81_FR_57976 81 FR 57812 - Disqualification of a Clinical Investigator

81 FR 57812 - Disqualification of a Clinical Investigator

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 164 (August 24, 2016)

Page Range57812-57816
FR Document2016-19876

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to amend the regulations for new animal drugs for investigational use to expand the scope of clinical investigator disqualification to include ineligibility to conduct nonclinical laboratory studies. Currently, when the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (the Commissioner) determines that an investigator is ineligible to receive a new animal drug for investigational use, the investigator also is ineligible to conduct any clinical investigation that supports an application for a research or marketing permit for products regulated by FDA. Under this proposal, when the Commissioner determines that an investigator is ineligible to receive a new animal drug for investigational use, the investigator also will be ineligible to conduct any nonclinical study intended to support an application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal drug. This proposal is intended to help ensure adequate protection of animal research subjects and the quality and integrity of data submitted to FDA.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57812-57816]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19876]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Parts 16 and 511

[Docket No. FDA-2011-N-0079]


Disqualification of a Clinical Investigator

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to amend 
the regulations for new animal drugs for investigational use to expand 
the scope of clinical investigator disqualification to include 
ineligibility to conduct nonclinical laboratory studies. Currently, 
when the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (the Commissioner) determines 
that an investigator is ineligible to receive a new animal drug for 
investigational use, the investigator also is ineligible to conduct any 
clinical investigation that supports an application for a research or 
marketing permit for products regulated by FDA. Under this proposal, 
when the Commissioner determines that an investigator is ineligible to 
receive a new animal drug for investigational use, the investigator 
also will be ineligible to conduct any nonclinical study intended to 
support an application for a research or marketing permit for a new 
animal drug. This proposal is intended to help ensure adequate 
protection of animal research subjects and the quality and integrity of 
data submitted to FDA.

DATES: Submit either electronic or written comments on the proposed 
rule by November 22, 2016. See section VII of this document for the 
proposed effective date of a final rule based on this document.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments as follows:

Electronic Submissions

    Submit electronic comments in the following way:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the

[[Page 57813]]

instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted 
electronically, including attachments, to http://www.regulations.gov 
will be posted to the docket unchanged. Because your comment will be 
made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring that your comment 
does not include any confidential information that you or a third party 
may not wish to be posted, such as medical information, your or anyone 
else's Social Security number, or confidential business information, 
such as a manufacturing process. Please note that if you include your 
name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in 
the body of your comments, that information will be posted on http://www.regulations.gov.
     If you want to submit a comment with confidential 
information that you do not wish to be made available to the public, 
submit the comment as a written/paper submission and in the manner 
detailed (see ``Written/Paper Submissions'' and ``Instructions'').

Written/Paper Submissions

    Submit written/paper submissions as follows:
     Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for written/paper 
submissions): Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug 
Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
     For written/paper comments submitted to the Division of 
Dockets Management, FDA will post your comment, as well as any 
attachments, except for information submitted, marked and identified, 
as confidential, if submitted as detailed in ``Instructions.''
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket No. 
FDA-2011-N-0079 for ``Disqualification of a Clinical Investigator.'' 
Received comments will be placed in the docket and, except for those 
submitted as ``Confidential Submissions,'' publicly viewable at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Division of Dockets Management between 9 
a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
     Confidential Submissions--To submit a comment with 
confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly 
available, submit your comments only as a written/paper submission. You 
should submit two copies total. One copy will include the information 
you claim to be confidential with a heading or cover note that states 
``THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.'' The Agency will 
review this copy, including the claimed confidential information, in 
its consideration of comments. The second copy, which will have the 
claimed confidential information redacted/blacked out, will be 
available for public viewing and posted on http://www.regulations.gov. 
Submit both copies to the Division of Dockets Management. If you do not 
wish your name and contact information to be made publicly available, 
you can provide this information on the cover sheet and not in the body 
of your comments and you must identify this information as 
``confidential.'' Any information marked as ``confidential'' will not 
be disclosed except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other 
applicable disclosure law. For more information about FDA's posting of 
comments to public dockets, see 80 FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or 
access the information at: http://www.fda.gov/regulatoryinformation/dockets/default.htm.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
the electronic and written/paper comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in brackets in 
the heading of this document, into the ``Search'' box and follow the 
prompts and/or go to the Division of Dockets Management, 5630 Fishers 
Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
    Submit written requests for single copies of the guidance to the 
Policy and Regulations Staff (HFV-6), Center for Veterinary Medicine, 
Food and Drug Administration, 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855. 
Send one self-addressed adhesive label to assist that office in 
processing your requests. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for 
electronic access to the guidance document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vernon Toelle, Center for Veterinary 
Medicine (HFV-230), 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855, 240-402-
5637.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    The current regulations in part 511 (21 CFR part 511) prohibit a 
disqualified clinical investigator from conducting any clinical 
investigation that supports an application for a research or marketing 
permit for products regulated by FDA. We propose to expand the current 
clinical investigator disqualification regulations in part 511 by 
providing that a disqualified investigator also is ineligible to 
conduct any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support an 
application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal drug. 
In this document, consistent with our proposal in part 58 (21 CFR part 
58) published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, the term 
``nonclinical laboratory study'' means in vivo or in vitro experiments 
in which test articles are studied prospectively in test systems under 
laboratory conditions or in the applicable environment to determine 
their safety or toxicity or both. The term does not include studies 
involving human subjects, clinical studies, or clinical investigational 
use in animals. The term does not include basic exploratory studies 
carried out to determine whether a test article has any potential 
utility or basic exploratory studies to determine the physical or 
chemical characteristics of a test article.
    Under current Sec.  511.1(c) (21 CFR 511.1(c)), a clinical 
investigator disqualified by the Commissioner is ineligible to receive 
the test article regulated in part 511 (i.e., a new animal drug for 
investigational use). Also, under the current regulations in Sec.  
511.1(c), a disqualified clinical investigator is ineligible to conduct 
any clinical investigation that supports an application for a research 
or marketing permit for products regulated by FDA. However, under the 
current regulations, a disqualified clinical investigator continues to 
be eligible to conduct a nonclinical laboratory study intended to 
support an application for a research or marketing permit for a new 
animal drug.
    In order to conclude that a clinical investigator is no longer 
eligible to receive new animal drugs for investigational use, the 
Commissioner must find that the investigator repeatedly or deliberately 
failed to comply with the conditions of the exempting regulations or 
repeatedly or deliberately submitted to FDA or to the sponsor false 
information in any required report (Sec.  511.1(c)(2)). When a clinical 
investigator is disqualified under part 511, the basis for 
disqualification typically is the repeated or deliberate submission of 
false information to FDA or a sponsor in a required report. For new 
animal drugs, the same clinical investigator could conduct both 
nonclinical laboratory studies and clinical investigations.
    In the new animal drug approval process, nonclinical laboratory 
studies such as those for target animal safety and human food safety 
may be essential in determining whether to approve an application for a 
research or marketing permit for a new animal drug. Therefore, this 
proposal to expand Sec.  511.1(c) to include nonclinical laboratory 
studies is intended to help ensure adequate protection of animal 
research subjects and the quality and integrity of data submitted to 
FDA for the approval of a new animal drug.

