81_FR_71938 81 FR 71737 - Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Proposal To Withdraw Approval of an Abbreviated New Drug Application for Extended-Release Methylphenidate Tablets; Opportunity for a Hearing

81 FR 71737 - Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Proposal To Withdraw Approval of an Abbreviated New Drug Application for Extended-Release Methylphenidate Tablets; Opportunity for a Hearing

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 201 (October 18, 2016)

Page Range71737-71741
FR Document2016-25093

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA or Agency) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) is proposing to withdraw approval of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for methylphenidate hydrochloride (HCl) extended-release (ER) tablets and is announcing an opportunity for the holder of the ANDA to request a hearing on this proposal.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 201 (Tuesday, October 18, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 201 (Tuesday, October 18, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71737-71741]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25093]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

[Docket No. FDA-2016-N-3118]


Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Proposal To Withdraw Approval of an 
Abbreviated New Drug Application for Extended-Release Methylphenidate 
Tablets; Opportunity for a Hearing

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA or Agency) Center for 
Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) is proposing to withdraw approval 
of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for methylphenidate 
hydrochloride (HCl) extended-release (ER) tablets and is announcing an 
opportunity for the holder of the ANDA to request a hearing on this 
proposal.

DATES: Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals may submit a request for a hearing 
by November 17, 2016. Submit all data, information, and analyses upon 
which the request for a hearing relies by December 19, 2016. Submit 
written or electronic comments by December 19, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The request for a hearing may be submitted by Mallinckrodt 
Pharmaceuticals by either of the following methods:

Electronic Submissions

    Submit electronic comments in the following way:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments to submit your request 
for a hearing. Comments submitted electronically to http://www.regulations.gov, including any attachments to the request for 
hearing, will be posted to the docket unchanged.

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.
     Because your request for a hearing will be made public, 
you are solely responsible for ensuring that your request does not 
include any confidential information that you may not wish to be 
publicly posted, such as confidential business information, e.g., a 
manufacturing process. The request for a hearing must include the 
Docket No. FDA-2016-N-3118 for ``Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Proposal 
to Withdraw Approval of an Abbreviated New Drug Application for 
Extended-Release Methylphenidate Tablets; Opportunity for a Hearing.'' 
The request for a hearing will be placed in the docket and 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.
    Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals may submit all data and analysis upon 
which the request for a hearing relies in the same manner as the 
request for a hearing except as follows:
     Confidential Submissions--To submit any data analyses with 
confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly 
available, submit your data and analyses only as a written/paper 
submission. You should submit two copies total of all data and 
analyses. 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 
any decisions on this matter. 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 
or available at the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 
p.m., Monday through Friday. Submit both copies to the Division of 
Dockets Management. Any information marked as ``confidential'' will not 
be disclosed except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other 
applicable disclosure law.
    Comments Submitted by Other Interested Parties: For all comments 
submitted by other interested parties, submit comments as follows:

Electronic Submissions

    Submit electronic comments in the following way:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the 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-2016-N-3118 for ``Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Proposal to 
Withdraw Approval of an Abbreviated New Drug Application for Extended-
Release Methylphenidate Tablets; Opportunity for a Hearing.'' 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

[[Page 71738]]

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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maryll W. Toufanian, Center for Drug 
Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New 
Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 75, Rm. 1716, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 240-
402-7944.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

