SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The guidance provides drug, biologics, and device manufacturers with the agency's views on the distribution of medical journal articles and scientific or medical reference publications that discuss unapproved new uses for FDA-approved drugs (including biologics) or FDA-approved or cleared medical devices to healthcare professionals and healthcare entities. In the Federal Register of February 20, 2008 (73 FR 9342), FDA announced the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Good Reprint Practices for the Distribution of Medical Journal Articles and Medical or Scientific Reference Publications on Unapproved New Uses of Approved Drugs and Approved or Cleared Medical Devices.” FDA received several comments on the draft guidance and those comments were considered as the guidance was finalized.

On September 30, 2006, section 401 of the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act (FDAMA) (section 551 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360aaa)) ceased to be in effect. The provision described certain conditions under which a drug or medical device manufacturer could disseminate medical and scientific information discussing unapproved uses of approved drugs and cleared or approved medical devices to healthcare professionals and certain entities (including pharmacy benefits managers, health insurance issuers, group health plans, and Federal or State governmental agencies). Section 401 of FDAMA provided that, if the described conditions were met, dissemination of such journal articles or reference publications would not be considered as evidence of the manufacturer's intent that the product be used for an unapproved new use. FDA-implementing regulations were codified at 21 CFR part 99. In light of the sunset of section 401 of FDAMA and in recognition of the public health value to healthcare professionals of receiving scientific and medical information, FDA determined that its current views and recommendations concerning “Good Reprint Practices” for the dissemination of medical journal articles and medical or scientific reference publications on unapproved uses of drugs and medical devices were important. The sunset of the statutory provision eliminated the authority of FDA to require submission of articles for the agency's review before dissemination by the manufacturers in instances where the manufacturer chose to disseminate information under these provisions. In the absence of that ability to require such submissions and the fact that the implementing regulations are no longer applicable, the agency determined that guidance to manufacturers was appropriate because the agency no longer reviews individual articles.

With this guidance, FDA is providing its current views on the dissemination of medical journal articles and medical or scientific reference publications on unapproved uses of approved drugs and approved or cleared medical devices to healthcare professionals and healthcare entities. FDA's legal authority to determine whether certain distributions of medical or scientific information constitutes promotion of an unapproved “new use,” or whether such activities cause a product to be misbranded or adulterated has not changed.

Some of the changes made to the guidance based on comments received, and on FDA's own initiative, include a specific reference encouraging manufacturers to seek approvals and clearance for new indications and intended uses for medical products. FDA recognizes the value of new indications and uses for approved products and wants these to be studied so that patients and healthcare professionals receive safe and effective treatments. Many comments suggested that FDA continue to require pre-submission of the articles and suggested other mandatory review practices. However, given the sunset of section 401 of FDAMA these were not within FDA's authority and thus outside the scope of this guidance. Section IV of the guidance clarifies a number of bullet points to address comments expressing confusion as to some of the terms and practices expressed. Additional information was provided to distinguish the dissemination of these types of articles from other industry practices.

This guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The guidance represents the agency's current thinking on the dissemination of medical journal articles and medical or scientific reference publications on unapproved uses of approved drugs and approved or cleared medical devices to healthcare professionals and healthcare entities. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public. An alternative approach may be used if such approach satisfies the requirements of applicable statutes and regulations.

II. Comments

Interested persons may, at any time, submit to the Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES ) written or electronic comments regarding the guidance. Submit a single copy of ( printed page 1695) electronic comments or two paper copies of any mailed comments, except that individuals may submit one paper copy. Comments are to be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. A copy of the guidance and received comments are available for public examination in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Please note that on January 15, 2008, the FDA Division of Dockets Management Web site transitioned to the Federal Dockets Management System (FDMS). FDMS is a Government-wide, electronic docket management system. Electronic comments or submissions will be accepted by FDA only through FDMS at http://www.regulations.gov.

III. Electronic Access

Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the document at either http://www.fda.gov/​oc/​op/​goodreprint.html or http://www.regulations.gov.