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Best Practices for Hardcoding Clinical Trial Data

In clinical trials, the accuracy and integrity of data are paramount. While the goal is to handle data systematically and programmatically, there are occasions when hardcoding becomes necessary. Note the following considerations for when to hardcode and the importance of documenting these decisions.

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Bringing a Medical Device or Drug to Market-Part 2: How to Use the Request for Designation (RFD) Process to Classify Your Product

Distinguishing between a medical device and a drug may be challenging to define for some products. We turn our attention to a crucial tool that Sponsors may use to have the FDA classify your product: the Request for Designation (RFD). In this blog, we’ll describe what an RFD entails and its significance in the regulatory realm, providing a comprehensive overview of the process.

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Blinded Variance Estimation Sample Size Adjustments 

Interim sample size adjustments and their many approaches are a frequent discussion point between Sponsors and statisticians during protocol development. One such approach is a blinded assessment of variance, favored by some Sponsors for its lack of alpha penalty. We will discuss how this method works, the pros, the cons, and if this approach might be appropriate for your protocol.

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Implementation of ICH M12 Guidance in 2024: What’s New for Drug Interactions?

The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) adopted a harmonized drug-drug interaction (DDI) guidance (ICH M12) in May 2024. The next step is for this guidance to be implemented by ICH members; the FDA and EMA have already implemented the guidance. Read our blog for key highlights of the 2024 ICH M12 Guidance.

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FMQs vs SMQs 

Sponsors often rely on Standardized MedDRA Queries (SMQs) to group adverse events for detection of safety signals across clinical trials. Additionally, the FDA has introduced their own version of adverse event groupings – FDA MedDRA Queries (FMQs). So, what’s the difference? 

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Successful Orphan Drug Designation Application in the European Union

Are you developing a new medicinal product for a rare disease and interested in applying for orphan drug designation (ODD) in the European Union (EU)? This blog lists the main areas that you will need to address in your ODD application.

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Diversity Action Plans: A New Requirement for Phase 3 Clinical Trials. Are You Ready?

Diversity Action Plans will soon be required for phase 3 clinical trials and other pivotal studies of drugs and biological products conducted in the US. Are you ready for this requirement?

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Statistical Challenges with Site Enrollment in Clinical Trials 

Did you know that insufficient enrollment is the leading cause for clinical trials being halted? Study sponsors rightly embrace those sites which are high performing as they give a study the best opportunity to meet its enrollment targets. However, is it possible for there to be overreliance on these high enrolling sites? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. 

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Marketing Application Reviews: Best Practices for Responding to Information Requests

Responding to information requests (IRs) from FDA during review of a marketing application can be stressful. How do you survive the rollercoaster of requests? We have outlined useful tips and best practices for managing responses to IRs during FDA review of your marketing application.

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Overcoming statistical challenges in rare disease drug development

Regulatory agencies like the FDA require substantial evidence of the drug’s effectiveness for its intended use and sufficient information to conclude that the drug is safe.  However, flexibility is given in how the standard can be met given the challenges associated with the limited number of subjects available in rare disease.

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Making History: Supporting Breakthroughs That Change Lives

For the first time, some children with life-threatening food allergies can safely eat in the school cafeteria and celebrate at a friend’s birthday party without fear of accidental allergen exposure. That’s not just progress—it’s the kind of outcome that reshapes lives and changes what’s possible in clinical development.

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Maximizing the Use of Real-World Data (RWD): Beyond the Theory 

Real-world data (RWD) has become a buzzword phrase in recent articles in clinical trial research. But there is often a difference between the idealistic and future use of RWD and how it can and is practically being used to advance drug development. What is RWD?  How is RWD being applied now? What are the potential uses for it in the future? 

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Successful Pediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) Application in the European Union – Part 1: Understanding the regulatory requirements

Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 (the “Pediatric Regulation”) introduced the obligation for Sponsors to apply for a pediatric investigation plan (PIP) early in the drug development process and conduct their pediatric clinical trials accordingly to a PIP agreed with the EMA. Compliance with the Pediatric Regulation is mandatory for any Sponsor seeking marketing authorization for a new medicinal product in the EU.

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