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Pasmooij AMG, Mol PGM, Bot JC, Leufkens HGM. The Evolution of Drug Regulatory Sciences in the Netherlands: More than a Country Report. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 116:64-71. [PMID: 38679943 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In the Netherlands, drug regulatory science is a vibrant national and internationally oriented community. In this review, we present the factors that have contributed to this successful collaboration between relevant stakeholders and that led to a surge of activities around how regulatory science became embedded in the ecosystem of medicines research, clinical pharmacology, policymaking and regulation. We distinguished three pivotal episodes: (i) TI Pharma Escher-project, (ii) Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board as catalyst of the big jump, and (iii) Regulatory Science Network Netherlands and multistakeholder engagement. The research agenda has been influenced by the dynamic evolution of legal frameworks in Europe, such as the EU orphan medicines legislation of 2001 and the EU pharmacovigilance legislation of 2012. All these developments have inspired and have raised pertinent regulatory sciences questions. Furthermore, clinical pharmacology as a discipline has been very influential in shaping regulatory science, contributing to discussions on the level of clinical evidence that is necessary to justify marketing approval of a new medicine. With a growing interest of multiple parties such as academics, European Medicines Agency, national agencies, patient organizations and EFPIA, connecting regulatory science activities is key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M G Pasmooij
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regulatory Science Network Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter G M Mol
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regulatory Science Network Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob Cornelis Bot
- Regulatory Science Network Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Janssen Biologics BV, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Lygature, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert G M Leufkens
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regulatory Science Network Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Lygature, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Agricola E, Auriche-Benichou C, Baiao H, Blanquie O, Bodea T, Boráň T, Borg JJ, Cordo' V, Di Marzo M, Dmowski Rugholm L, Ehmann F, Hauksdóttir Hvannberg R, Herold R, Irs A, Jurkovič Mlakar S, Klaus R, Kolehmainen J, Lahorte C, Löbker W, Mäkinen Salmi A, Nuevo Ordoñez Y, O'Dwyer L, Pasmooij AMG, Saeterdal I, Spakova B, Starokozhko V, Ziegele B, Zywiec K. The European Innovation Network as a hub for medicines innovation in Europe. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:405-406. [PMID: 38467771 DOI: 10.1038/d41573-024-00039-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
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Spin EL, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK, Pasmooij AMG. International regulatory and publicly-funded initiatives to advance drug repurposing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1387517. [PMID: 38882661 PMCID: PMC11177848 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1387517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although drug repurposing holds great potential in addressing unmet needs, successful practical implementation is challenging and has been less widespread than anticipated. Regulators may play a critical role in addressing this, and recent years have seen the conception of regulator-initiated and publicly-funded repurposing initiatives, with significant regulator involvement. Methods International regulators and public funders (n = 8) were interviewed to obtain insight in how repurposing can be advanced from a regulatory perspective. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results Most initiatives employed a broad concept of repurposing. While patient access was the main focus, label extension remained the gold standard. Commonly perceived barriers were a lack of regulatory expertise, limited downstream drug development, insufficient financial incentives, inadequate awareness of challenges, and poor collaboration. Ways for regulators to facilitate repurposing include early and accessible involvement fostering education, collaboration, and awareness. Increased stakeholder engagement, including internationally, was recommended. Legislative changes may enable the current repurposing ecosystem to evolve. Discussion Regulators may play a central role in advancing repurposing by reconsidering their responsibilities within the current regulatory framework, both in mitigating repurposing pitfalls and actively encouraging repurposing initiatives by industry and non-traditional drug developers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aukje K Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anna Maria Gerdina Pasmooij
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Olesti E, Nuevo Y, Bachiller M, Guillen E, Bascuas J, Varea S, Saez-Peñataro J, Calvo G. Academic challenges on advanced therapy medicinal products' development: a regulatory perspective. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:221-230. [PMID: 38260921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are becoming the new kid on the block for the treatment of a variety of indications with promising results. Despite the academic contribution to the basic and clinical research of ATMPs, undertaking a full product development process is extraordinarily challenging and demanding for academic institutions. Meeting regulatory requirements is probably the most challenging aspect of academic development, considering the limited experience and resources compared with pharmaceutical companies. This review aims to outline the key aspects to be considered when developing novel ATMPs from an academic perspective, based on the results of our own experience and interaction with the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) and European Medicine Agency (EMA) related to a number of academic ATMP initiatives carried out at our center during the last 5 years. Emphasis is placed on understanding the regulatory requirements during the early phases of the drug development process, particularly for the preparation of a Clinical Trial Application. Academic centers usually lack expertise in product-related documentation (such as the Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier), and therefore, early interaction with regulators is crucial to understand their requirements and receive guidance to comply with them. Insights are shared on managing quality, nonclinical, clinical, and risk and benefit documentation, based on our own experience and challenges. This review aims to empower academic and clinical settings by providing crucial regulatory knowledge to smooth the regulatory journey of ATMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia Olesti
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Pharmacology Unit, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Yoana Nuevo
- Innovation Office and National Scientific Advice Unit, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS)
| | - Mireia Bachiller
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Guillen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Bascuas
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Varea
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Saez-Peñataro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Pharmacology Unit, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Calvo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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Everts M, Drew M. Successfully navigating the valley of death: the importance of accelerators to support academic drug discovery and development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:253-258. [PMID: 37968916 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2284824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The drug discovery and development 'valley of death' remains a challenge for promising new therapies originating from academic research laboratories. Drug discovery support centers and accelerators have been established to provide monetary and scientific support, but limited available funding along with cultural and expertise gaps remain obstacles for many promising technologies. AREAS COVERED In this meta-opinion article, the authors summarize the literature around obstacles that academic drug discovery projects face, along with potential solutions and best practices. Topics covered include funding challenges, regulatory education, reproducibility, along with cultural and organizational considerations. It describes one accelerator in particular-Critical Path Institute's Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRxA)-that aims to overcome several of the mentioned challenges. EXPERT OPINION The 'valley of death' remains a stubborn but not insurmountable part of the academic drug discovery and development landscape. Purposely designed accelerators can help, complementing more traditional intra- and extramural funding support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Everts
- Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRxA), Critical Path Institute, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mark Drew
- Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRxA), Critical Path Institute, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Ranjan A, Singh D. The Inevitability Prospects of Regulatory Information Management Software RegDesk to Ease Regulation Approvals. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2024; 19:4-6. [PMID: 37817513 DOI: 10.2174/0115748871254734230929201816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Animesh Ranjan
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Dilpreet Singh
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, 140413, Mohali, India
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Saesen R, Machado M, Crifo B, Liu L, de Vries C, Herold R, Llinares Garcia J, Huys I. Involvement of the European Medicines Agency in multi-stakeholder regulatory science research projects: experiences of staff members and project coordinators. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1181702. [PMID: 37324145 PMCID: PMC10267977 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1181702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The European Medicines Agency (EMA) interacts with many different stakeholders involved in the development of drugs, including academic researchers. In recent years, EMA has collaborated more closely with academia, inter alia by taking part in external research projects such as those set up under the Horizon 2020 program in general and the Innovative Medicines Initiative in particular. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceived added value of EMA's involvement in these projects, both from the perspective of the Agency's participating Scientific Officers and of the coordinators of the consortia that undertook them. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the coordinators of 21 ongoing or recently finalized projects in which EMA has participated, as well as with the Agency experts contributing to them. Results In total, 40 individuals were interviewed, of whom 23 were project coordinators and 17 were EMA staff members. While most of the projects were reported to suffer from delays due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the consortia adapted to the circumstances and their members still expected to deliver on their objectives. EMA's input into the projects ranged from providing guidance by reviewing documents and attending meetings to creating project materials and disseminating them. The frequency of communication between EMA and the consortia varied widely. The projects generated a diverse set of outputs, which encompassed new or improved medicinal products, methodological standards, research infrastructures, and educational tools. All of the coordinators expressed that EMA's contributions to their projects had increased the scientific relevance of their consortium's work, and the EMA experts found that the knowledge and the deliverables produced by the projects were valuable, taking into consideration the time they had invested into them. In addition, interviewees highlighted some actions which could be taken to increase the regulatory significance of the project outcomes. Conclusion EMA's engagement in external research projects benefits the consortia conducting them and supports the Agency's mission to foster scientific excellence and advance regulatory science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbe Saesen
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matilde Machado
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Lifang Liu
- European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corinne de Vries
- Translational Sciences Office, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ralf Herold
- Task Force Regulatory Science and Innovation, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jordi Llinares Garcia
- Task Force Regulatory Science and Innovation, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Strategic recommendations from the STARS project to foster academic drug development. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:251-252. [PMID: 36755155 DOI: 10.1038/d41573-023-00021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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Rosenberg N, van den Berg S, Stolwijk NN, Jacobs BAW, Post HC, Pasmooij AMG, de Visser SJ, Hollak CEM. Access to medicines for rare diseases: A European regulatory roadmap for academia. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1142351. [PMID: 36925633 PMCID: PMC10012277 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1142351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Novel or repurposed medicines for rare diseases often emerge from fundamental research or empirical findings in academia. However, researchers may be insufficiently aware of the possibilities and requirements to bring novel medicinal treatment options to the patient. This paper aims to provide an easily applicable, comprehensive roadmap designed for academic researchers to make medicines for rare diseases available for patients by addressing the relevant regulatory frameworks, including marketing authorization and alternative routes. Methods: Key points of the regulatory chapters "Placing on the Market" and "Scope" of Directive 2001/83/EC relating to medicinal products for human use were summarized. Provisions in EU directives regarding blood products, radiopharmaceuticals, and herbal and homeopathic medicinal products were excluded. Cross-referencing to other provisions was included. European case-law was retrieved from the InfoCuria database to exemplify the implications of alternative routes. Results: Medicines may only be placed on the market with a valid marketing authorization. To obtain such authorization in Europe, a "Common Technical Document" comprising reports on quality and non-clinical and clinical studies must be submitted to a "competent authority", a national medicine agency or the European Medicines Agency. Timely interaction of academic researchers with regulators via scientific advice may lead to better regulatory alignment and subsequently a higher chance for approval of academic inventions. Furthermore, reimbursement by national payers could be essential to ensure patient access. Apart from the marketing authorization route, we identified multiple alternative routes to provide (early) access. These include off-label use, named-patient basis, compassionate use, pharmacy compounding, and hospital exemption for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products. Discussion: Aligning academic (non-)clinical studies on rare diseases with regulatory and reimbursement requirements may facilitate fast and affordable access. Several alternative routes exist to provide (early) pharmaceutical care at a national level, but case-law demonstrates that alternative routes should be interpreted strictly and for exceptional situations only. Academics should be aware of these routes and their requirements to improve access to medicines for rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Rosenberg
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC-University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Expertise Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, MetabERN, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sibren van den Berg
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC-University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Expertise Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, MetabERN, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nina N Stolwijk
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC-University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Expertise Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, MetabERN, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bart A W Jacobs
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC-University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacy, Amsterdam UMC-University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hendrika C Post
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC-University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anna M G Pasmooij
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Center for Blistering Diseases, European Reference Network-Skin Reference Center (ERN-Skin), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Saco J de Visser
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC-University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Centre for Future Affordable & Sustainable Therapy Development (FAST), The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Carla E M Hollak
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC-University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Expertise Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, MetabERN, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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