A. Approval of ANDAs Referencing CONCERTA

    CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) ER tablet is the subject of new drug 
application (NDA) 021121, held by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and 
was approved on August 1, 2000. CONCERTA is a central nervous system 
stimulant intended for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity 
disorder in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and adults 
up to the age of 65. CONCERTA is a multiphasic modified-release product 
that is formulated to release a bolus of methylphenidate, resulting in 
an initial rapid rise in plasma concentration comparable to the effect 
of an immediate-release (IR) methylphenidate formulation, followed by 
sustained delivery later in the day, thereby allowing for once daily 
dosing. The relative bioavailability of CONCERTA in adults is 
comparable to IR methylphenidate administered three times daily, but 
the CONCERTA formulation minimizes the fluctuations between peak and 
trough concentrations associated with IR methylphenidate administered 
three times daily. CONCERTA is approved for the following strengths: 18 
milligrams (mg), 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg. CONCERTA was approved based 
on, among other things, safety studies and adequate and well-controlled 
clinical efficacy studies showing that the product is safe for its 
intended uses and has the effects claimed for it.
    FDA's Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) approved ANDA 202608, held by 
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals (Mallinckrodt), for a generic version of 
CONCERTA under the requirements of section 505(j) of the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 355(j)) and FDA's 
implementing regulations. OGD approved ANDA 202608 on December 28, 
2012, for the 27-mg, 36-mg, and 54-mg strengths.
    At the time of approval, FDA determined that the ANDA included data 
sufficient to demonstrate the bioequivalence of the Mallinckrodt 
product to CONCERTA. The bioequivalence (BE) testing and data submitted 
in the ANDA conformed to recommendations provided in a draft guidance 
for industry on ``Methylphenidate hydrochloride.'' The draft guidance 
was issued on September 14, 2012 (77 FR 56851), and provided 
information and recommendations for establishing bioequivalence to 
CONCERTA that reflected FDA's understanding, at that time, of how to 
evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of CONCERTA to support a 
demonstration of bioequivalence. The demonstration of bioequivalence 
was necessary to the approval of Mallinckrodt's product. Unlike 
CONCERTA, Mallinckrodt was not required to submit clinical studies to 
demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of its product. Instead, 
Mallinckrodt's ANDA was approved based on a finding that the product 
was bioequivalent to CONCERTA and met the other requirements for ANDA 
approval in section 505(j) of the FD&C Act.

B. Concerns About Insufficient Therapeutic Effect

1. ANDA 202608
    Mallinckrodt began marketing its generic version of CONCERTA in 
March 2013. OGD routinely monitors all newly approved ANDA products for 
safety and efficacy concerns as they penetrate the marketplace, 
including the monitoring of adverse events reported to the Agency. In 
May 2013, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) began 
receiving reports that described insufficient therapeutic effect of the 
Mallinckrodt product, particularly reports describing insufficient 
effect later in the day.\1\ These reports indicated potential 
therapeutic inequivalence of the Mallinckrodt product as compared to 
CONCERTA. In light of the reports received, CDER began an investigation 
of the Mallinckrodt product.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ In addition to reports submitted to FAERS, FDA received 
complaints related to therapeutic failure from multiple other 
sources, including FDA's Detroit District Office and a director of 
anesthesia support at a children's hospital.
    \2\ FDA investigated ANDA 202608 concurrently with ANDA 091695, 
which is another generic product referencing CONCERTA, held by 
Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals Inc. Elsewhere in this issue of the 
Federal Register, FDA is proposing to withdraw approval of ANDA 
091695.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. CDER's Investigations
    a. Tracked safety issue (TSI). CDER began its investigation of the 
Mallinckrodt product with a reevaluation of the data and information 
submitted in the application to demonstrate bioequivalence; an 
assessment of FAERS data; and a comparative analysis of the design, 
composition, dissolution, and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) 
degradation of the generic product as compared to CONCERTA. The 
findings of these investigations led to the initiation of a TSI. In 
general, when CDER staff suspect that a potential safety issue could be 
significant, a TSI is opened and an interdisciplinary team assesses the 
safety issue, reevaluates the risk-benefit profile of the drug, and 
determines the need for further action. CDER considers postmarketing 
safety issues to be significant for tracking purposes if these issues 
have the potential to lead to, among other things, withdrawal of FDA 
approval of a drug application.
    The initial meeting of the TSI Committee occurred in December 2013.

[[Page 71739]]