[[Page 57814]]

    Consistent with the proposed changes to the provisions in part 511, 
we propose amending the list of regulatory provisions under which a 
part 16 (21 CFR part 16) informal regulatory hearing is available. In 
part 16, we propose changing the scope of the relevant provision for 
part 511 to add ``any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support 
an application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal 
drug.''
    Concurrent with this proposal, FDA is publishing elsewhere in this 
issue of the Federal Register a related provision in part 58. We 
propose in Sec.  58.206 (21 CFR 58.206) that a disqualified person 
under part 58, who is a clinical investigator, would be notified that 
they are ineligible to receive a test article under part 511. Thus, 
where this part 511 proposal would make a disqualified clinical 
investigator ineligible to conduct any nonclinical laboratory study 
intended to support an application for a research or marketing permit 
for a new animal drug, the proposal in Sec.  58.206 would make a 
disqualified person under part 58, who is a clinical investigator, 
ineligible to receive a test article under part 511. An investigator 
ineligible to receive a test article under part 511 also would be 
ineligible to conduct any nonclinical laboratory study intended to 
support an application for a research or marketing permit for a new 
animal drug. We propose this action in Sec.  58.206 to help protect the 
safety and welfare of animal research subjects involved in FDA-
regulated nonclinical laboratory studies and clinical investigations, 
and to help ensure the reliability and integrity of the data submitted 
to FDA to support FDA decisions concerning new animal drugs.

II. Background

    FDA may consider disqualification of a clinical investigator when 
FDA has information that an investigator has repeatedly or deliberately 
failed to comply with applicable requirements for the conduct of 
clinical investigations, or has repeatedly or deliberately submitted to 
FDA or to the sponsor false information in any required report. 
Disqualification of an investigator is initiated by the appropriate FDA 
Center depending upon the particular type of test article (e.g., new 
animal drug for investigational use) under study by the investigator in 
the clinical investigation. For example, the Center for Veterinary 
Medicine (CVM) may pursue disqualification of a clinical investigator 
who conducted a new animal drug clinical investigation and allegedly 
submitted to FDA or the sponsor false information in a required report.
    The regulations provide the investigator, who is subject to 
disqualification, an opportunity to be heard and explain the matter 
complained of, i.e., explain the alleged violations. If the explanation 
offered is not accepted by the Center, the investigator will be given 
an opportunity for an informal regulatory hearing under part 16. After 
evaluating all available information, including any explanation 
presented by the investigator, the Commissioner issues a Commissioner's 
decision regarding the eligibility of the investigator to receive a 
particular type of test article (e.g., a new animal drug for 
investigational use). When disqualified by a Commissioner's decision, 
the investigator is no longer eligible to receive the particular type 
of test article under study when the violations occurred (e.g., new 
animal drugs). Also, under current regulations, an investigator 
disqualified by a Commissioner's decision is ineligible to conduct any 
clinical investigation that supports an application for a research or 
marketing permit for products regulated by FDA.
    Because CVM regulates drugs for animal use, the study subjects are 
animals in both nonclinical laboratory studies and clinical 
investigations intended to support the approval of a new animal drug. 
Nonclinical laboratory studies such as those for target animal safety 
and human food safety may be essential in determining whether to 
approve an application for a research or marketing permit for a new 
animal drug. For animal drug products regulated by CVM, the same 
investigator may conduct both nonclinical laboratory studies and 
clinical investigations. For example, CVM's two most recent clinical 
investigator disqualification matters involved investigators who were 
also study directors on nonclinical laboratory studies submitted to CVM 
in support of applications for a new animal drug. In addition, CVM is 
aware of multiple persons that conduct both clinical investigations and 
nonclinical laboratory studies intended to support an application for a 
research or marketing permit for a new animal drug. Therefore, it is 
critical for CVM to have the authority to disqualify an investigator 
from conducting nonclinical laboratory studies when that same 
investigator is disqualified from conducting clinical investigations, 
particularly when the basis for disqualification is the repeated or 
deliberate submission of false information to FDA or the sponsor in a 
required report.
    This proposal to amend part 511 to expand a disqualified 
investigator's ineligibility to conduct any nonclinical laboratory 
study intended to support an application for a research or marketing 
permit for a new animal drug would help to ensure adequate protection 
of animal research subjects and data integrity. This action also may 
lead to improved public confidence in the nonclinical and clinical data 
supporting FDA decisions for new animal drug approvals.
    We therefore propose that when the Commissioner determines that a 
clinical investigator is ineligible to receive the test article under 
the disqualification regulations in part 511 and is therefore 
ineligible to conduct any clinical investigation that supports an 
application for a research or marketing permit for products regulated 
by FDA, the investigator also would be ineligible to conduct any 
nonclinical laboratory study intended to support an application for a 
research or marketing permit for a new animal drug.
    To effect this change, FDA proposes to amend the current 
regulations in Sec.  511.1(c).

III. Description of the Proposed Rule

A. Disqualification Proceedings (Sec.  511.1(c)(1))

    Proposed Revisions to Sec.  511.1(c)(1): We propose to change the 
scope of the question addressed during a part 16 hearing, should the 
investigator request and be granted an informal hearing, also to 
include whether the investigator is eligible to conduct any nonclinical 
laboratory study that is intended to support an application for a 
research or marketing permit for a new animal drug.

B. Ineligibility To Receive Any Test Article (Sec.  511.1(c)(2))

    Proposed Revisions to Sec.  511.1(c)(2): We propose that an 
investigator disqualified by a Commissioner's decision also will be 
ineligible to conduct any nonclinical laboratory study that is intended 
to support an application for a research or marketing permit for a new 
animal drug.
    Therefore, as proposed, an investigator determined to be ineligible 
to receive a test article under part 511 also would be ineligible to 
conduct any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support an 
application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal drug. 
This proposal expands the scope of the current regulations in Sec.  
511.1(c)(2) which states that a disqualified clinical investigator is 
ineligible to conduct any

[[Page 57815]]

clinical investigation that supports an application for a research or 
marketing permit for products regulated by FDA, including drugs, 
biologics, devices, new animal drugs, foods, including dietary 
supplements, that bear a nutrient content claim or a health claim, 
infant formulas, food and color additives, and tobacco products.

C. Reinstatement (Sec.  511.1(c)(6))

    FDA proposes amending Sec.  511.1(c)(6) for consistency with our 
proposal to add ``any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support 
an application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal 
drug'' to the part 511 investigator disqualification regulations. 
Therefore, for consistency with the proposed changes in Sec.  
511.1(c)(2), we propose adding in Sec.  511.1(c)(6) that the 
investigator has presented adequate assurances that the investigator 
will conduct any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support an 
application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal drug 
solely in compliance with the applicable provisions of chapter I.

IV. Regulatory Hearing before the Food and Drug Administration

    We propose to revise Sec.  16.1(b)(2) to amend the entry for Sec.  
511.1(c)(1) to add ``any nonclinical laboratory study intended to 
support an application for a research or marketing permit for a new 
animal drug'' to be consistent with the other proposed amendments in 
this rulemaking.

