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  5. Upcoming Product-Specific Guidances for Generic Drug Product Development
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Upcoming Product-Specific Guidances for Generic Drug Product Development

Introduction

This web page provides information related to upcoming new and revised product-specific guidances (PSGs) to support the development and approval of safe and effective generic drug products, including the projected date of PSG publication, as a commitment under the Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2022 (GDUFA III). Upcoming PSGs for both complex and non-complex products that are planned to be published in the next 12 months are listed (these may be subject to change).

How often does FDA publish new and revised PSGs?

To support generic drug development and generic drug approval, FDA issues new and revised PSGs on a quarterly and as needed basis. These PSGs, including PSGs for both complex and non-complex generic drug products, when finalized, describe the agency's current thinking and expectations on how to develop generic drug products to specific reference listed drugs and are intended to assist the generic pharmaceutical industry with identifying the most appropriate methodology and evidence needed to support a specific generic drug’s approval. The published PSGs are announced in the Federal Register and made available to the public on FDA’s website.

What information is provided on this web page?

For new PSGs for generic drug products under development, this web page provides information on the active ingredient(s), the route of administration and dosage form, the reference listed drug (RLD) application number, and the planned publication month/year. In addition to this information, the list of PSGs for generic products under revision also includes the planned revision categories and brief descriptions. This web page describes FDA’s plans for issuing new and revised PSGs for both complex and non-complex generic drug products.

What do the different planned revision categories mean?

For revised PSGs, the planned revision categories briefly describe the nature of the anticipated revisions. Planned revision categories are defined as the following:

  • Critical revision: PSG revision includes additional bioequivalence (BE) study(ies) or evidence recommended that is necessary to establish BE and support FDA approval reflecting a change in the safety or effectiveness of the drug product. The critical revision has a potential impact on all ANDAs including the approved applications. Holders of approved applications are also expected to address the change in the safety or effectiveness of the drug product reflected in a critical revision to maintain its FDA approval.
  • Major revision: PSG revision includes additional BE study(ies) or evidence recommended that is necessary to establish BE and support FDA approval. Major revisions are categorized as in vivo major revisions and in vitro major revisions. Under GDUFA III, applicants or prospective applicants may request PSG teleconference if they have already commenced an in vivo bioequivalence study (i.e., the study protocol has been signed by the study sponsor and/or the contract research organization) to obtain Agency feedback on the potential impact of the new or revised PSG on its development program. Pre-submission or post-submission PSG meetings may be requested following feedback received at the PSG teleconference. Refer to GDUFA III Enhancements to the Pre-ANDA Program for additional details.
    • In vivo major revision: PSG revision includes additional in vivo bioequivalence study(ies) or evidence recommended to support FDA approval.
    • In vitro major revision: PSG revision includes additional in vitro bioequivalence study(ies) or evidence recommended to support FDA approval.
  • Minor revision: Any revision to a PSG that is not considered critical or major, including but not limited to when a PSG is to be revised to add an in vivo or in vitro BE option, to clarify recommended study design, to certain study(ies), to provide alternative (less burdensome) approaches to the currently recommended study(ies), to add information on newly approved strengths of the RLD, or to make other recommendations that would not generally result in additional recommended bioequivalence study(ies) or evidence by an ANDA applicant necessary to support FDA approval. Minor revisions include both in vivo and in vitro changes.
  • Editorial revision: PSG revision includes non-substantive changes such as updating external references, correcting grammatical issues, and streamlining the format of existing recommendations.

FDA will also provide specific information on the planned revision when such information is available for public release.

What is a complex generic drug product?

As described in the GDUFA III Commitment Letter and Classifying Approved New Drug Products and Drug-device Combination Products as Complex Products for Generic Drug Development Purposes (MAPP 5240.10), a complex generic drug product generally means the following:

  • A product with:
    • a complex active ingredient(s) (e.g., peptides, polymeric compounds, complex mixtures of APIs, naturally sourced ingredients)
    • a complex formulation (e.g., liposomes, colloids)
    • a complex route of delivery (e.g., locally acting drugs such as dermatological products and complex ophthalmological products and otic dosage forms that are formulated as suspensions, emulsions, or gels)
    • a complex dosage form (e.g., transdermals, metered dose inhalers, extended release injectables)
  • Complex drug-device combination products (e.g., auto injectors, metered dose inhalers); and
  • Other products where complexity or uncertainty concerning the approval pathway or possible alternative approaches would benefit from early scientific engagement.

How often does FDA update this web page?

This web page will be updated each time FDA issues a new quarterly PSG batch. Each update removes the published PSGs and adds any new PSG under development or revision. This advance notice will help generic drug companies to plan for their development of generic drug products.

New and Revised PSGs for Generic Drug Products

Below is the list of PSGs for both complex and non-complex generic drug products that FDA plans to issue and the list of PSGs that FDA plans to revise in the coming year. While this list reflects FDA’s effort to be transparent regarding current plans for developing PSGs for generic drug products, it should be noted that timing may be subject to change.

Planned New PSGs for Complex and Non-Complex
Generic Drug Products
Updated: November 19, 2024

Planned Revised PSGs for Complex and Non-Complex
Generic Drug Products
Updated: November 19, 2024

Planned Revised PSGs for Complex and Non-Complex Generic Drug Products to Align with ICH M13A
Updated: November 19, 2024

In addition to removing the BE recommendations for BE studies under either fasting or fed conditions as indicated in the table, these PSGs may also include editorial revisions to language and formatting as deemed appropriate by the Agency. Please note that for some PSGs published in October 2024, FDA has updated revisions as shown in the table below.

 

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