The TSI Committee was composed of CDER physicians, pharmacists, and 
chemists, as well as other CDER scientists and experts, who carefully 
reviewed all of the data and information related to the Mallinckrodt 
product. Key information reviewed and discussed by the TSI Committee is 
summarized as follows:
     Adverse event reports. An analysis was conducted of FAERS 
reports, along with additional data regarding therapeutic failure 
provided by Mallinckrodt and Janssen (CONCERTA's NDA holder), to 
assess, among other things, the reporting rate for therapeutic failure 
for the Mallinckrodt product as compared to the reporting rate for 
therapeutic failure for the authorized generic version of CONCERTA 
marketed by Actavis plc.\3\ The reporting rate for therapeutic failure 
was found to be 88 per 100,000 person-years of exposure for the 
Mallinckrodt product and 7.0 per 100,000 person-years of exposure for 
the authorized generic drug product.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Authorized generic drug is defined in section 505(t) of the 
FD&C Act and in Sec.  314.3(b) (21 CFR 314.3(b))  (Authorized 
generic drug means a listed drug, as defined in Sec.  314.3(b), that 
has been approved under section 505(c) of the FD&C Act and is 
marketed, sold, or distributed directly or indirectly to retail 
class of trade with labeling, packaging (other than repackaging as 
the listed drug in blister packs, unit doses, or similar packaging 
for use in institutions), product code, labeler code, trade name, or 
trademark that differs from that of the listed drug.). A listed drug 
is a new drug product that has an effective approval under section 
505(c) of the FD&C Act for safety and effectiveness, or under 
section 505(j), that has not been withdrawn or suspended under 
section 505(e)(1) through (e)(5) or (j)(5) of the FD&C Act, and that 
has not been withdrawn from sale for what FDA determines are reasons 
of safety or effectiveness (Sec.  314.3(b)). Listed drugs are 
identified as drugs with an effective approval in FDA's current 
edition of ``Approved Drug Products With Therapeutic Equivalence 
Evaluations'' (commonly referred to as the ``Orange Book'') (Id.). A 
list of currently available authorized generics is available at 
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofMedicalProductsandTobacco/CDER/ucm126391.htm. (FDA has 
verified the Web site addresses, as of the date this document 
publishes in the Federal Register, but Web sites are subject to 
change over time.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Product composition. The Mallinckrodt product and CONCERTA 
were tested in FDA laboratories to evaluate differences in drug design, 
composition, stability, and dissolution. The testing identified 
concerns with API degradation and in vivo dissolution, which could 
result in differences in drug release. These differences could, in 
turn, result in differences in therapeutic effect of the generic 
product compared to CONCERTA.
     BE data. A review and reanalysis were conducted of the 
data that were submitted in the ANDA to establish bioequivalence to 
CONCERTA. In particular, an outlier analysis was performed on the BE 
data to evaluate the difference in product absorption between the 
Mallinckrodt product and CONCERTA across various PK sampling time 
points. The analysis showed that the greatest difference in product 
absorption between the Mallinckrodt product and CONCERTA occurred at 10 
hours post-dosing under fasting conditions.
     Modeling of potential clinical impact. In light of the 
close relationship between the PK profile and clinical effect of 
methylphenidate products (Ref. 1), modeling was done based on the BE 
data submitted in the ANDA to predict the potential clinical 
significance of the difference in PK profile, i.e., product absorption, 
of the Mallinckrodt product compared to CONCERTA. The modeling 
suggested some potential clinical inequivalence between the generic 
product and CONCERTA after 6 hours post-dosing. The greatest mean 
percent reduction in clinical efficacy for the Mallinckrodt product is 
predicted to be approximately 21 percent at 10 hours post-dosing under 
fasting condition.
    The TSI was concluded in June 2014. Based on the information 
considered, the TSI Committee determined that the Mallinckrodt product 
may deliver methylphenidate into the body at a slower rate than 
CONCERTA during the time period of 7 to 12 hours post-dosing, and 
therefore, the product may not be bioequivalent or therapeutically 
equivalent to CONCERTA. Following the TSI Committee's investigation, 
CDER concluded that the therapeutic equivalence (TE) rating for the 
Mallinckrodt product in FDA's ``Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic 
Equivalence Evaluations'' (commonly referred to as the ``Orange Book'') 
should be changed from AB to BX to indicate that the data are 
insufficient to determine that the Mallinckrodt product is 
therapeutically equivalent to CONCERTA.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ In the Orange Book, FDA ``classifies as therapeutically 
equivalent those products that meet the following general criteria: 
(1) [T]hey are approved as safe and effective; (2) they are 
pharmaceutical equivalents in that they (a) contain identical 
amounts of the same active drug ingredient in the same dosage form 
and route of administration, and (b) meet compendial or other 
applicable standards of strength, quality, purity, and identity; (3) 
they are bioequivalent in that (a) they do not present a known or 
potential bioequivalence problem, and they meet an acceptable in 
vitro standard, or (b) if they do present such a known or potential 
problem, they are shown to meet an appropriate bioequivalence 
standard; (4) they are adequately labeled; (5) they are manufactured 
in compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations'' 
(Orange Book Preface at vii, available at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/UCM071436.pdf. (FDA has 
verified the Web site addresses, as of the date this document 
publishes in the Federal Register, but Web sites are subject to 
change over time.)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On November 6, 2014 (79 FR 65978), CDER issued a revised draft 
guidance for industry on ``Bioequivalence Recommendations for CONCERTA 
(Methylphenidate Hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets'' (revised 
draft BE guidance) (Ref. 2), with recommendations for establishing 
bioequivalence to CONCERTA that reflect CDER's refined understanding of 
the relationship between the PK profile of CONCERTA and its therapeutic 
effect. The revised draft BE guidance is available on FDA's Web site 
and will be placed in Docket No. FDA-2016-N-3118.
    On November 12, 2014, representatives from OGD and other CDER 
offices notified Mallinckrodt by telephone of CDER's concerns regarding 
its generic product. OGD explained that the TE rating for the product 
would be changed from AB to BX immediately. OGD requested that 
Mallinckrodt: (1) Voluntarily withdraw its product from the market 
under 21 CFR 314.150(d) and request that FDA withdraw approval of the 
ANDA or (2) confirm bioequivalence of its product within 6 months, 
consistent with the recommendations in the revised draft BE guidance 
issued on November 6, 2014. Mallinckrodt declined to voluntarily 
withdraw its product from the market, and it has not submitted data or 
information that confirms bioequivalence of its product to CONCERTA.
    b. Post-TSI investigation. After communicating CDER's concerns to 
Mallinckrodt about its methylphenidate product and changing the TE 
rating for the product to BX, CDER continued to evaluate data and 
information related to the bioequivalence of Mallinckrodt's product to 
CONCERTA. CDER reanalyzed the BE data originally submitted in 
Mallinckrodt's ANDA in accordance with the recommendations provided in 
the November 6, 2014, revised draft BE guidance. The reanalysis showed 
that the 54-mg Mallinckrodt product on which the in vivo BE testing was 
conducted does not provide the same extent of methylphenidate exposure 
as CONCERTA during the 7- to 12-hour time period after administration. 
Specifically, the 90 percent confidence interval (CI) of the geometric 
mean ratio of the test product (Mallinckrodt's) to reference product 
(CONCERTA) for AUC7-12 \5\ (at 64.41 percent to 72.49