V. Environmental Impact

    We have determined under 21 CFR 25.30(h) that this action is of a 
type that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment. Therefore, neither an environmental 
assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.

VI. Legal Authority

    Under section 701(a) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 371(a)), FDA is 
authorized to issue regulations for the efficient enforcement of the 
FD&C Act. Section 512(j) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355(j)) authorizes 
FDA to issue regulations for exempting from the operation of section 
512 of the FD&C Act new animal drugs intended solely for 
investigational use by experts qualified by scientific training and 
experience to investigate the safety and effectiveness of animal drugs. 
An investigator who repeatedly or deliberately violates the regulations 
or who repeatedly or deliberately submits to FDA or the sponsor false 
information in a required report would not be considered a qualified 
expert with the experience required to conduct nonclinical laboratory 
studies intended to support an application for a research or marketing 
permit for a new animal drug. This proposed rulemaking would disqualify 
a clinical investigator from conducting nonclinical laboratory studies 
intended to support an application for a research or marketing permit 
for a new animal drug when the Commissioner determines that a clinical 
investigator is ineligible to receive the test article under the 
disqualification regulations in part 511. FDA's legal authority to 
promulgate this proposal regarding clinical investigators exists under 
sections 512(j) and 701(a) of the FD&C Act, as essential to protection 
of the public health and safety and to enforcement of the Agency's 
responsibilities under sections 201, 501, 502, 503, 512, and 701 of the 
FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 321, 351, 352, 353, 360b, and 371).

VII. Proposed Effective Date

    FDA proposes that any final rule that may issue based on this 
proposal become effective 30 days after the date of publication of the 
final rule in the Federal Register.

VIII. Preliminary Economic Analysis

    FDA has examined the impacts of the proposed rule under Executive 
Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601-612), and the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 
104-4). Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct Agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and 
equity). The Agency believes that this proposed rule is not a 
significant regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires Agencies to analyze 
regulatory options that would minimize any significant impact of a rule 
on small entities. Because this proposed rule does not impose new 
requirements on any entity and therefore has no associated compliance 
costs, the Agency proposes to certify that the final rule will not have 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    Section 202(a) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires 
that Agencies prepare a written statement, which includes an assessment 
of anticipated costs and benefits, before proposing ``any rule that 
includes any Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure by 
State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation) in any one year.'' The current threshold after adjustment 
for inflation is $144 million, using the most current (2014) Implicit 
Price Deflator for the Gross Domestic Product. FDA does not expect this 
proposed rule to result in any 1-year expenditure that would meet or 
exceed this amount.
    This proposed rule seeks to expand the scope in part 511 of 
disqualification of a clinical investigator to include ineligibility to 
conduct nonclinical laboratory studies. A final rule (77 FR 25353), 
published on April 30, 2012, prevents a disqualified investigator from 
conducting any clinical investigation, and therefore applies explicitly 
to clinical investigations. However, the rule is silent on nonclinical 
laboratory studies. Thus, under the current regulation in part 511, a 
disqualified investigator could conduct a nonclinical laboratory study 
intended to support an application for a research or marketing permit 
for a new animal drug. Because the reason typically for 
disqualification in part 511 is the repeated or deliberate submission 
of false information to FDA or a sponsor in a required report, 
preventing a disqualified clinical investigator from performing both 
nonclinical laboratory studies and clinical investigations is essential 
to adequate protection of animal research subjects and data integrity.
    The Agency would not incur additional costs by expanding the scope 
in part 511 for disqualification of a clinical investigator. Similarly, 
we do not expect that industry would incur additional costs because the 
proposed rule would not require sponsors to perform additional tasks. 
For instance, upon disqualification, the respective investigator's name 
is posted on FDA's Web page, and this helps mitigate the employment of 
the investigator for clinical investigations or nonclinical laboratory 
studies intended to support an application for a research or marketing 
permit for a new animal drug. Because the typical reason for 
disqualification in part 511 is the repeated or deliberate submission 
of false information to FDA or a sponsor in a required report, the 
benefit of preventing a disqualified clinical investigator from 
performing both nonclinical laboratory studies and clinical 
investigations is enhanced protection of animal research subjects and 
data integrity.

[[Page 57816]]

IX. Paperwork Reduction Act

    FDA tentatively concludes that this proposed rule contains no 
collection of information. Therefore, clearance by OMB under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 is not required.

X. Federalism

    We have analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with the 
principles set forth in Executive Order 13132. We have determined that 
the proposed rule, if finalized, would not contain policies that would 
have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the National Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
Accordingly, the Agency tentatively concludes that the proposed rule 
does not contain policies that have federalism implications as defined 
in the Executive order and, consequently, a federalism summary impact 
statement is not required.

List of Subjects

21 CFR Part 16

    Administrative practice and procedure.

21 CFR Part 511

    Animal drugs, Medical research, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under 
authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, it is 
proposed that parts 16 and 511 be amended as follows:

PART 16--REGULATORY HEARING BEFORE THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 16 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  15 U.S.C. 1451-1461; 21 U.S.C. 141-149, 321-394, 
467f, 679, 821, 1034; 28 U.S.C. 2112; 42 U.S.C. 201-262, 263b, 364.

0
2. In Sec.  16.1, in paragraph (b)(2), revise the numerically sequenced 
entry for Sec.  511.1(c)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  16.1  Scope.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    Sec.  511.1(c)(1), relating to whether an investigator is eligible 
to receive test articles under part 511 and eligible to conduct:
    (i) Any clinical investigation that supports an application for a 
research or marketing permit for products regulated by FDA including 
drugs, biologics, devices, new animal drugs, foods, including dietary 
supplements, that bear a nutrient content claim or a health claim, 
infant formulas, food and color additives, and tobacco products; and
    (ii) Any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support an 
application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal drug.
* * * * *

PART 511--NEW ANIMAL DRUGS FOR INVESTIGATIONAL USE

0
3. The authority citation for part 511 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 321, 351, 352, 353, 360b, 371.

0
4. In Sec.  511.1, revise the section heading, the last sentences in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2), and revise paragraph (c)(6) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  511.1  New animal drugs for investigational use exempt from 
section 512(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * * If an explanation is offered but not accepted by the 
Center for Veterinary Medicine, the investigator will be given an 
opportunity for a regulatory hearing under part 16 of this chapter on 
the question of whether the investigator is eligible to receive test 
articles under this part and eligible to conduct:
    (i) Any clinical investigation that supports an application for a 
research or marketing permit for products regulated by FDA; and
    (ii) Any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support an 
application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal drug.
    (2) * * * The notification also will explain that an investigator 
determined to be ineligible to receive a test article under this part 
will be ineligible to conduct
    (i) Any clinical investigation that supports an application for a 
research or marketing permit for products regulated by FDA, including 
drugs, biologics, devices, new animal drugs, foods, including dietary 
supplements, that bear a nutrient content claim or a health claim, 
infant formulas, food and color additives, and tobacco products, and
    (ii) Any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support an 
application for a research or marketing permit for a new animal drug.
* * * * *
    (6) An investigator who has been determined to be ineligible under 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section may be reinstated as eligible when the 
Commissioner determines that the investigator has presented adequate 
assurances that the investigator will employ all test articles, and 
will conduct any clinical investigation that supports an application 
for a research or marketing permit for products regulated by FDA and 
any nonclinical laboratory study intended to support an application for 
a research or marketing permit for a new animal drug, solely in 
compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.
* * * * *

