Request for Comments on the Science and Technology Report; Establishment of Docket; Request for Comments, 869-870 [E7-25607]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 3 / Friday, January 4, 2008 / Notices ACTION: Notice; reopening of comment period. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reopening until February 8, 2008, the comment period for the draft guidance for industry entitled ‘‘Antibacterial Drug Products: Use of Noninferiority Studies to Support Approval,’’ published in the Federal Register of October 15, 2007 (72 FR 58312). The draft guidance informed industry of FDA’s current thinking regarding appropriate clinical study designs to evaluate antibacterial drugs, and asked sponsors to amend ongoing or completed studies accordingly. FDA is taking this action in response to a request for an extension of the comment period to allow interested persons additional time to review the draft guidance and submit comments. DATES: Submit written or electronic comments by February 8, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit written requests for single copies of the draft guidance to the Division of Drug Information (HFD– 240), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Send one selfaddressed adhesive label to assist that office in processing your requests. Submit written comments on the draft guidance to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA–305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Submit electronic comments to either https:// www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments or https://www.regulations.gov. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for electronic access to the draft guidance document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Cox, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave.,Bldg. 22, rm. 6412, Silver Spring, MD 20993–0002, 301–796–1300. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background In the Federal Register of October 15, 2007 (72 FR 58312), FDA published a notice announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ‘‘Antibacterial Drug Products: Use of Noninferiority Studies to Support Approval.’’ The purpose of the guidance is to inform industry of FDA’s current thinking regarding appropriate clinical study designs to evaluate antibacterial drugs, and to ask sponsors to amend ongoing or completed studies accordingly. The guidance is in response to a number of public discussions in recent years regarding the VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:42 Jan 03, 2008 Jkt 214001 use of active-controlled studies designed to show noninferiority as a basis for approval of antibacterial drug products. Some of these discussions have focused on specific diseases such as acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial otitis media, and acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. These public discussions have contributed to FDA’s evolving understanding of the science of clinical trials and, in particular, the appropriate role of active-controlled studies designed to show noninferiority in the development of antibacterial drug products. The draft guidance recommends that sponsors provide justification for the treatment effect size and the proposed noninferiority margin for all antibacterial development programs for which approval will rely on noninferiority studies. The initial comment period for this guidance closed on December 14, 2007. II. Reopening of Comment Period On November 13, 2007, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America requested an extension beyond the December 14, 2007, deadline for the submission of comments. FDA recognizes the effect this guidance may have on the development of new antimicrobial products and that additional time may be needed for comment. Therefore, FDA has decided to reopen the comment period on the draft guidance until February 8, 2008, to allow the public more time to review and comment on its contents. III. How to Submit Comments Interested persons may submit to the Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES) written or electronic comments regarding this document. Submit a single copy of electronic comments to 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. Received comments may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that in January 2008, the FDA Web site is expected to transition to the Federal Dockets Management System (FDMS). FDMS is a Government-wide, electronic docket management system. After the transition date, electronic submissions will be accepted by FDA through the FDMS only. When the exact date of the transition to FDMS is known, FDA will PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 869 publish a Federal Register notice announcing that date. IV. Electronic Access Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the document at either https://www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/ index.htmor https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/ dockets/default.htm. Dated: December 27, 2007. Jeffrey Shuren, Assistant Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. E7–25601 Filed 1–3–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160–01–S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. 2007N–0489] Request for Comments on the Science and Technology Report; Establishment of Docket; Request for Comments AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. Notice; establishment of docket; request for comments. ACTION: SUMMARY: On March 31, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) charged the Science Board to evaluate FDA’s science-based capacities to meet current and future public health challenges. The Science Board established a subcommittee on science and technology to perform the review and draft a report of findings and preliminary recommendations. The subcommittee report was presented and discussed at the December 3, 2007, Science Board Advisory Committee meeting, at which time the Science Board decided to obtain comments from the public on the subcommittee report. FDA is soliciting public comment on the subcommittee report on behalf of the Science Board. DATES: To be considered, written or electronic comments on the subcommittee report must be received on or before February 4, 2008. All comments received while the docket is open will be forwarded to the Science Board for their review. ADDRESSES: Electronic comments should be submitted to https:// www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments. Select Docket No. 2007N–0489, ‘‘FDA Report on Science and Technology’’ and follow prompts to submit your statement. Written comments should be submitted to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA–305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852, by close of E:\FR\FM\04JAN1.SGM 04JAN1 870 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 3 / Friday, January 4, 2008 / Notices jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES business on (see DATES). All comments should be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. All comments received will be posted without change, including any personal information provided. All comments received while the docket is open will be forwarded to the Science Board for their review. All comments will also be discussed at the next Science Board Advisory Committee meeting. A notice of the next Science Board Advisory Committee meeting will be published at a later date. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for elctronic access. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ˜ Carlos Pena, Office of the Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (HF–33), 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301–827– 6687, FAX: 301–827–3340, e-mail: ˜ carlos.Pena,@fda.hhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background On March 31, 2006, FDA charged the Science Board to conduct a broad review of FDA scientific capacities, processes, and infrastructure which support FDA’s core regulatory functions including the following: (1) Premarket review and consultation during the development of new FDA-regulated products; (2) oversight of marketed product quality; and (3) postmarket product safety surveillance and risk management. The following is the Commissioner of Food and Drugs’ charge to the Science Board: ‘‘Review and report the broad categories of scientific and technologic capacities that FDA needs to fully support its core regulatory functions and decisionmaking throughout the product life-cycle, today and over the next decade.’’ Specifically: (1) Are there any important gaps in current scientific capacities in which FDA should substantially increase efforts, to ensure that it can address current or expected scientific demands of FDA’s regulatory mission? In what areas should the agency maintain or strengthen its current level of work and capacity? (2) Are there areas of science in which the agency should consider refocusing its efforts in order to better address current or anticipated future scientific demands of FDA’s regulatory mission? (3) What opportunities exist to enhance the overall effectiveness of FDA’s scientific and technologic VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:42 Jan 03, 2008 Jkt 214001 capacity through coordination of scientific activities and priority setting across FDA components? (4) What opportunities exist to better leverage FDA’s scientific capacity through collaboration with other public agencies and private organizations? Are there other approaches to resource leveraging that FDA could pursue to better support needed scientific capacities? The review was initiated to obtain advice regarding current science-based capacities and the degree to which they can prepare FDA for anticipated changes in science, technology and population health needs. To respond to this request from the agency, the Science Board established a subcommittee on science and technology to perform the review. The subcommittee was supported by 30 outside experts, who were drawn from government, academia, and industry. Their efforts culminated in a subcommittee report of findings and preliminary recommendations. The subcommittee report was presented and discussed at the December 3, 2007, Science Board Advisory Committee meeting, at which time the Science Board decided to obtain comments from the public on the subcommittee report (an electronic copy of the subcommittee report is available at https:// www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/07/ briefing/2007– 4329b_02_00_index.html). II. Request for Comments In accordance with 21 CFR 14.35, FDA is soliciting public comment on the subcommittee report, on behalf of the Science Board. Comments received while the docket is open will be forwarded to the Science Board for their review. Comments will also be discussed at the next Science Board Advisory Committee meeting. A notice of the next Science Board Advisory Committee meeting will be published in the Federal Register at a later date. III. Submission of Comments To help facilitate the public comment process upon the subcommittee report, FDA has established a public docket, on behalf of the Science Board. All comments submitted to the public docket are public information and may be posted to the FDA’s Web site at: https://www.fda.gov for public viewing. Comments are to be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. Comments received may be reviewed in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Please note that in January 2008, the FDA Web site is expected to transition to the Federal Dockets Management System (FDMS). FDMS is a Government-wide, electronic docket management system. After the transition date, electronic submissions will be accepted by FDA through the FDMS only. When the exact date of the transition to FDMS is known, FDA will publish a Federal Register notice announcing that date. Dated: December 28, 2007. Randall W. Lutter, Deputy Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. E7–25607 Filed 1–3–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160–01–S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Comment Request In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects (section 3506(c)(2)(A) of Title 44, United States Code, as amended by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) publishes periodic summaries of proposed projects being developed for submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and draft instruments, call the HRSA Reports Clearance Officer on (301) 443–1129. Comments are invited on: (a) The proposed collection of information for the proper performance of the functions of the agency; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Proposed Project: Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program (SCDTDP), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): NEW In 2004 Congress enacted and the President signed into law Pub. L. 108– E:\FR\FM\04JAN1.SGM 04JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 3 (Friday, January 4, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 869-870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-25607]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

