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Frequently asked questions on the eCTD format - part 2

Frequently asked questions on the eCTD format (Part 2)

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The electronic submission requirements (CDER/CBER) will apply to the following types of submissions:

  • ANDAs
  • BLAs
  • Commercial IND applications
  • Master files, such as DMFs.
  • NDAs
  • All subsequent submissions to these types of applications

For which types of submissions are the requirements optional?

The electronic submission standards are optional but encouraged for the following types of submissions:

  • Noncommercial INDs
  • Submissions for blood and blood components
  • Submissions for promotional materials that are meant for human prescription drugs

What is an NDA?

A New Drug Application (NDA) is the final step by a drug sponsor to the FDA, for the approval required to market a new drug in the U.S

What is an ANDA?

An Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) contains data which is submitted to the FDA for the review and potential approval of a generic drug product in the U.S.

What is a BLA?

A Biologics License Application (BLA), is a Biologics license that is required in the U.S. before a biological product can be introduced into interstate commerce.

What is in a BLA?

  • Labeling
  • Pre-clinical Studies
  • Clinical Studies
  • Form FDA 356h
  • The product and manufacturing information
    • Formulation
    • Facility information
    • Source material/raw material
    • Manufacturing process and controls
    • Contamination/cross-contamination information
    • Environment assessment or categorical exclusion

What is an IND?

An Investigational New Drug application (IND) is a request for authorization from the FDA to administer an investigational drug or biological product to humans.

What is a DMF?

A Drug Master File (DMF) is a submission to the FDA that provides information from manufacturing to storing of a human drug.

What is a TMF?

A Trial Master File (TMF) is a collection of essential documents for a sponsor to record how they fulfilled their obligations for a clinical trial.

What is an ETMF?

An Electronic Trial Master File (ETMF), is a trial master file in digital format.

What is an ETMF used for?

The ETMF is used for storing and managing documents, images or other digital content for pharmaceutical clinical trials that may be needed for regulatory compliance.

What is an ACTD dossier?

An ACTD dossier is a well-structured Common Technical Dossier for the registration of pharmaceuticals for human use that is submitted to ASEAN regulatory authorities.

What are dates to remember for eCTD?

  • Since May 5, 2017, The New Drug Applications (NDAs), Abbreviated NDAs (ANDAs), and Biologics License Applications (BLAs), must be submitted using eCTD format.
  • As of May 5, 2018, the Commercial Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs) and Master Files must be submitted using eCTD format.

After these dates, the eCTD requirements for submissions (CDER and CBER) will go into effect and those who do not use eCTD will not be filed or received.

Are you ready for these dates? If not, you better look into a possible solution that will make your eCTD filing much smoother. 

Did you know this? Many countries still submit on paper. 

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