    Dated: August 16, 2016.
Peter Lurie,
Associate Commissioner for Public Health Strategy and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2016-19876 Filed 8-23-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4164-01-P



                                                    57812               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 164 / Wednesday, August 24, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23                         i. A system to automatically control the           311 tests must be coordinated with the
                                                                                                            charging rate of the battery to prevent battery       directorate and Denver ACO.
                                                      Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and                  overheating and overcharging, or;
                                                    symbols.                                                   ii. A battery temperature sensing and over-          Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August
                                                    ■ The authority citation for these                      temperature warning system with a means for           18, 2016.
                                                    special conditions is as follows:                       automatically disconnecting the battery from          Pat Mullen,
                                                      Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,            its charging source in the event of an over-          Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
                                                    44702, 44704.                                           temperature condition, or;                            Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                               iii. A battery failure sensing and warning         [FR Doc. 2016–20273 Filed 8–23–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    The Proposed Special Conditions                         system with a means for automatically
                                                                                                                                                                  BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                            disconnecting the battery from its charging
                                                    ■ Accordingly, the Federal Aviation
                                                                                                            source in the event of battery failure.
                                                    Administration (FAA) proposes the
                                                    following special conditions as part of                    (9) Any rechargeable lithium battery               DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                    the type certification basis for Pilatus                installation functionally required for                HUMAN SERVICES
                                                    Aircraft, Ltd., Model PC–12, PC–12/45,                  safe operation of the airplane must
                                                    and PC–12/47 airplanes modified by                      incorporate a monitoring and warning                  Food and Drug Administration
                                                    Finnoff Aviation.                                       feature that will provide an indication
                                                       1. Installation of Lithium Batteries                 to the appropriate flight crewmembers                 21 CFR Parts 16 and 511
                                                    must show compliance to the following                   whenever the State of Charge (SOC) of
                                                    requirements:                                                                                                 [Docket No. FDA–2011–N–0079]
                                                                                                            the batteries has fallen below levels
                                                       (1) Safe cell temperatures and                       considered acceptable for dispatch of                 Disqualification of a Clinical
                                                    pressures must be maintained during—                    the airplane.
                                                       i. Normal operations;                                                                                      Investigator
                                                                                                               (10) The Instructions for Continued
                                                       ii. Any probable failure conditions of               Airworthiness required by § 23.1529 at                AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,
                                                    charging or discharging or battery                      amendment 23–26 must contain                          HHS.
                                                    monitoring system;                                      maintenance requirements to assure that               ACTION:   Proposed rule.
                                                       iii. Any failure of the charging or
                                                                                                            the battery has been sufficiently charged
                                                    battery monitoring system not shown to                                                                        SUMMARY:   The Food and Drug
                                                                                                            at appropriate intervals specified by the
                                                    be extremely remote.                                                                                          Administration (FDA) is proposing to
                                                       (2) The rechargeable lithium battery                 battery manufacturer and the equipment
                                                                                                            manufacturer that contain the                         amend the regulations for new animal
                                                    installation must be designed to                                                                              drugs for investigational use to expand
                                                    preclude explosion or fire in the event                 rechargeable lithium battery or
                                                                                                            rechargeable lithium battery system.                  the scope of clinical investigator
                                                    of (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) failures.                                                                             disqualification to include ineligibility
                                                       (3) Design of the rechargeable lithium               This is required to ensure that lithium
                                                                                                            rechargeable batteries and lithium                    to conduct nonclinical laboratory
                                                    batteries must preclude the occurrence                                                                        studies. Currently, when the
                                                    of self-sustaining, uncontrolled                        rechargeable battery systems will not
                                                                                                            degrade below specified ampere-hour                   Commissioner of Food and Drugs (the
                                                    increases in temperature or pressure.                                                                         Commissioner) determines that an
                                                       (4) No explosive or toxic gasses                     levels sufficient to power the aircraft
                                                                                                            system. The Instructions for Continued                investigator is ineligible to receive a
                                                    emitted by any rechargeable lithium
                                                                                                            Airworthiness must also contain                       new animal drug for investigational use,
                                                    battery in normal operation or as the
                                                                                                            procedures for the maintenance of                     the investigator also is ineligible to
                                                    result of any failure of the battery
                                                                                                            replacement batteries in spares storage               conduct any clinical investigation that
                                                    charging system, monitoring system, or
                                                                                                            to prevent the installation of batteries              supports an application for a research or
                                                    battery installation which is not shown
                                                                                                            that have degraded charge retention                   marketing permit for products regulated
                                                    to be extremely remote, may accumulate
                                                                                                            ability or other damage due to                        by FDA. Under this proposal, when the
                                                    in hazardous quantities within the
                                                                                                            prolonged storage at a low state of                   Commissioner determines that an
                                                    airplane.
                                                       (5) Installations of rechargeable                    charge. Replacement batteries must be                 investigator is ineligible to receive a
                                                    lithium batteries must meet the                         of the same manufacturer and part                     new animal drug for investigational use,
                                                    requirements of § 23.863(a) through (d)                 number as approved by the FAA.                        the investigator also will be ineligible to
                                                    at amendment 23–34.                                                                                           conduct any nonclinical study intended
                                                                                                              Note 2: The term ‘‘sufficiently charged’’           to support an application for a research
                                                       (6) No corrosive fluids or gases that                means that the battery will retain enough of
                                                    may escape from any rechargeable                        a charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to
                                                                                                                                                                  or marketing permit for a new animal
                                                    lithium battery may damage                              ensure that the battery cells will not be             drug. This proposal is intended to help
                                                    surrounding structure or any adjacent                   damaged. A battery cell may be damaged by             ensure adequate protection of animal
                                                    systems, equipment, electrical wiring, or               lowering the charge below a point where               research subjects and the quality and
                                                    the airplane in such a way as to cause                  there is a reduction in the ability to charge         integrity of data submitted to FDA.
                                                                                                            and retain a full charge. This reduction              DATES: Submit either electronic or
                                                    a major or more severe failure condition,
                                                                                                            would be greater than the reduction that may          written comments on the proposed rule
                                                    in accordance with § 23.1309(c) at                      result from normal operational degradation.
                                                    amendment 23–62 and applicable                                                                                by November 22, 2016. See section VII
                                                    regulatory guidance.                                      (11) In showing compliance with the                 of this document for the proposed
                                                       (7) Each rechargeable lithium battery                proposed special conditions herein,                   effective date of a final rule based on
                                                    installation must have provisions to                    paragraphs (1) through (8), and the                   this document.
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                                                    prevent any hazardous effect on                         RTCA document, Minimum Operational                    ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
                                                    structure or essential systems that may                 Performance Standards for Rechargeable                as follows:
                                                    be caused by the maximum amount of                      Lithium Battery Systems, DO–311, may
                                                    heat the battery can generate during a                  be used. The list of planned DO–311                   Electronic Submissions
                                                    short circuit of the battery or of its                  tests should be documented in the                       Submit electronic comments in the
                                                    individual cells.                                       certification or compliance plan and                  following way:
                                                       (8) Rechargeable lithium battery                     agreed to by the Denver ACO. Alternate                  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                                    installations must have—                                methods of compliance other than DO–                  www.regulations.gov. Follow the


