FDA Updates for Health Professionals

UPDATES FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Office of Health and Constituent Affairs

• ANNOUNCEMENTS
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMENT / GUIDANCES
• PRODUCT APPROVALS & CLEARANCES
• PRODUCT SAFETY
• UPCOMING MEETINGS
• RESOURCES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FDA Working to Lift Barriers to Generic Drug Competition -  FDA Voice Blog with Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. Too many patients are being priced out of the medicines they need. While FDA doesn’t have a direct role in drug pricing, we can take steps to help address this problem by facilitating increased competition in the market for prescription drugs through the approval of lower-cost, generic medicines. Innovation in pharmaceutical development is essential because it creates new and sometimes life-saving therapies. But access to lower-cost alternatives, once patent and exclusivity periods lapse, also is critical to the nation’s health. More information

FDA  is requiring the removal of ratio expressions of strength from the labeling of single-entity injectable drug products

The FDA is requiring the removal of ratio expressions of strength from the labeling of single-entity injectable drug products (i.e., drug products that contain only one active ingredient) and replacement with the amount per unit of volume (e.g., mg/mL). For example, Epinephrine Injection 1:1,000 will now be labeled as Epinephrine Injection 1 mg/mL. This revision affects Epinephrine Injection, Isoproterenol Hydrochloride Injection, and Neostigmine Methylsulfate Injection. A graphic has been created to help explain the changes in a user friendly format.

FDA Science: Working at the Speed of Emerging Technologies - FDA Voice Blog with Acting Chief Scientist Luciana Borio, M.D. Innovation is happening extraordinarily fast in the biomedical sciences and at FDA. As FDA’s Acting Chief Scientist responsible for leading and coordinating FDA’s cross-cutting scientific and public health efforts, I see close up that years of scientific research, collaboration, and investment are paying off.  Scientists have identified and begun using “safety-risk biomarkers.” Rather than those for efficacy, these biomarkers identify which patients are at highest risk for certain adverse events. More information

Fostering Medical Innovation: A Plan for Digital Health Devices - FDA Voice Blog with Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D.

FDA will soon be putting forward a broad initiative that is focused on fostering new innovation across our medical product centers. I will have more to say on many elements of this initiative soon. However, today I want to focus on one critical aspect of this innovation initiative: A new Digital Health Innovation Plan that is focused on fostering innovation at the intersection of medicine and digital health technology. This plan will include a novel, post-market approach to how we intend to regulate these digital medical devices. More information 

Statement From FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the Importance of the Drug Quality and Security Act and Overseeing the Safety of Compounded Drugs

In late 2012, the United States faced the most serious outbreak associated with contaminated compounded drugs in recent history, involving hundreds of people, in many states, who developed fungal infections related to a compounded product. It was an incident that resulted in dozens of deaths. The fungal meningitis outbreak underscores the need for robust oversight over human drug compounding, the importance of dispensing prescription drugs pursuant to valid prescriptions and the need for strong coordination with state regulatory partners to protect public health. More information

OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMENT / GUIDANCES

Request for comment by July 03, 2017: Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments; Extension of Compliance Date The FDA extended the compliance date for the final rule requiring disclosure of certain nutrition information for standard menu items in certain restaurants and retail food establishments. In the Federal Register of December 30, 2016, we stated that the compliance date for the final rule would be May 5, 2017. We are extending the compliance date to May 7, 2018. We are taking this action to enable us to consider how we might further reduce the regulatory burden or increase flexibility while continuing to achieve our regulatory objectives. More information

Use of Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures in Clinical Investigations Under 21 CFR Part 11 – Questions and Answers Guidance for Industry

This guidance clarifies, updates, and expands upon recommendations in the guidance for industry Part 11, Electronic Records; Electronic Signatures – Scope and Application that pertain to clinical investigations conducted under 21 CFR parts 312 and 812.5. The goals of this guidance are: update recommendations for applying and implementing part 11 requirements in the current environment of electronic systems used in clinical investigations; clarify and further expand on the risk-based approach described in the 2003 part 11 guidance to validation, audit trails, and archiving of record; and encourage and facilitate the use of electronic records and systems to improve the quality and efficiency of clinical investigations. More information

Request for comment by July 10, 2017: FDA Blueprint for Prescriber Education for Extended-Release and Long-Acting Opioids

FDA is announcing the availability of draft revisions to the “FDA Blueprint for Prescriber Education for Extended-Release and Long-Acting Opioid Analgesics” (Blueprint). The Blueprint is part of the FDA-approved risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) for extended release (ER) and long-acting (LA) opioid analgesic medications (ER/LA Opioid Analgesics REMS). FDA is seeking comment on the draft revisions to the Blueprint and has added sections of draft revised Blueprint to the background materials for the public workshop that was held on May 9-10, 2017. Although the draft revisions to the Blueprint will not be a discussion topic at the workshop, FDA expects the draft revisions to provide important context for discussions during the workshop. More information

