Regulatory authority is an official body that governs and enforces laws and regulations related to development, approval, and oversight of drugs, medical devices, and other therapeutic products.
Definitions
ICH E6(R2)
- 1.49 Regulatory Authorities:
- Bodies having the power to regulate. In the ICH GCP Guideline the expression Regulatory Authorities includes the authorities that review submitted clinical data and those that conduct inspections (see 1.29). These bodies are sometimes referred to as competent authorities [1].
History
Regulatory authorities emerged early in the 20th century in response to public health incidents (like diethylene glycol poisoning), prompting governments to establish regulations for drug safety and efficacy to meet the public need for standardized safety protocols.
Key agencies worldwide
Key agencies include the:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)
Regulatory submission
Typically, regulatory submission and approval consist of several distinct stages:
- Application. Sponsor submits required documents (e.g., IND, CTA, CTN) to regulatory authority. Application contains preclinical data, clinical trial protocols, investigator information, drug manufacturing details, etc.
- Review. Authority reviews submission to ensure the study is scientifically sound.
- Communication. Authority issues an official document (e.g. Approval letter, No Objection Letter, or Notification letter) indicating that the study can commence.
Investigational New Drug (IND) application in USA
Before beginning of a clinical trial, sponsor must submit an IND application. This includes preclinical data, proposed protocols, and manufacturing information.
Clinical Trial Application (CTA) in EU
In Europe, sponsors submit a CTA to national regulatory authorities for approval to conduct a clinical trial.
Regulatory approval
Approval is required before the commencement of a study to ensure that the trial is recognized by the relevant regulatory body and adheres to all required regulations. Documentation of formal approval depends on the territory and its legislation.
USA
The FDA does not issue a formal certificate upon approval of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Instead, the absence of a clinical hold after the 30-day review period effectively means the study is approved to proceed. Sponsors often receive a written communication (e.g., an acknowledgment letter) indicating the IND status.
European Union
When a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) is approved, the relevant national regulatory authority provides an official approval letter or notification. This document confirms that the trial can commence in that country.
Canada
After reviewing a Clinical Trial Application (CTA), Health Canada issues a No Objection Letter (NOL) if the trial is approved. This letter serves as official documentation that the study can begin.
Japan
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) issues a notification letter indicating that the Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) has been accepted and the study can proceed.
See also
Another relevant pages
Links to this page
- Regulatory approval (redirect to section "Regulatory approval") (← links)
- Regulatory submissions (redirect to section "Regulatory submission") (← links)
- Regulatory agency (redirect page) (← links)
- RA (redirect page) (← links)
- CA (redirect page) (← links)
- Serious adverse event (serious adverse drug reaction) (← links)
References
- ↑ ICH, 2016, Integrated Addendum to ICH E6(R1): Guideline for Good Clinical Practice E6(R2), https://database.ich.org/sites/default/files/E6_R2_Addendum.pdf Accessed Sep 2023
External links
Regulatory application procedures by region
- FDA, Investigational New Drug (IND) Application https://www.fda.gov/drugs/types-applications/investigational-new-drug-ind-application Accessed May 2024
- European Union
- Health Canada, Guidance Document for Clinical Trial Sponsors: Clinical Trial Applications https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/applications-submissions/guidance-documents/clinical-trials/clinical-trial-sponsors-applications.html Accessed May 2024
- PMDA, Outline of Reviews and Related Services https://www.pmda.go.jp/english/review-services/outline/0001.html Accessed May 2024
- Australia, https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/australian-clinical-trial-handbook.pdf Accessed Jul 2024
- Singapore, Health Sciences Authority https://www.hsa.gov.sg/ Accessed Feb 2025