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 164 / Wednesday, August 24, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                            57813

                                                    instructions for submitting comments.                   claimed confidential information                      this issue of the Federal Register, the
                                                    Comments submitted electronically,                      redacted/blacked out, will be available               term ‘‘nonclinical laboratory study’’
                                                    including attachments, to http://                       for public viewing and posted on http://              means in vivo or in vitro experiments in
                                                    www.regulations.gov will be posted to                   www.regulations.gov. Submit both                      which test articles are studied
                                                    the docket unchanged. Because your                      copies to the Division of Dockets                     prospectively in test systems under
                                                    comment will be made public, you are                    Management. If you do not wish your                   laboratory conditions or in the
                                                    solely responsible for ensuring that your               name and contact information to be                    applicable environment to determine
                                                    comment does not include any                            made publicly available, you can                      their safety or toxicity or both. The term
                                                    confidential information that you or a                  provide this information on the cover                 does not include studies involving
                                                    third party may not wish to be posted,                  sheet and not in the body of your                     human subjects, clinical studies, or
                                                    such as medical information, your or                    comments and you must identify this                   clinical investigational use in animals.
                                                    anyone else’s Social Security number, or                information as ‘‘confidential.’’ Any                  The term does not include basic
                                                    confidential business information, such                 information marked as ‘‘confidential’’                exploratory studies carried out to
                                                    as a manufacturing process. Please note                 will not be disclosed except in                       determine whether a test article has any
                                                    that if you include your name, contact                  accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other                potential utility or basic exploratory
                                                    information, or other information that                  applicable disclosure law. For more                   studies to determine the physical or
                                                    identifies you in the body of your                      information about FDA’s posting of                    chemical characteristics of a test article.
                                                    comments, that information will be                      comments to public dockets, see 80 FR                    Under current § 511.1(c) (21 CFR
                                                    posted on http://www.regulations.gov.                   56469, September 18, 2015, or access                  511.1(c)), a clinical investigator
                                                      • If you want to submit a comment                     the information at: http://www.fda.gov/               disqualified by the Commissioner is
                                                    with confidential information that you                  regulatoryinformation/dockets/                        ineligible to receive the test article
                                                    do not wish to be made available to the                 default.htm.                                          regulated in part 511 (i.e., a new animal
                                                    public, submit the comment as a                            Docket: For access to the docket to                drug for investigational use). Also,
                                                    written/paper submission and in the                     read background documents or the                      under the current regulations in
                                                    manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper                    electronic and written/paper comments                 § 511.1(c), a disqualified clinical
                                                    Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’).                    received, go to http://                               investigator is ineligible to conduct any
                                                                                                            www.regulations.gov and insert the                    clinical investigation that supports an
                                                    Written/Paper Submissions
                                                                                                            docket number, found in brackets in the               application for a research or marketing
                                                       Submit written/paper submissions as                  heading of this document, into the                    permit for products regulated by FDA.
                                                    follows:                                                ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts                 However, under the current regulations,
                                                       • Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for                                                                          a disqualified clinical investigator
                                                                                                            and/or go to the Division of Dockets
                                                    written/paper submissions): Division of                                                                       continues to be eligible to conduct a
                                                                                                            Management, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm.
                                                    Dockets Management (HFA–305), Food                                                                            nonclinical laboratory study intended to
                                                                                                            1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
                                                    and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers                      Submit written requests for single                 support an application for a research or
                                                    Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.                    copies of the guidance to the Policy and              marketing permit for a new animal drug.
                                                       • For written/paper comments                                                                                  In order to conclude that a clinical
                                                                                                            Regulations Staff (HFV–6), Center for
                                                    submitted to the Division of Dockets                                                                          investigator is no longer eligible to
                                                                                                            Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug
                                                    Management, FDA will post your                                                                                receive new animal drugs for
                                                                                                            Administration, 7519 Standish Pl.,
                                                    comment, as well as any attachments,                                                                          investigational use, the Commissioner
                                                                                                            Rockville, MD 20855. Send one self-
                                                    except for information submitted,                                                                             must find that the investigator
                                                                                                            addressed adhesive label to assist that
                                                    marked and identified, as confidential,                                                                       repeatedly or deliberately failed to
                                                                                                            office in processing your requests. See
                                                    if submitted as detailed in                                                                                   comply with the conditions of the
                                                                                                            the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
                                                    ‘‘Instructions.’’                                                                                             exempting regulations or repeatedly or
                                                       Instructions: All submissions received               for electronic access to the guidance
                                                                                                                                                                  deliberately submitted to FDA or to the
                                                    must include the Docket No. FDA–                        document.
                                                                                                                                                                  sponsor false information in any
                                                    2011–N–0079 for ‘‘Disqualification of a                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      required report (§ 511.1(c)(2)). When a
                                                    Clinical Investigator.’’ Received                       Vernon Toelle, Center for Veterinary                  clinical investigator is disqualified
                                                    comments will be placed in the docket                   Medicine (HFV–230), 7519 Standish Pl.,                under part 511, the basis for
                                                    and, except for those submitted as                      Rockville, MD 20855, 240–402–5637.                    disqualification typically is the repeated
                                                    ‘‘Confidential Submissions,’’ publicly                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            or deliberate submission of false
                                                    viewable at http://www.regulations.gov                                                                        information to FDA or a sponsor in a
                                                    or at the Division of Dockets                           I. Introduction
                                                                                                                                                                  required report. For new animal drugs,
                                                    Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,                      The current regulations in part 511                the same clinical investigator could
                                                    Monday through Friday.                                  (21 CFR part 511) prohibit a disqualified             conduct both nonclinical laboratory
                                                       • Confidential Submissions—To                        clinical investigator from conducting                 studies and clinical investigations.
                                                    submit a comment with confidential                      any clinical investigation that supports                 In the new animal drug approval
                                                    information that you do not wish to be                  an application for a research or                      process, nonclinical laboratory studies
                                                    made publicly available, submit your                    marketing permit for products regulated               such as those for target animal safety
                                                    comments only as a written/paper                        by FDA. We propose to expand the                      and human food safety may be essential
                                                    submission. You should submit two                       current clinical investigator                         in determining whether to approve an
                                                    copies total. One copy will include the                 disqualification regulations in part 511              application for a research or marketing
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                                                    information you claim to be confidential                by providing that a disqualified                      permit for a new animal drug.
                                                    with a heading or cover note that states                investigator also is ineligible to conduct            Therefore, this proposal to expand
                                                    ‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS                                any nonclinical laboratory study                      § 511.1(c) to include nonclinical
                                                    CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The                         intended to support an application for a              laboratory studies is intended to help
                                                    Agency will review this copy, including                 research or marketing permit for a new                ensure adequate protection of animal
                                                    the claimed confidential information, in                animal drug. In this document,                        research subjects and the quality and
                                                    its consideration of comments. The                      consistent with our proposal in part 58               integrity of data submitted to FDA for
                                                    second copy, which will have the                        (21 CFR part 58) published elsewhere in               the approval of a new animal drug.


