EU Critical Medicines Act Seeks to Enhance Supply and Access Requirements
The European Commission has proposed a new Critical Medicines Act aimed at reinforcing the security of supply and ensuring the availability of critical medicines and medicines of common interest across the EU. The Act introduces new obligations for pharmaceutical companies such as enhanced supply chain transparency, mandatory stockpiling, and regular reporting obligations. At the same time, it creates opportunities for investment and funding to expand EU-based manufacturing, diversify supply chains, and foster innovation. By shifting procurement practices to include award criteria beyond price considerations by prioritizing quality, supply security, and EU production, the Act aims to address vulnerabilities in the current supply system and reduce reliance on third countries. However, to avoid becoming another layer of red tape for industry, a final Critical Medicines Act must carefully balance new regulatory requirements with the need to maintain competitiveness and support a resilient, innovative pharmaceutical sector.
UK Life Sciences Sector Boosted By Raft Of New Policy Measures
A new policy document from the U.K. Government makes the life sciences sector a major focus for changes aimed at facilitating industrial growth. Marie Manley and Dr. Kwabena Tenkorang explain the relevant proposed changes, including reforms to speed up clinical trials, regulatory reforms, the introduction of low-friction procurement and the creation of a Health Data Research Service.
How Life Sciences Companies Can Respond To DOJ’s Focus on Clinical Trial Fraud
For the past two years, clinical trial fraud has been a key enforcement area for the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Consumer Protection Branch (CPB). David Ludlow and Julea Lipiz set out considerations for life sciences companies to help mitigate scrutiny of their trial results and related products.
SEC Interest in FDA-Related Disclosures by Life Sciences Companies Highlighted
A recent SEC enforcement action against Cassava Sciences over misleading statements made to the FDA about clinical trial (CT) results highlights the importance of life sciences companies exercising care in how they disclose FDA-related information to investors. Lara Mehraban explains.
European Regulator Clarifies Guidance on the Use of AI in the Medicinal Product Lifecycle
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a final reflection paper on the use of AI in the drug lifecycle, which provides important insights into the expectations from the EMA to clinical trial sponsors, as well as marketing authorization (MA) applicants and holders who use AI systems. Josefine Sommer and Zina Chatzidimitriadou explain.
Key Regulatory and Compliance Considerations for Early-Stage Life Sciences Companies and Their Investors
Early-stage life sciences companies and the investors that back them are laser-focused on evidenced-based development and approval hurdles. However, even at early stages, failure to adequately prioritize more nuanced regulatory and compliance issues can have a significant impact on exit value and create potential liability for investors and acquirers. Geoffrey Levin, Torrey Cope, Marie Manley, Donielle McCutcheon, Andrew Shoyer, Michele Tagliaferri, and Julea Lipiz highlight eight key areas for focus.
Beyond Technology: Embracing Blockchain for a Paradigm Shift in Life Sciences
Blockchain is not only the preserve of the fintech industry, but may have multiple uses for life sciences companies, including providing a consent structure for clinical trials to give enhanced patients more control over their own data. Sidley’s Eva von Mühlenen and Daniel Fritz, executive director of the PharmaLedger Association, explain.
HHS-OIG Rejects Calls for New Safe Harbors for Financial Support to Patients Enrolled in Clinical Trials
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) declined to establish new safe harbors that would protect arrangements under which clinical trial sponsors provide financial support to participants. Catherine Starks, Deeona Gaskin, Meenakshi Datta, and Taylor Andelman report.
FDA Offers New Clinical Trial Guidance for Oncology Accelerated Approval
FDA details its view of the “limitations” of single-arm trials in oncology drug development and invites comment on its favored approach going forward. Becky Wood, Emily Marden, and Julea Lipiz explain.
Navigating Decentralized Clinical Trials In the EU and the UK
Decentralized clinical trials are on the rise in the EU and the UK. This month, new EU level guidance on how to conduct them has supplemented existing guidance on the topic. Zina Chatzidimitriadou, Lauren Cuyvers and Bronwyn Tonelli give seven considerations for decentralized trial sponsors in the region.