[Docket No. 2007N-0489]


Request for Comments on the Science and Technology Report; 
Establishment of Docket; Request for Comments

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice; establishment of docket; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On March 31, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
charged the Science Board to evaluate FDA's science-based capacities to 
meet current and future public health challenges. The Science Board 
established a subcommittee on science and technology to perform the 
review and draft a report of findings and preliminary recommendations. 
The subcommittee report was presented and discussed at the December 3, 
2007, Science Board Advisory Committee meeting, at which time the 
Science Board decided to obtain comments from the public on the 
subcommittee report. FDA is soliciting public comment on the 
subcommittee report on behalf of the Science Board.

DATES: To be considered, written or electronic comments on the 
subcommittee report must be received on or before February 4, 2008. All 
comments received while the docket is open will be forwarded to the 
Science Board for their review.

ADDRESSES: Electronic comments should be submitted to https://
www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments. Select Docket No. 2007N-0489, ``FDA 
Report on Science and Technology'' and follow prompts to submit your 
statement. Written comments should be submitted to the Division of 
Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 
Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852, by close of

[[Page 870]]

business on (see DATES). All comments should be identified with the 
docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. 
Received comments may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management 
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. All comments received 
will be posted without change, including any personal information 
provided. All comments received while the docket is open will be 
forwarded to the Science Board for their review. All comments will also 
be discussed at the next Science Board Advisory Committee meeting. A 
notice of the next Science Board Advisory Committee meeting will be 
published at a later date. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for 
elctronic access.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carlos Pe[ntilde]a, Office of the 
Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (HF-33), 5600 Fishers Lane, 
Rockville, MD 20857, 301-827-6687, FAX: 301-827-3340, e-mail: 
carlos.Pe[ntilde]a,@fda.hhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On March 31, 2006, FDA charged the Science Board to conduct a broad 
review of FDA scientific capacities, processes, and infrastructure 
which support FDA's core regulatory functions including the following: 
(1) Premarket review and consultation during the development of new 
FDA-regulated products; (2) oversight of marketed product quality; and 
(3) postmarket product safety surveillance and risk management. The 
following is the Commissioner of Food and Drugs' charge to the Science 
Board: ``Review and report the broad categories of scientific and 
technologic capacities that FDA needs to fully support its core 
regulatory functions and decisionmaking throughout the product life-
cycle, today and over the next decade.'' Specifically:
    (1) Are there any important gaps in current scientific capacities 
in which FDA should substantially increase efforts, to ensure that it 
can address current or expected scientific demands of FDA's regulatory 
mission? In what areas should the agency maintain or strengthen its 
current level of work and capacity?
    (2) Are there areas of science in which the agency should consider 
refocusing its efforts in order to better address current or 
anticipated future scientific demands of FDA's regulatory mission?
    (3) What opportunities exist to enhance the overall effectiveness 
of FDA's scientific and technologic capacity through coordination of 
scientific activities and priority setting across FDA components?
    (4) What opportunities exist to better leverage FDA's scientific 
capacity through collaboration with other public agencies and private 
organizations? Are there other approaches to resource leveraging that 
FDA could pursue to better support needed scientific capacities?
    The review was initiated to obtain advice regarding current 
science-based capacities and the degree to which they can prepare FDA 
for anticipated changes in science, technology and population health 
needs.
    To respond to this request from the agency, the Science Board 
established a subcommittee on science and technology to perform the 
review. The subcommittee was supported by 30 outside experts, who were 
drawn from government, academia, and industry. Their efforts culminated 
in a subcommittee report of findings and preliminary recommendations. 
The subcommittee report was presented and discussed at the December 3, 
2007, Science Board Advisory Committee meeting, at which time the 
Science Board decided to obtain comments from the public on the 
subcommittee report (an electronic copy of the subcommittee report is 
available at https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/07/briefing/2007-
4329b_02_00_index.html).

II. Request for Comments

    In accordance with 21 CFR 14.35, FDA is soliciting public comment 
on the subcommittee report, on behalf of the Science Board. Comments 
received while the docket is open will be forwarded to the Science 
Board for their review. Comments will also be discussed at the next 
Science Board Advisory Committee meeting. A notice of the next Science 
Board Advisory Committee meeting will be published in the Federal 
Register at a later date.

III. Submission of Comments

    To help facilitate the public comment process upon the subcommittee 
report, FDA has established a public docket, on behalf of the Science 
Board. All comments submitted to the public docket are public 
information and may be posted to the FDA's Web site at: https://
www.fda.gov for public viewing. Comments are to be identified with the 
docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. 
Comments received may be reviewed in the Division of Dockets Management 
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    Please note that in January 2008, the FDA Web site is expected to 
transition to the Federal Dockets Management System (FDMS). FDMS is a 
Government-wide, electronic docket management system. After the 
transition date, electronic submissions will be accepted by FDA through 
the FDMS only. When the exact date of the transition to FDMS is known, 
FDA will publish a Federal Register notice announcing that date.


    Dated: December 28, 2007.
Randall W. Lutter,
Deputy Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. E7-25607 Filed 1-3-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-S
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