THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

At PROMETRIKA, we provide biostatistical analysis and regulatory medical writing services to our sponsor companies who have reached the stage of New Drug Application (NDA) or Biologic Licensing Application (BLA) preparation. One of the many crucial documents in these applications is the Package Insert (a.k.a., Prescribing Information or Product Information; PI), the summary of safety and efficacy data on proposed new drugs and biopharmaceuticals (‘drug’ will be used to refer to both hereafter). In the following discussion, I will trace the source and distillation of the efficacy data presented in the PI.

An important aspect of PROMETRIKA’s work as a full-service CRO for sponsors is the monitoring and reporting of safety-related events during clinical trials. Our sponsor colleagues focus on drugs and biologics addressing rare diseases and other conditions that so far have proven difficult to treat. PROMETRIKA’s Safety and Pharmacovigilance activities are focused on accurate and timely drug safety reporting.

An important aspect of PROMETRIKA’s work as a full-service CRO for sponsors is the monitoring and reporting of safety-related events during clinical trials. Our sponsor colleagues focus on drugs and biologics addressing rare diseases and other conditions that so far have proven difficult to treat. PROMETRIKA’s Safety and Pharmacovigilance activities are focused on accurate and timely drug safety reporting.

In 2021, FDA has so far approved six antibodies against PD-1 or PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) for more than 75 indications. Ipilimumab remains the only FDA approved anti-CTLA-4 antibody, in melanoma indications and, in combination with nivolumab (an anti-PD‑1 antibody), in a number of other indications.

Basic research in the 1990’s showed that antibodies aimed at a cell surface marker called cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) stimulated an immune response that resulted in the killing of the tumor cells. Another cell marker, programmed death-1 (PD-1), was found to have the ability to prevent the immune system from killing cancer cells. These discoveries led to the development of cancer therapy using inhibition of negative immune regulation.