RWE-Only To Support A US FDA-Approved Indication? ‘Yes, Potentially’

CDER real world evidence policy head John Concato said the FDA could approve a new labeled use based only on real-world evidence, but made clear the approach is challenging. 

real world data
Using only RWE to gain a novel product approval will be challenging, FDA officials said. • Source: Shutterstock

A novel FDA-approved indication for an existing drug can be supported by real-world evidence alone, but the sponsor still must meet the traditional evidentiary standard, Office of Medical Policy Associate Director for RWE John Concato reaffirmed.

Key Takeaways

  • The FDA expects that a novel product could be approved based only on real-world evidence.

“The short answer is, ‘yes’ potentially,” Concato said in response to a direct question about whether the FDA would approve...

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