Ready for Germany's revised radiation rules?

The assessment of the benefit-risk ratio of investigational medicinal products (IMPs) and the approval of clinical trial applications (CTAs) conducted in the European Union (EU) is a remit of national competent authorities (NCAs) of the 28 member states. The aim of this article is to shed light on clinical studies for oncology drugs carried out in Germany which involve diagnostic radiation tests. The authorisation process surrounding diagnostic radiology accompanying clinical investigations and used for measuring IMP related treatment effects is not well understood. The procedure appears to be complicated because the scientific evaluation of the application is carried out by an independent agency, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, BfS). To avoid delays and failures in conducting studies in Germany knowledge of the scope, procedural steps and associated timelines is crucial for project management purposes. Reliable planning is a pre-requisite for timely study initiation. Novelties of the recently implemented law and key aspects relevant to CTAs should facilitate obtaining BfS clearance. Integrating this additional regional requirement in drug development plans is of importance for timely commencement of multi-national clinical trials.

Developing therapeutic immunoglobulins: European regulatory perspectives and implications.

Prepared from pooled human blood/plasma, therapeutic immunoglobulins contain the natural antibody spectrum of the entire donor population and mediate a range of therapeutic effects when administered to patients. They are particularly indicated for the prevention of serious and life-threatening infections in patients with immune systems failing to produce functional antibodies. Other than treatment of such rare primary immunodeficiencies (primary antibody deficiencies), therapeutic immunoglobulins are also used in certain inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura, Guillain Barré syndrome, and Kawasaki disease. The conditions for licensure of therapeutic immunoglobulins in the EU and the associated regulatory issues and procedures are reviewed. Regulatory expectations about the manufacture and control of immunoglobulins are highlighted and safety and efficacy requirements described. Although the main focus is on European pharmaceutical legislation, other applicable public information is considered.