, is ready to issue biosimilars guidelines.

Health Canada publishes draft GMP guideline for APIs

Health Canada announced on 22 October 2012 the publication of a draft guideline on good manufacturing practices (GMP) for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

The Common European Submission Platform

The Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) is currently carrying out an ‘extended proof of concept’ for the Common European Submission Platform (CESP) project aimed at establishing a single portal for electronic submissions to multiple competent authorities in the context of European registration and post-approval procedures in the European Economic Area.

EMA to accept biosimilar reference medicines from outside EEA

EMA announced on 28 September 2012 that it has adapted its guidance in order to make it easier for new biosimilar products to be approved in the EU. The changes in policy mean that EMA will accept clinical data from biosimilar medicines approved outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

India releases draft ‘similar biologic’ guidelines

India has released regulatory guidelines outlining a simple abridged procedure for evaluation of ‘similar biologics’ which have been approved and marketed in India, Europe or USA for more than four years.

Italian Medicines Agency publishes concept paper on biosimilars

The Italian Medicines Agency (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco, AIFA) announced on 1 August 2012 the release of a concept paper on biosimilars.

FDA finally issues draft biosimilar guidance

The long-awaited guidance for biosimilars in the US has finally arrived. FDA announced on 10 February 2012 that it had issued three draft guidance documents on biosimilar product development to assist industry in developing such products in the US.

Singapore guidelines for generics

Last update: 10 August 2012 

Since April 2001, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA, 卫生科学局), under the authority of the Ministry of Health of the Singapore Government, has been the Singapore authority that oversees all drug manufacturing, trade, and registration.

Singapore guidelines for biosimilars

Last update: 3 August 2012 

Since April 2001, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) (Chinese: 卫生科学局), under the authority of the Ministry of Health of the Singapore Government, has been the authority that oversees all drug manufacturing, trade, and registration in Singapore.

EMA finalises pharmacovigilance guidance

EMA announced on 25 June 2012 the release of the finalised versions of seven new guideline modules outlining good pharmacovigilance practices (GVPs) to assist sponsors with complying with the soon-to-be implemented pharmacovigilance (PV) legislation, which comes into effect on 2 July 2012.

New pharmaceutical law promotes generics in Chile

In July 2012, a new pharmaceutical law was introduced in Chile. The new law aims to regulate generics bioequivalence in the country as well as enforce prescription by generic name in order to increase the use of generics.

Canadian guidelines for generics

Last update: 3 August 2012 

The regulatory body for approval of medicines in Canada is the Therapeutic Products Directorate of Health Canada.

Health Canada develops and enforces regulations under Canadian governmental legislation.

EMA finalises biosimilar monoclonal antibody guidelines

EMA announced on 15 June 2012 that it had finalised two guidance documents describing how pharmaceutical companies should develop biosimilar monoclonal antibodies. The guidelines set out how developers should conduct extensive side-by-side analysis of the test and reference products in order to determine similarities and potential differences between the biosimilar and reference biological.

Guidelines for substitution of generics in The Netherlands

Marketed medicines that have passed bioequivalence testing should in general be substitutable. The Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association (KNMP) has published professional guidelines for community pharmacies concerning generics substitution. The generics substitution guidelines are based on scientific principles and provide a strong impetus for maintaining uniform professional standards.

EMA revised guideline on quality of biosimilar medicines open for comments

EMA announced on 31 May 2012 that it had released a revised guideline for public consultation describing how pharmaceutical companies should address the quality aspects of biosimilar medicines.

Mexican biocomparables guidelines come into force

The Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) announced on 20 April 2012 that the Mexican guidelines for biocomparables had come into force.

Turkish guidelines for generics

Last update: 4 May 2012 

The regulatory body for approval of pharmaceutical products in Turkey is the General Directorate of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacy (GDPP).

EMA released pharmacovigilance guidelines for public consultation

EMA has released its first batch of guidelines on good pharmacovigilance practices (GVP) for public consultation until 18 April 2012.

Australian government urged not to make further cuts to PBS

In the wake of historically the largest single price cuts to prescription medicines in Australia, both Medicines Australia and the Generic Medicines Industry Association of Australia (GMiA) are urging the government that further cuts to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are not justified.

Global guidelines for generic medicines

Last updated: 23 April 2012

The public health arm of the United Nations is World Health Organisation (WHO).

WHO provides guidelines in the area of quality assurance of pharmaceutical products. These guidelines are established and maintained through a consultative procedure and adopted by the WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations. They are submitted to the WHO’s governing bodies for endorsement and subsequent implementation by Member States.

FDA issues drug shortage draft guidance

FDA announced on 21 February 2012 the release of drug shortage draft guidance for industry in order to increase the supply of critically needed cancer drugs. The announcement follows an Executive Order signed by US President Barack Obama in October 2011 in an attempt to resolve escalating shortages of life-saving medicines [1].

Interchangeability not covered in FDA draft biosimilar guidance

FDA has finally issued draft guidance documents for biosimilars. However, the guidelines still do not address the issue of interchangeability of originator drugs and biosimilars.

EMA publishes draft biosimilar guideline for interferon beta

EMA announced on 20 January 2012 that it has published a draft guideline on how pharmaceutical companies should test biosimilar medicines containing interferon beta. The draft guideline is released for a four-month public consultation period. Feedback on the draft guideline can be submitted to EMA until the end of May 2012.

Proposed biosimilars guidelines for Chile

In October 2011, Chile’s Agencia Nacional de Medicamentos (ANAMED) released draft guidance for the evaluation of biosimilars in Chile

EMA to revise overarching biosimilar guidelines

EMA announced on 17 November 2011 that it has published a concept paper asking for comments on topics to be included in a revision of the agency’s 2005 overarching guideline on similar biological medicinal products. The paper will be released for a three-month consultation period.

EU guidelines for generics

Last update: 18 November 2011

The regulatory body for approval of medicines of the EU is EMA.

When using a centralised procedure, which covers marketing authorisation for the whole of the EU, generic medicines are approved by its regulatory body, EMA.