FDA News: Marijuana Research, Inhaled Antibiotics, Quality Metrics for Drugs, Compounded Drugs Enforcement – Drug and Device Digest

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Importance of conducting proper research to prove safe and effective medical uses for the active chemicals in marijuana and its components

Marijuana is a Schedule I compound with known risks

  • Safety and effectiveness in treatment of medical disorders held to the same standard as other drug compounds
  • FDA approved purified form of drug cannabidiol (CBD) to treat seizures with rare, severe forms of epilepsy
  • Approval based on well-controlled clinical trials, reliable  dosage form, through  reproducible route of delivery to ensure anticipated benefits

Path for other marijuana-derived products 

  • Robust clinical development program, purity and  manufacturing controls
  • FDA Botanicals Team with expertise on botanical issues
  • Involvement of other federal agencies- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Continued vigilance of illegal marketing of unapproved CBD-containing products with unproven medical claims

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Development of Inhaled Antibacterial Drugs for Cystic Fibrosis and Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

Summary:

Public workshop held on “Development of Inhaled Antibacterial Drugs for Cystic Fibrosis and Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis.”

Purpose:

Discuss the clinical trial design challenges and future considerations for inhaled antibacterial products to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis.

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Quality Metrics for Drug Manufacturing

Quality metrics

  • Used throughout drugs and biologics industry to monitor quality control
  • Foundation for continual improvement of product and process quality
  • Element of companies’ commitment to quality culture

Two new programs on use of quality metrics to modernize pharmaceutical quality systems and advance innovation

  1. Quality Metrics Feedback Program: New drugs, generics, pharmaceutical ingredients (API) establishments, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), OTC products
  2. Quality Metrics Site Visit Program:  Experiential and firsthand learning opportunities to FDA staff i

Provide an opportunity for FDA to continue learning about the advantages and challenges companies have experienced in implementing Quality Systems

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Continued efforts relating to compounded drugs for patients who cannot use an FDA-approved drug

Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved

  • Quality of products important
  • Developing policies and conducting oversight to minimize risks to patients
  • Taking actions to protect patients and enforce existing laws

Fraud enforcement actions 

  • Billing reimbursors for medically unnecessary compounded drugs
  • Examples: topical pain creams comprised of multiple ingredients to increase billing amount, include non-topical products such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antivirals, narcotics
  • Clinicians and patients not aware of potential safety risks, lack of effectiveness

FDA Actions:

  • Draft guidance on evaluation of  clinical need
  • Inspection of compounding facilities
  • Prescription requirement

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Image credit: FDA

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