[[Page 71740]]

percent) falls outside of the 80 percent to 125 percent BE acceptance 
criteria (Ref. 4). The lower level of methylphenidate exposure compared 
to CONCERTA 7 to 12 hours after administration is consistent with the 
reports received describing lack of therapeutic effect later in the 
day.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) is 
used to evaluate the ``extent'' of absorption of a drug. See section 
505(j)(7)(B) of the FD&C Act. AUC7-12 captures the extent 
of absorption from 7 to 12 hours post-dosing. See, e.g., the draft 
guidance for industry entitled ``Bioequivalence Studies with 
Pharmacokinetic Endpoints for Drugs Submitted under an ANDA'' (Ref. 
3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to the reanalysis described above, FDA performed 
further clinical trial simulations based on the BE data originally 
submitted in the ANDA to assess the potential clinical significance of 
the difference in PK profile, i.e., methylphenidate absorption, of the 
Mallinckrodt product compared to CONCERTA (Ref. 5). The simulation 
suggested some potential difference in effect between Mallinckrodt's 
product and CONCERTA after 6 hours post-dosing. Consistent with the 
evaluation presented during the TSI, the greatest mean percent 
reduction in efficacy was predicted to be 21.17 percent at 10 hours 
post-dosing, with individual changes ranging from a 44.09 percent 
decrease and a 9.04 percent increase in efficacy compared to CONCERTA.
    Along with a reanalysis of data submitted in the original ANDA, in 
March 2015, CDER sponsored its own study to evaluate bioequivalence of 
the 27-mg Mallinckrodt product as compared to CONCERTA. The CDER-
sponsored study was a single-dose, 4-treatment, fully replicated, 
crossover, randomized BE study (consistent with the study design 
recommended in the revised draft BE guidance) in healthy subjects under 
fasting conditions. The study compared: (1) The test product--
Mallinckrodt's methylphenidate HCl ER tablets, 27 mg; and (2) the 
reference product--CONCERTA ER tablets, 27 mg. A total of 28 subjects 
were enrolled in the study, and 24 subjects completed all 4 periods. 
Plasma samples were collected for up to 24 hours following each 
treatment. The mean methylphenidate plasma concentration profiles for 
both the test and reference products exhibited PK properties consistent 
with those observed in the 54-mg fasting BE study submitted by 
Mallinckrodt in its ANDA. In particular, decreased plasma 
concentrations were observed with administration of the Mallinckrodt 
product as compared to CONCERTA after 6 to 7 hours. The 90 percent CI 
of the geometric mean test-to-reference ratio for AUC7-12 
was below the 80 percent to 125 percent BE acceptance range (at 60.99 
percent to 70.50 percent). All other metrics were found to be within 
the BE acceptance range of 80 percent to 125 percent. The observed 
lower level of methylphenidate exposure compared to CONCERTA 7 to 12 
hours after administration is consistent with that observed in the 
reanalysis of the 54-mg BE study submitted in Mallinckrodt's ANDA.
    Finally, FDA analyzed FAERS reports from February 2014 to May 2015. 
The types and quality of reports received by FDA during that time 
period were very similar to the reports received before FDA changed the 
TE rating. The reports continued to contain specific complaints 
describing the failure of therapeutic effect during the latter part of 
the day.
    The applicant has not submitted data that confirms bioequivalence 
of its product to CONCERTA. A memorandum describing in detail the 
information considered following the TSI and explaining CDER's 
determination will be placed in Docket No. FDA-2016-N-3118 (Ref. 6).