Request for comment by July 10, 2017: Training for Opioid Analgesic Prescribers - Exploring the Path Forward

As part of the work by the Federal Government to address the epidemic of prescription and illicit opioid abuse, the FDA is announcing a public workshop to obtain input on issues and challenges associated with Federal efforts to support training on pain management and the safe prescribing, dispensing, and patient use of opioids (safe use of opioids) for health care providers. As discussed in this document, the workshop has three main goals. First, participants will be asked to discuss the role that health care provider training plays, within the broader context of ongoing activities, to improve pain management and the safe use of opioids. Second, participants will be asked to comment on how best to provide health care providers, who prescribe or are directly involved in the management or support of patients with pain, appropriate training in pain management and the safe use of opioids. Finally, participants will be asked about the issues and challenges associated with possible changes to Federal efforts to educate health care providers on pain management and the safe use of opioids. More information

PRODUCT APPROVALS & CLEARANCES

FDA approves new drug for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism FDA approved Bevyxxa (betrixaban) for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients hospitalized for an acute medical illness who are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to moderate or severe restricted mobility and other risk factors for VTE. More information

FDA approves Baxdela (delafloxacin) to treat bacterial skin infections

FDA approved Baxdela (delafloxacin), a new antibacterial drug to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Baxdela is available for intravenous and oral use. Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, such as cellulitis or wound infections, are commonly caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Less common causes include other Streptococcus species, and Gram-negative bacteria. More information

FDA approves first subcutaneous C1 Esterase Inhibitor to treat rare genetic disease

FDA approved Haegarda, the first C1 Esterase Inhibitor (Human) for subcutaneous (under the skin) administration to prevent Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) attacks in adolescent and adult patients. The subcutaneous route of administration allows for easier at-home self-injection by the patient or caregiver, once proper training is received. More information

For more information on drug approvals or to view prescribing information and patient information, please visit Drugs at FDA or DailyMed

PRODUCT SAFETY

MedWatch, The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

For important safety information on human drugs, medical devices, dietary supplements and more, or to report a problem with a medical product, please visit MedWatch. To receive MedWatch Safety Alerts by email subscribe here.

FDA updates on Pfizer drug shortages   More information

Potassium Phosphate and Succinylcholine Chloride by PharMEDium Services: Recall - Lack of Sterility Assurance

PharMEDium Services is conducting a limited, voluntary recall due to Hospira Inc.’s (“Hospira”) June 15, 2017 recall announcement that microbial growth was detected during a routine simulation of the manufacturing process and therefore there was a lack of sterility assurance. The products being recalled by PharMEDium Services were compounded using certain Hospira products. The recalled products are specific lots of Potassium Phosphate and Succinylcholine Chloride. This is a secondary recall based on a Hospira's recent recall. More information

Succinylcholine Chloride 20mg/mL 5mL Syringe by Fagron Sterile Services: Recall - Potential Lack Of Sterility Assurance

Fagron Sterile Services is voluntarily recalling three (3) lots of Succinylcholine Chloride 20mg/mL 5mL syringe to the hospital/clinic level. The secondary recall of product manufactured by Hospira Inc., a Pfizer company, and repacked by Fagron Sterile Services, is due to microbial growth detected during a routine simulation of Hospira’s manufacturing process, which represents the potential introduction of microorganisms into the product. To date, there have been no reports of adverse events. This secondary recall is being conducted as result of the recall initiated by the manufacturer on June 15, 2017. More information

Venture Catheters by Vascular Solutions: Recall - Excess Material May Split or Separate During Use

Vascular Solutions Inc. is recalling the Venture catheter because there is a risk of the catheter tip splitting or separating during use. Excess material at the tip of the catheter may separate and could enter the patient's bloodstream. This can result in serious adverse health consequences such as the development of blood clots, embolism of the excess material to vital organs, or death. All unexpired lots of the Rapid Exchange (RX), Over-the-Wire (OTW), and Coronary Sinus (CS) versions of the product have been recalled. More information

Potassium Phosphate and Succinylcholine by Advanced Pharma: Recall - Potential Lack of Sterility Assurance

Advanced Pharma, Inc. d/b/a Avella of Houston is conducting a limited, voluntary recall due to Hospira Inc.’s June 15, 2017 recall announcement that microbial growth was detected during a routine simulation of the manufacturing process and therefore there was a lack of sterility assurance. The products being recalled by Advanced Pharma were repackaged and/or compounded at its Houston, Texas facility using certain Hospira products. The recalled products are specific lots of Potassium Phosphate and Succinylcholine Chloride. This is a secondary recall based on a Hospira's recent recall. More information

