Alignment of Data Requirements by Regulators to Stimulate the Development of New Antibiotics

Alignment of data requirements by regulators worldwide can contribute to stimulate the development of new antibiotics to fight antimicrobial resistance and protect global public health. However, regulatory activities are only one element of the comprehensive and multifaceted response needed to encourage and accelerate development of new antibacterial medicines that meet patient needs.

This was one of the conclusions reached at a meeting between the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hosted by EMA on 1-2 September 2016.

At their tripartite meeting, the three agencies also agreed that some flexibility should be applied to the requirements for clinical development programmes for antibacterial agents, in particular where treatment options for patients are limited due to antimicrobial resistance.

In addition, participants reiterated that it may be appropriate to accept abbreviated clinical development programmes for new antibiotics that can address an unmet need related to antimicrobial resistance.

With a view to better understand the similarities and differences between the clinical data requirements of the three regulatory systems, the participants discussed approaches to clinical trial design, including choice of endpoints, as well as post-authorisation monitoring activities for antibacterial medicines.

They also identified areas of closer collaboration and coordination of efforts to encourage the development of safe and effective antibacterial treatments.

Conclusions of the meeting

Source: EMA