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                                                    57814               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 164 / Wednesday, August 24, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                       Consistent with the proposed changes                 submitted to FDA or the sponsor false                 information to FDA or the sponsor in a
                                                    to the provisions in part 511, we                       information in a required report.                     required report.
                                                    propose amending the list of regulatory                    The regulations provide the                          This proposal to amend part 511 to
                                                    provisions under which a part 16 (21                    investigator, who is subject to                       expand a disqualified investigator’s
                                                    CFR part 16) informal regulatory hearing                disqualification, an opportunity to be                ineligibility to conduct any nonclinical
                                                    is available. In part 16, we propose                    heard and explain the matter                          laboratory study intended to support an
                                                    changing the scope of the relevant                      complained of, i.e., explain the alleged              application for a research or marketing
                                                    provision for part 511 to add ‘‘any                     violations. If the explanation offered is             permit for a new animal drug would
                                                    nonclinical laboratory study intended to                not accepted by the Center, the                       help to ensure adequate protection of
                                                    support an application for a research or                investigator will be given an                         animal research subjects and data
                                                    marketing permit for a new animal                       opportunity for an informal regulatory                integrity. This action also may lead to
                                                    drug.’’                                                 hearing under part 16. After evaluating               improved public confidence in the
                                                       Concurrent with this proposal, FDA is                all available information, including any              nonclinical and clinical data supporting
                                                    publishing elsewhere in this issue of the               explanation presented by the                          FDA decisions for new animal drug
                                                    Federal Register a related provision in                 investigator, the Commissioner issues a               approvals.
                                                    part 58. We propose in § 58.206 (21 CFR                 Commissioner’s decision regarding the                   We therefore propose that when the
                                                    58.206) that a disqualified person under                eligibility of the investigator to receive            Commissioner determines that a clinical
                                                    part 58, who is a clinical investigator,                a particular type of test article (e.g., a            investigator is ineligible to receive the
                                                    would be notified that they are                         new animal drug for investigational                   test article under the disqualification
                                                    ineligible to receive a test article under              use). When disqualified by a                          regulations in part 511 and is therefore
                                                    part 511. Thus, where this part 511                     Commissioner’s decision, the                          ineligible to conduct any clinical
                                                    proposal would make a disqualified                      investigator is no longer eligible to                 investigation that supports an
                                                    clinical investigator ineligible to                     receive the particular type of test article           application for a research or marketing
                                                    conduct any nonclinical laboratory                      under study when the violations                       permit for products regulated by FDA,
                                                    study intended to support an                            occurred (e.g., new animal drugs). Also,              the investigator also would be ineligible
                                                    application for a research or marketing                 under current regulations, an                         to conduct any nonclinical laboratory
                                                    permit for a new animal drug, the                       investigator disqualified by a                        study intended to support an
                                                    proposal in § 58.206 would make a                       Commissioner’s decision is ineligible to              application for a research or marketing
                                                    disqualified person under part 58, who                  conduct any clinical investigation that               permit for a new animal drug.
                                                    is a clinical investigator, ineligible to               supports an application for a research or               To effect this change, FDA proposes
                                                    receive a test article under part 511. An               marketing permit for products regulated               to amend the current regulations in
                                                    investigator ineligible to receive a test               by FDA.                                               § 511.1(c).
                                                    article under part 511 also would be                       Because CVM regulates drugs for                    III. Description of the Proposed Rule
                                                    ineligible to conduct any nonclinical                   animal use, the study subjects are
                                                    laboratory study intended to support an                 animals in both nonclinical laboratory                A. Disqualification Proceedings
                                                    application for a research or marketing                 studies and clinical investigations                   (§ 511.1(c)(1))
                                                    permit for a new animal drug. We                        intended to support the approval of a                    Proposed Revisions to § 511.1(c)(1):
                                                    propose this action in § 58.206 to help                 new animal drug. Nonclinical laboratory               We propose to change the scope of the
                                                    protect the safety and welfare of animal                studies such as those for target animal               question addressed during a part 16
                                                    research subjects involved in FDA-                      safety and human food safety may be                   hearing, should the investigator request
                                                    regulated nonclinical laboratory studies                essential in determining whether to                   and be granted an informal hearing, also
                                                    and clinical investigations, and to help                approve an application for a research or              to include whether the investigator is
                                                    ensure the reliability and integrity of the             marketing permit for a new animal drug.               eligible to conduct any nonclinical
                                                    data submitted to FDA to support FDA                    For animal drug products regulated by                 laboratory study that is intended to
                                                    decisions concerning new animal drugs.                  CVM, the same investigator may                        support an application for a research or
                                                                                                            conduct both nonclinical laboratory                   marketing permit for a new animal drug.
                                                    II. Background
                                                                                                            studies and clinical investigations. For
                                                       FDA may consider disqualification of                 example, CVM’s two most recent                        B. Ineligibility To Receive Any Test
                                                    a clinical investigator when FDA has                    clinical investigator disqualification                Article (§ 511.1(c)(2))
                                                    information that an investigator has                    matters involved investigators who were                 Proposed Revisions to § 511.1(c)(2):
                                                    repeatedly or deliberately failed to                    also study directors on nonclinical                   We propose that an investigator
                                                    comply with applicable requirements                     laboratory studies submitted to CVM in                disqualified by a Commissioner’s
                                                    for the conduct of clinical                             support of applications for a new animal              decision also will be ineligible to
                                                    investigations, or has repeatedly or                    drug. In addition, CVM is aware of                    conduct any nonclinical laboratory
                                                    deliberately submitted to FDA or to the                 multiple persons that conduct both                    study that is intended to support an
                                                    sponsor false information in any                        clinical investigations and nonclinical               application for a research or marketing
                                                    required report. Disqualification of an                 laboratory studies intended to support                permit for a new animal drug.
                                                    investigator is initiated by the                        an application for a research or                        Therefore, as proposed, an
                                                    appropriate FDA Center depending                        marketing permit for a new animal drug.               investigator determined to be ineligible
                                                    upon the particular type of test article                Therefore, it is critical for CVM to have             to receive a test article under part 511
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                                                    (e.g., new animal drug for                              the authority to disqualify an                        also would be ineligible to conduct any
                                                    investigational use) under study by the                 investigator from conducting                          nonclinical laboratory study intended to
                                                    investigator in the clinical investigation.             nonclinical laboratory studies when that              support an application for a research or
                                                    For example, the Center for Veterinary                  same investigator is disqualified from                marketing permit for a new animal drug.
                                                    Medicine (CVM) may pursue                               conducting clinical investigations,                   This proposal expands the scope of the
                                                    disqualification of a clinical investigator             particularly when the basis for                       current regulations in § 511.1(c)(2)
                                                    who conducted a new animal drug                         disqualification is the repeated or                   which states that a disqualified clinical
                                                    clinical investigation and allegedly                    deliberate submission of false                        investigator is ineligible to conduct any