System CS100, CS100i and CS300 Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps by Datascope: Field Correction - Potential Electrical Test Failure Code

Datascope Corp. is voluntarily performing a worldwide field correction of certain Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs) sold by Datascope Corp. for a potential electrical test failure code. This field correction also applies to any System 98 or System 98XT IABP that was converted to a CS100i or CS300 IABP.Datascope received a complaint that has been associated with a patient death due to the failure of the device to initiate therapy. More information

Clindamycin Injection ADD-Vantage Vials by Alvogen: Recall - Lack of Sterility Assurance

Alvogen is voluntarily recalling seven lots of Clindamycin Injection USP ADD-Vantage Vials to the hospital/retail level due to microbial growth detected during a routine simulation of the manufacturing process, which represents the potential introduction of microorganisms into the product. In the event that impacted product is administered, there is a reasonable probability that the patient may experience adverse events, ranging from fever, chills and malaise, to severe adverse events including systemic invasive mycoses or systemic bacterial sepsis. More information

Sodium Bicarbonate Injection 8.4 Percent USP, Neut (Sodium Bicarbonate 4 Percent Additive Solution), Quelicin (Succinylcholine Chloride Injection USP), and Potassium Phosphates Injection by Hospira: Recall - Potential For Lack Of Sterility Assurance

Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer company, is voluntarily recalling 42 lots of 8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP, 50 mL vials, 5 lots of NeutTM (Sodium Bicarbonate 4% additive solution) 5 mL vials, 5 lots of QUELICINTM (Succinylcholine Chloride Injection, USP) 200 mg/10 mL vials and 7 lots of Potassium Phosphates Injection, USP, 45 mM vials to the hospital/retail level due to microbial growth detected during a routine simulation of the manufacturing process, which represents the potential introduction of microorganisms into the products. More information

Unexpired Nitroglycerin Injection in 5 Percent Dextrose USP by Advanced Pharma in Houston: Recall - Sub Potency

Advanced Pharma, Inc. d/b/a Avella of Houston is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of Nitroglycerin products that were produced at Advanced Pharma’s Houston location between March 3, 2017 and May 31, 2017 to the hospital/user level. The recall is being issued based on laboratory test results indicating a lower than expected potency on certain lots of compounded NitroGlycerin Injection which would lead to a lower dose being administered. More information

Paliperidone Extended-Release Tablets 3mg by Teva Pharmaceuticals: Recall - Dissolution Test Failure

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA initiated a voluntary recall to retail-level on 05/31/2017 for one lot of Paliperidone Extended-Release Tablets, 3mg, 90 count bottles, lot 1160682A, expiration 6/2018, NDC 0591-3693-19, that was distributed under the Actavis Pharma Inc. label. This recall is being carried out due to failing test results for dissolution. Teva cannot at this time exclude the potential for additional tablets to be below specification.Taking a product for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders that has failed dissolution could result in less drug being absorbed. More information

Frameless Stereotaxic Navigation Systems: FDA Safety Communication - Navigational Accuracy Errors

The FDA is aware that some health care providers have experienced navigational accuracy errors during surgical procedures when using frameless stereotaxic navigation systems. Some of these errors have led to patient deaths, serious or life-threatening injuries, and inaccurate, aborted, or prolonged medical procedures. Based on our analysis, the FDA believes that there are many factors that contribute to these errors, and no particular system carries greater risk than others. More information

Topical Products by Phillips Company: Recall - Due to Concerns of Manufacturing Practices

Phillips Company is voluntarily recalling all lots of Tetrastem, Diabecline, Tetracycline-ABC, VenomX, Acneen, StaphWash, StringMed, NoPain and LidoMed distributed by Phillips Company, with business offices located in Sun City, Arizona, to the retail level. The products are being recalled after an FDA inspection found significant manufacturing practices that calls into question the safety, identity, strength, quality and purity of unexpired drug products made at the firm during the past three years. Manufacturing practices that are not in adequate control represent the possibility of risk being introduced into the manufacturing process in decreased quality and consistency of the product. More information

UPCOMING MEETINGS

FDA advisory committee meetings are free and open to the public. No prior registration is required to attend. Interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally at the meeting, or in writing, on issues pending before the committee.

Other types of meetings listed may require prior registration and fees.  Click on "more information" for details about each meeting. 

Please visit FDA’s Advisory Committee webpage for more information. Please visit Meetings, Conferences, & Workshops for more information on other agency meetings.

