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6.4: Post-Marketing

  • Page ID
    39507
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    Post-Marketing Surveillance

    The drug can be manufactured, marketed, and sold once it has been approved. Manufacturing must follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), to ensure the quality of the product. Postmarketing surveillance is used to determine the drug’s long-term safety, product quality, and advertising (including social media). Data is collected from patients and doctors, which includes adverse reactions and preventable medication errors. Adverse events (AE) are reported to the FDA by patients, healthcare providers, and facilities through the MedWatch program. Extreme cases of adverse reactions can cause a drug to be withdrawn from the market. The FDA checks for regulatory compliance by performing periodic inspections of production facilities (announced or unannounced) and by testing material samples either provided by the pharmaceutical company or acquired through retail channels.

    Post-Marketing 15-Day Alert Report

    Any adverse experience (serious and unexpected) must be reported within 15 days of being informed of the issue. For three years after marketing, the company must also submit a Periodic Adverse Experience Report (PAER), which demonstrates investigation and actions of adverse effects.

    Patents and Exclusivity

    Brand-name drug manufacturers have patent exclusivity for 20 years in the US. However, some drugs may qualify for patent & non-patent exclusivities, which can delay the market application of a generic drug. Drug patents are a complex issue in the US due to this specifically. Patent term extension can be given for exclusivity with antibiotic drugs, orphan drugs, pediatric drugs, and prescription-to-OTC designation change, to name a few.

    The Orange Book

    Once drugs are approved for the market, they are included in the Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (commonly known as the Orange Book because the original had an orange cover). This list provides information for prescription and OTC drugs and biologics and includes therapeutic equivalence evaluations and patent and exclusivity rights. https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/InformationOnDrugs/ucm129662.htm

    Explore!

    Go to The Orange Book and search for any drug you currently use: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/default.cfm

    Prescription Drug Labeling and Advertising

    The FDA also has authority over labeling and marketing of drugs. Labeling here is not only what is written on the container, but any material associated with the product, including package inserts, Medication Guides, marketing material (direct to consumer and promotional) even social media!

    21 CFR 201.56 and 21 CFR 201.57

    Guidance for Industry

    Labeling for Human Prescription Drug and Biological Products. There are specific requirements of labeling outlined in 21 CFR 201, some of which include appropriate placement and prominence of words on the label. All labeling, advertising, and promotional material must be submitted to the FDA for review before product approval. Here is a summary of a few of the guidance documents regarding labeling.

    21 CFR 201.57(c)(1) Boxed Warnings & Precautions
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(2) Indications & Usage
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(3) Dosage & Administration
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(4) Dosage forms & Strength
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(6) Warnings
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(7) Adverse Reactions
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(8) Drug Interactions
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(10) Drug Abuse & Dependence
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(11) Over dosage
    21 CFR 201.57(c)(17) Storage and handling

    Test Your Knowledge!

    1. Decide on a drug that influences your life (positive or negative). Why did you choose this drug?
    2. Look up your drug on the FDA database and write a one-paragraph summary including its name, who makes it, and what it is used for. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/
    3. On the top left corner is the drug’s NDA APPLICATION NUMBER: ________________
    4. Look up the dates of when your drug was approved, and its patent expire date. Search by Application number! www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/default.cfm

    More Study Resources on CDER

    CDERLearn

    CDERLearn is an FDA website for training regulatory affairs professionals about drug approval. There are over ten chapters targeting specific areas of drug development. Quite a few significant ones can be found at CDERworld.


    This page titled 6.4: Post-Marketing is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jack O'Grady.

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