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Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is a valuable asset that the FDA uses to make exceptions for unapproved medical devices during public health crises. It has brought up some controversy since COVID-19 started making its way around the globe. Regardless, there is little doubt that it has had a major impact on the regulatory policies of industries everywhere. EUAs are affecting more industries than just the medical device manufacturers. They’re also playing a role in speeding up approvals for other manufactured products.
Regulatory Impact of EUA Authority
Since just February 2020, the FDA has issued EUAs for more than 100 different elements, including drugs, devices and biologics. Other organizations, like those making personal protective equipment, ventilators and hand sanitizers, have gone through the EUA process for distribution approval.
At the beginning of the global pandemic, hand sanitizer started flying off of retail shelves due to the increase in COVID-19 fears. Doctors became desperate for PPE and respirators as patients entered hospitals in critical condition from the illness. Pharmaceutical manufacturers that produced these types of products wanted to make sure their goods reached the market faster. The quicker they were available for sale, the more patients and doctors could start reaping the medical benefits. As a result, it became more common to use EUA’s to skip over the lengthy 510(k) submission processes.
While this strategy can help manufacturers turn out new products more quickly, what happens after the emergency has passed? Vaccine acceptance rates in many countries are climbing. If you work in our regulated industry, how will you keep products on the market over the long term?
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What You Need to Know About the Regulatory Impact
Receiving EUA approval provides a faster way for manufacturers to put their products on the shelves, even if those products are still in the experimental phase. The regulatory impact of EUA approval during COVID-19 is that more products are receiving fast approval than ever before. That said, it’s crucial to remember that this approval is only temporary.
The government needs to declare a state of defense or public health emergency before an EUA can be issued for a product. After the emergency passes, you’ll have to go through the regulatory approval process to ensure that your product is effective and safe to use. The COVID-19 vaccine has shown high efficacy and social distancing is becoming more relaxed. You need to consider long-term portfolio strategies so your product can continue its first-to-market advantage.
Preparation for an EUA submission into the market involves maintaining a consistent pharmaceutical supply chain flow. To have a product authorized, you may need to start gathering relevant information and resources. This can include test data, labeling requirements and clinical support. Going through the full approval process will ensure that your product is fit to serve the public on a long-term basis.