Sentinel Training at the FDA; Public Workshop (Jul 10)

The purpose of this public workshop is to provide training to understand the kinds of questions that can be asked using health care claims data generally and within the FDA Sentinel System specifically, allowing an understanding of the capabilities of the Sentinel System. The public workshop will be held on July 10, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at FDA’s White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, MD.Registration is free and based on space availability. More information

Data and Methods for Evaluating the Impact of Opioid Formulations with Properties Designed to Deter Abuse in the Postmarket Setting: A Scientific Discussion of Present and Future Capabilities (Jul 10-11)

The purpose of the public workshop is to host a scientific discussion with expert panel members and interested stakeholders about the challenges in using the currently available data and methods for assessing the impact of opioid formulations with abuse-deterrent properties on opioid misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and death in the postmarket setting. The goal of this meeting is to discuss ways to improve the analysis and interpretation of existing data, as well as to discuss opportunities and challenges for collecting and/or linking additional data to improve national surveillance and research capabilities in this area. More information

Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting (Jul 11-12-13)

On July 11, the committee will discuss biologics license application (BLA) 761060, MYLOTARG (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) for intravenous use, submitted by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. The proposed indication (use) for this product is in combination therapy with daunorubicin (DNR) and cytarabine (AraC) for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated, de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

On July 12, the committee will discuss biologics license application (BLA) 125646 for tisagenlecleucel-T suspension for intravenous use. The application was submitted by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. The proposed indication (use) for this product is for the treatment of pediatric and young adult patients 3 to 25 years of age with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

On July 13, during the morning session, the committee will discuss biologics license application (BLA) 761028 for ABP 215, a proposed biosimilar to Genentech/Roche’s AVASTIN (bevacizumab), submitted by Amgen Inc. During the afternoon session, the committee will discuss biologics license application (BLA) 761074 for MYL-1401O, a proposed biosimilar to Genentech Inc.’s HERCEPTIN (trastuzumab), submitted by Mylan GmbH. More information 

The Hatch-Waxman Amendments: Ensuring a Balance Between Innovation and Access (Jul 18)

This public meeting is intended to provide the public an opportunity to submit comments concerning administration of the Hatch-Waxman Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) to help ensure the intended balance between encouraging innovation in drug development and accelerating the availability to the public of lower cost alternatives to innovator drugs is maintained. More information

Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (Jul 28)

On July 28, 2017, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Committee (VRBPAC) will meet in an open session to discuss and make recommendations on the safety and efficacy of a Hepatitis B Vaccine manufactured by Dynavax. More information

Arthritis Advisory Committee Meeting Announcement (Aug 2)

The committee will discuss biologics license application (BLA) 761057, for sirukumab injection (proposed trade name PLIVENSIA), submitted by Janssen Biotech, Inc., for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or are intolerant to one or more disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The discussion will include dose selection, efficacy, radiographic progression study, and safety. More information

RESOURCES

For more important safety information on human drug and devices or to report a problem to FDA, please visit MedWatch, The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

Comunicaciones de la FDA sobre la seguridad de los medicamentos en español

Descargo de responsabilidad: La FDA reconoce la necesidad de proporcionar información sobre seguridad importante en idiomas distintos al inglés. Hacemos lo mejor posible  para proporcionar  versiones en español precisas y oportunas de nuestras Comunicaciones de Seguridad de Medicamentos. Sin embargo, en caso que existiera discrepancias entre las versiones en ingles y en español, la información contenida en la versión en inglés es la que se considera como versión oficial. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contáctese con Division of Drug Information en druginfo@fda.hhs.gov. Comunicaciones de la FDA

MedWatchLearn - Practice Reporting to FDA! This web-based learning tool teaches students, health professionals, and consumers how to complete the forms necessary to report problems to FDA. More information

FDA Expert Commentary and Interview Series on Medscape

As part of the continuing collaboration between FDA and Medscape, a series of interviews and commentaries are available to communicate important safety information to clinicians. Featuring FDA experts, these original commentaries cover a wide range of topics related to FDA's multi-faceted mission of protecting and promoting the public health by ensuring the safety and quality of medical products such as drugs, foods, and medical devices More information  

Cardiovascular and Endocrine Liaison Program The Cardiovascular and Endocrine Liaison Program serves as a liaison between the FDA and the cardiovascular and endocrine health professional and patient communities. Discover how you or your organization can collaborate with FDA. More information

Medical Product Safety Network (Medsun)

Medsun improves FDA's understanding of problems with the use of medical devices so that the FDA, healthcare facilities, clinicians, and manufacturers can better address safety concerns.  The Medsun newsletter provides monthly updates about timely medical device issues that may impact patient safety.  More information

FDA Basics Each month, different Centers and Offices at FDA will host an online session where the public can ask questions to senior FDA officials about a specific topic or just listen in to learn more about FDA. More information FDA Voice FDA voice is the official blog from FDA's senior leadership and staff. More information