04-3179. List of Drugs for Which Pediatric Studies Are Needed  

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    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is providing notice of a “List of Drugs for Which Pediatric Studies Are Needed.” The NIH developed the list in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and pediatric experts, as mandated by the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA). This list prioritizes certain drugs most in need of study for use by children to ensure their safety and efficacy. The NIH will update the list at least annually until the Act expires on October 1, 2007.

    DATES:

    The list is effective upon publication.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Dr. Anne Zajicek, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B-11, Bethesda, MD 20892-7510, e-mail BestPharmaceuticals@mail.nih.gov, Start Printed Page 7244telephone 301-435-6865 (not a toll-free number).

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    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    The NIH is providing notice of a “List of Drugs for Which Pediatric Studies Are Needed,” as authorized under section 3, Public Law 107-109 (42 U.S.C. 409I). On January 4, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA). The BPCA mandates that not later than one year after the date of enactment, the NIH in consultation with the FDA and experts in pediatric research shall develop, prioritize, and publish an annual list of certain approved drugs for which pediatric studies are needed. For inclusion on the list, an approved drug must meet the following criteria: (1) There is an approved application under section 505(j) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(j)); (2) there is a submitted application that could be approved under the criteria of section 505(j) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (3) there is no patent protection or market exclusivity protection under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; or (4) there is a referral for inclusion on the list under section 505A(d)(4)(c); and additional studies are needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the use of the drug in the pediatric population. The BPCA further stipulates that in developing and prioritizing the list, the NIH shall consider for each drug on the list: (1) The availability of information concerning the safe and effective use of the drug in the pediatric population; (2) whether additional information is needed; (3) whether new pediatric studies concerning the drug may produce health benefits in the pediatric population; and (4) whether reformulation of the drug is necessary. In developing this list, the NIH consulted with the FDA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other experts in pediatric research and practice. A preliminary list of drugs was drafted and categorized as a function of indication and use. The drugs were than prioritized based on frequency of use in the pediatric population, severity of the condition being treated, and potential for providing a health benefit in the pediatric population.

    The following are the drugs newly added to the list for which pediatric studies are most urgently needed and their indications for use:

    Ampicillin—infections;

    Ketamine—sedation;

    Vincristine—malignancies;

    Dactinomycin—malignancies;

    Metolazone—diuresis.

    Drugs that were previously listed as urgently needing studies, their indications for use, and their current status, are described in the table.

    Drug needing pediatric studyIndications for pediatric useStatus
    LorazepamSedation in the Intensive Care Unit1
    Treatment of status epilepticus1
    NitroprussideReduction of blood pressure1
    BaclofenOral treatment of spasticity of cerebral palsy1
    AzithromycinPrevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonates colonized with U. urealyticum1
    Treatment of Chlamydia pneumonia, prevention of Chlamydia conjunctivitis and pneumonia2
    LithiumTreatment of mania in bipolar disorder1
    Ampicillin/sulbactamPediatric infections2
    DiazoxideHypoglycemia2
    IsofluraneMaintenance of general anesthesia2
    MeropenemPediatric infections2
    MetoclopramideGastroesophageal reflux2
    Piperacillin/tazobactamPediatric infections2
    PromethazineNausea/vomiting2
    RifampinStaphylococcus endocarditis2
    CNS shunt infections2
    Lindane2nd line treatment of scabies2
    HeparinAnticoagulant1
    BumetanideDiuresis3
    FurosemideDiuresis3
    DobutamineIncrease cardiac output3
    DopamineIncrease cardiac output3
    SpironolactoneDiuresis3
    1 Drug labeled for use in children.
    > Status: 1 = Contract being developed; 2 = Written Request being developed; 3 = Drug undergoing extensive review by NIH and FDA.
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    Dated: February 6, 2004.

    Elias A. Zerhouni,

    Director, National Institutes of Health.

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    [FR Doc. 04-3179 Filed 2-12-04; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4140-01-P

Document Information

Published:
02/13/2004
Department:
National Institutes of Health
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice.
Document Number:
04-3179
Dates:
The list is effective upon publication.
Pages:
7243-7244 (2 pages)
PDF File:
04-3179.pdf