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 164 / Wednesday, August 24, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                           57815

                                                    clinical investigation that supports an                 not be considered a qualified expert                  assessment of anticipated costs and
                                                    application for a research or marketing                 with the experience required to conduct               benefits, before proposing ‘‘any rule that
                                                    permit for products regulated by FDA,                   nonclinical laboratory studies intended               includes any Federal mandate that may
                                                    including drugs, biologics, devices, new                to support an application for a research              result in the expenditure by State, local,
                                                    animal drugs, foods, including dietary                  or marketing permit for a new animal                  and tribal governments, in the aggregate,
                                                    supplements, that bear a nutrient                       drug. This proposed rulemaking would                  or by the private sector, of $100,000,000
                                                    content claim or a health claim, infant                 disqualify a clinical investigator from               or more (adjusted annually for inflation)
                                                    formulas, food and color additives, and                 conducting nonclinical laboratory                     in any one year.’’ The current threshold
                                                    tobacco products.                                       studies intended to support an                        after adjustment for inflation is $144
                                                                                                            application for a research or marketing               million, using the most current (2014)
                                                    C. Reinstatement (§ 511.1(c)(6))                        permit for a new animal drug when the                 Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross
                                                       FDA proposes amending § 511.1(c)(6)                  Commissioner determines that a clinical               Domestic Product. FDA does not expect
                                                    for consistency with our proposal to add                investigator is ineligible to receive the             this proposed rule to result in any 1-
                                                    ‘‘any nonclinical laboratory study                      test article under the disqualification               year expenditure that would meet or
                                                    intended to support an application for a                regulations in part 511. FDA’s legal                  exceed this amount.
                                                    research or marketing permit for a new                  authority to promulgate this proposal                    This proposed rule seeks to expand
                                                    animal drug’’ to the part 511                           regarding clinical investigators exists               the scope in part 511 of disqualification
                                                    investigator disqualification regulations.              under sections 512(j) and 701(a) of the               of a clinical investigator to include
                                                    Therefore, for consistency with the                     FD&C Act, as essential to protection of               ineligibility to conduct nonclinical
                                                    proposed changes in § 511.1(c)(2), we                   the public health and safety and to                   laboratory studies. A final rule (77 FR
                                                    propose adding in § 511.1(c)(6) that the                enforcement of the Agency’s                           25353), published on April 30, 2012,
                                                    investigator has presented adequate                     responsibilities under sections 201, 501,             prevents a disqualified investigator from
                                                    assurances that the investigator will                   502, 503, 512, and 701 of the FD&C Act                conducting any clinical investigation,
                                                    conduct any nonclinical laboratory                      (21 U.S.C. 321, 351, 352, 353, 360b, and              and therefore applies explicitly to
                                                    study intended to support an                            371).                                                 clinical investigations. However, the
                                                    application for a research or marketing                                                                       rule is silent on nonclinical laboratory
                                                                                                            VII. Proposed Effective Date                          studies. Thus, under the current
                                                    permit for a new animal drug solely in
                                                    compliance with the applicable                            FDA proposes that any final rule that               regulation in part 511, a disqualified
                                                    provisions of chapter I.                                may issue based on this proposal                      investigator could conduct a nonclinical
                                                                                                            become effective 30 days after the date               laboratory study intended to support an
                                                    IV. Regulatory Hearing before the Food                  of publication of the final rule in the               application for a research or marketing
                                                    and Drug Administration                                 Federal Register.                                     permit for a new animal drug. Because
                                                       We propose to revise § 16.1(b)(2) to                 VIII. Preliminary Economic Analysis                   the reason typically for disqualification
                                                    amend the entry for § 511.1(c)(1) to add                                                                      in part 511 is the repeated or deliberate
                                                    ‘‘any nonclinical laboratory study                         FDA has examined the impacts of the                submission of false information to FDA
                                                    intended to support an application for a                proposed rule under Executive Order                   or a sponsor in a required report,
                                                    research or marketing permit for a new                  12866, Executive Order 13563, the                     preventing a disqualified clinical
                                                    animal drug’’ to be consistent with the                 Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C.                  investigator from performing both
                                                    other proposed amendments in this                       601–612), and the Unfunded Mandates                   nonclinical laboratory studies and
                                                    rulemaking.                                             Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4).                   clinical investigations is essential to
                                                                                                            Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                      adequate protection of animal research
                                                    V. Environmental Impact                                 direct Agencies to assess all costs and               subjects and data integrity.
                                                      We have determined under 21 CFR                       benefits of available regulatory                         The Agency would not incur
                                                    25.30(h) that this action is of a type that             alternatives and, when regulation is                  additional costs by expanding the scope
                                                    does not individually or cumulatively                   necessary, to select regulatory                       in part 511 for disqualification of a
                                                    have a significant effect on the human                  approaches that maximize net benefits                 clinical investigator. Similarly, we do
                                                    environment. Therefore, neither an                      (including potential economic,                        not expect that industry would incur
                                                    environmental assessment nor an                         environmental, public health and safety,              additional costs because the proposed
                                                    environmental impact statement is                       and other advantages; distributive                    rule would not require sponsors to
                                                    required.                                               impacts; and equity). The Agency                      perform additional tasks. For instance,
                                                                                                            believes that this proposed rule is not a             upon disqualification, the respective
                                                    VI. Legal Authority
                                                                                                            significant regulatory action as defined              investigator’s name is posted on FDA’s
                                                       Under section 701(a) of the FD&C Act                 by Executive Order 12866.                             Web page, and this helps mitigate the
                                                    (21 U.S.C. 371(a)), FDA is authorized to                   The Regulatory Flexibility Act                     employment of the investigator for
                                                    issue regulations for the efficient                     requires Agencies to analyze regulatory               clinical investigations or nonclinical
                                                    enforcement of the FD&C Act. Section                    options that would minimize any                       laboratory studies intended to support
                                                    512(j) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355(j))               significant impact of a rule on small                 an application for a research or
                                                    authorizes FDA to issue regulations for                 entities. Because this proposed rule                  marketing permit for a new animal drug.
                                                    exempting from the operation of section                 does not impose new requirements on                   Because the typical reason for
                                                    512 of the FD&C Act new animal drugs                    any entity and therefore has no                       disqualification in part 511 is the
                                                    intended solely for investigational use                 associated compliance costs, the Agency               repeated or deliberate submission of
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                                                    by experts qualified by scientific                      proposes to certify that the final rule               false information to FDA or a sponsor in
                                                    training and experience to investigate                  will not have a significant economic                  a required report, the benefit of
                                                    the safety and effectiveness of animal                  impact on a substantial number of small               preventing a disqualified clinical
                                                    drugs. An investigator who repeatedly                   entities.                                             investigator from performing both
                                                    or deliberately violates the regulations                   Section 202(a) of the Unfunded                     nonclinical laboratory studies and
                                                    or who repeatedly or deliberately                       Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires                  clinical investigations is enhanced
                                                    submits to FDA or the sponsor false                     that Agencies prepare a written                       protection of animal research subjects
                                                    information in a required report would                  statement, which includes an                          and data integrity.


