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
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.
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
- Quality Metrics Feedback Program: New drugs, generics, pharmaceutical ingredients (API) establishments, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), OTC products
- 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
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
Image credit: FDA