From Fierce Biotech (via Reuters), a new law is expected this year to allow the FDA to approve breakthrough drugs more quickly by allowing applicants to conduct speedier trials with fewer patients. The system would be modeled on the speedy approval process used for HIV treatments decades ago.
The FDA has approved several drugs recently in accelerated fashion, including Vertex' Kalydeco for CF, Pfizer's Xalkori and Roche's Zelboraf for skin cancer. Dr. Woodcock, the FDA's director, has been vocal in her advocacy for giving the agency the latitude to make fast approvals for drugs that show breakthrough promise in the clinic -- particularly for serious diseases with few treatment options. The drugs, of course, would have to pass safety muster as well.
Posted by Bruce Lehr May 9th 2012.
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