In unanimously endorsing prucalopride for chronic idiopathic constipation, advisory committee seems reassured by extensive data on 5-HT4 agonist’s cardiovascular safety, but some members called for an epidemiological study to assess possible suicidality signal.

Voluntary precertification process could help ensure the quality and integrity of databases from which real-world evidence is derived, but the program could be a cost burden for data curators and accreditation criteria would need to be developed, experts said at a recent Duke-Margolis Center meeting.

European postmarketing epidemiological study results ‘reasonably exclude’ a greater than three-fold increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events with the constipation drug but, due to potential bias, cannot definitively exclude a possibly unacceptable level of risk, agency says.

Member companies’ direct-to-consumer TV ads will direct patients to information about drug costs – including list price, estimated out-of-pocket costs for the drug, and availability of financial assistance – under a voluntary program that takes effect in April 2019; initiative falls short of mandatory list price disclosures proposed by Trump Administration.

Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee says totality of evidence supports licensure of CT-P10 for three lymphoma indications, but panelists question what additional data would be needed to eventually get Rituxan’s other approved uses, which were carved out for patent and exclusivity reasons, onto the biosimilar’s label.

Revised draft guidance suggests greater openness to alternative methods and scales for measuring adhesion, but agency sticks with 15% non-inferiority margin despite manufacturer objections; FDA also releases new guidance on assessing irritation and sensitization potential with topical delivery system products.