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                                                    57816               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 164 / Wednesday, August 24, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                    IX. Paperwork Reduction Act                             including dietary supplements, that bear              investigator has presented adequate
                                                      FDA tentatively concludes that this                   a nutrient content claim or a health                  assurances that the investigator will
                                                    proposed rule contains no collection of                 claim, infant formulas, food and color                employ all test articles, and will
                                                    information. Therefore, clearance by                    additives, and tobacco products; and                  conduct any clinical investigation that
                                                    OMB under the Paperwork Reduction                         (ii) Any nonclinical laboratory study               supports an application for a research or
                                                    Act of 1995 is not required.                            intended to support an application for a              marketing permit for products regulated
                                                                                                            research or marketing permit for a new                by FDA and any nonclinical laboratory
                                                    X. Federalism                                           animal drug.                                          study intended to support an
                                                       We have analyzed this proposed rule                  *      *    *    *     *                              application for a research or marketing
                                                    in accordance with the principles set                                                                         permit for a new animal drug, solely in
                                                    forth in Executive Order 13132. We                      PART 511—NEW ANIMAL DRUGS FOR                         compliance with the applicable
                                                    have determined that the proposed rule,                 INVESTIGATIONAL USE                                   provisions of this chapter.
                                                    if finalized, would not contain policies                ■ 3. The authority citation for part 511              *    *     *     *     *
                                                    that would have substantial direct                      continues to read as follows:                           Dated: August 16, 2016.
                                                    effects on the States, on the relationship                                                                    Peter Lurie,
                                                                                                              Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321, 351, 352, 353,
                                                    between the National Government and
                                                                                                            360b, 371.                                            Associate Commissioner for Public Health
                                                    the States, or on the distribution of                                                                         Strategy and Analysis.
                                                    power and responsibilities among the                    ■ 4. In § 511.1, revise the section
                                                                                                            heading, the last sentences in                        [FR Doc. 2016–19876 Filed 8–23–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    various levels of government.
                                                    Accordingly, the Agency tentatively                     paragraphs (c)(1) and (2), and revise                 BILLING CODE 4164–01–P

                                                    concludes that the proposed rule does                   paragraph (c)(6) to read as follows:
                                                    not contain policies that have                          § 511.1 New animal drugs for                          DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                    federalism implications as defined in                   investigational use exempt from section               HUMAN SERVICES
                                                    the Executive order and, consequently,                  512(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
                                                    a federalism summary impact statement                   Cosmetic Act.                                         Food and Drug Administration
                                                    is not required.                                        *      *    *     *     *
                                                    List of Subjects                                          (c) * * *                                           21 CFR Part 117
                                                                                                              (1) * * * If an explanation is offered
                                                    21 CFR Part 16                                          but not accepted by the Center for                    [Docket No. FDA–2016–D–2343]
                                                      Administrative practice and                           Veterinary Medicine, the investigator
                                                    procedure.                                              will be given an opportunity for a                    Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based
                                                                                                            regulatory hearing under part 16 of this              Preventive Controls for Human Food;
                                                    21 CFR Part 511                                         chapter on the question of whether the                Draft Guidance for Industry;
                                                      Animal drugs, Medical research,                       investigator is eligible to receive test              Availability
                                                    Reporting and recordkeeping                             articles under this part and eligible to
                                                    requirements.                                           conduct:                                              AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,
                                                      Therefore, under the Federal Food,                      (i) Any clinical investigation that                 HHS.
                                                    Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under                        supports an application for a research or
                                                                                                            marketing permit for products regulated               ACTION:   Notification of availability.
                                                    authority delegated to the Commissioner
                                                    of Food and Drugs, it is proposed that                  by FDA; and
                                                                                                              (ii) Any nonclinical laboratory study               SUMMARY:    The Food and Drug
                                                    parts 16 and 511 be amended as follows:                                                                       Administration (FDA, we, or Agency) is
                                                                                                            intended to support an application for a
                                                    PART 16—REGULATORY HEARING                              research or marketing permit for a new                announcing the availability of a draft
                                                    BEFORE THE FOOD AND DRUG                                animal drug.                                          guidance for industry entitled ‘‘Hazard
                                                    ADMINISTRATION                                            (2) * * * The notification also will                Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive
                                                                                                            explain that an investigator determined               Controls for Human Food: Guidance for
                                                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 16                 to be ineligible to receive a test article            Industry.’’ This draft guidance
                                                    continues to read as follows:                           under this part will be ineligible to                 document includes several chapters of a
                                                                                                            conduct                                               multi-chapter guidance intended to
                                                      Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1451–1461; 21 U.S.C.
                                                    141–149, 321–394, 467f, 679, 821, 1034; 28                (i) Any clinical investigation that                 explain our current thinking on how to
                                                    U.S.C. 2112; 42 U.S.C. 201–262, 263b, 364.              supports an application for a research or             comply with the requirements for
                                                                                                            marketing permit for products regulated               hazard analysis and risk-based
                                                    ■ 2. In § 16.1, in paragraph (b)(2), revise                                                                   preventive controls under our rule
                                                                                                            by FDA, including drugs, biologics,
                                                    the numerically sequenced entry for                                                                           entitled ‘‘Current Good Manufacturing
                                                                                                            devices, new animal drugs, foods,
                                                    § 511.1(c)(1) to read as follows:                                                                             Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-
                                                                                                            including dietary supplements, that bear
                                                    § 16.1   Scope.                                         a nutrient content claim or a health                  Based Preventive Controls for Human
                                                    *     *    *      *     *                               claim, infant formulas, food and color                Food.’’
                                                      (b) * * *                                             additives, and tobacco products, and
                                                                                                              (ii) Any nonclinical laboratory study               DATES: Although you can comment on
                                                      (2) * * *                                                                                                   any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR
                                                      § 511.1(c)(1), relating to whether an                 intended to support an application for a
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                            research or marketing permit for a new                10.115(g)(5)), to ensure that we consider
                                                    investigator is eligible to receive test                                                                      your comment on this draft guidance
                                                    articles under part 511 and eligible to                 animal drug.
                                                                                                                                                                  before we issue the final version of the
                                                    conduct:                                                *      *    *     *     *                             guidance, submit either electronic or
                                                      (i) Any clinical investigation that                     (6) An investigator who has been
                                                                                                                                                                  written comments on the draft guidance
                                                    supports an application for a research or               determined to be ineligible under
                                                                                                                                                                  by February 21, 2017.
                                                    marketing permit for products regulated                 paragraph (c)(2) of this section may be
                                                    by FDA including drugs, biologics,                      reinstated as eligible when the                       ADDRESSES:    You may submit comments
                                                    devices, new animal drugs, foods,                       Commissioner determines that the                      as follows:


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Document Created: 2016-08-24 03:02:30
Document Modified: 2016-08-24 03:02:30
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesSubmit either electronic or written comments on the proposed rule by November 22, 2016. See section VII of this document for the proposed effective date of a final rule based on this document.
ContactVernon Toelle, Center for Veterinary Medicine (HFV-230), 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855, 240-402- 5637.
FR Citation81 FR 57812 
CFR Citation21 CFR 16
21 CFR 511
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Animal Drugs; Medical Research and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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