USA: FDA Commissioner outlines plan to speed new drug development
13/10/2011
The NVCA joined the growing chorus of criticism from lobbyists and political opponents over the regulatory process faced by drug and device developers. The regulatory burden had grown too cumbersome and too uncertain, they claimed, which was threatening to throttle innovation and cost the country some much-needed jobs. And yesterday FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg outlined a plan intended to appease the critics.
Innovative new drugs targeted at serious unmet medical needs, she said, will be provided an "expedited drug development path." A new deputy FDA commissioner will be charged with overseeing the regulatory process for drugs, biologics and cell-based treatments. Personalized meds will be given a top priority. And the country's top biotech entrepreneurs will be sought out to offer insights on how the agency can do better. More...
Author: Greer Deal, Director of Global Regulatory Services