II. Conclusions and Proposed Action

    An NDA (or reference listed drug) applicant must submit ``full 
reports of investigations'' to show that the drug for which the 
applicant is seeking approval is safe and effective. In other words, 
reference listed drugs must meet the safety and substantial evidence of 
effectiveness standard (see section 505(b)(1) and (2), (c), and (d) of 
the FD&C Act). A reference listed drug applicant can meet the standard 
by conducting its own clinical studies (stand-alone application) or 
relying, in part, on the Agency's previous finding of safety and/or 
effectiveness or literature (a 505(b)(2) application). An ANDA 
applicant does not submit independent clinical studies to demonstrate 
safety and effectiveness. Rather, an ANDA applicant relies on the 
Agency's previous finding of safety and effectiveness for the reference 
listed drug and is required to meet other requirements such as 
demonstrating bioequivalence to the reference listed drug to support 
approval. In the absence of information showing bioequivalence between 
the generic drug at issue and the reference listed drug, there is no 
basis for concluding that the Agency's finding of safety and efficacy 
(or substantial evidence of effectiveness) supporting approval of the 
reference listed drug likewise supports approval of the generic drug.
    Therefore, based on all available data and information, notice is 
given to Mallinckrodt and to all other interested persons that the 
Director of CDER proposes to issue an order, under section 505(e)(3) of 
the FD&C Act and Sec.  314.150(a)(2)(iii), withdrawing approval of ANDA 
202608 and all amendments and supplements to it on the grounds that, on 
the basis of new information, evaluated together with the evidence 
available when the application was approved, there is a lack of 
substantial evidence that the drug will have the effect it is 
represented to have under the conditions of use prescribed, 
recommended, or suggested in its labeling.

III. Hearing Procedures

    In accordance with section 505(e) of the FD&C Act, the applicant is 
hereby provided an opportunity to request a hearing to show why 
approval of ANDA 202608 should not be withdrawn and an opportunity to 
raise, for administrative determination, all issues relating to the 
legal status of the drug product covered by this application.
    An applicant who decides to seek a hearing must file the following: 
(1) A written notice of participation and request for hearing (see 
DATES), and (2) the data, information, and analyses relied on to 
demonstrate that there is a genuine and substantial issue of fact that 
requires a hearing to resolve (see DATES). Any other interested person 
may also submit comments on this notice. The procedures and 
requirements governing this notice of opportunity for a hearing, notice 
of participation and request for a hearing, the information and 
analyses to justify a hearing, other comments, and a grant or denial of 
a hearing are contained in Sec.  314.200 (21 CFR 314.200) and in 21 CFR 
part 12.
    The failure of an applicant to file a timely written notice of 
participation and request for a hearing, as required by Sec.  314.200, 
constitutes an election by that applicant not to avail itself of the 
opportunity for a hearing concerning CDER's proposal to withdraw 
approval of the application and constitutes a waiver of any contentions 
concerning the legal status of the drug product. FDA will then withdraw 
approval of the application, and the drug product may not thereafter be 
lawfully introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate 
commerce. Any new drug product introduced or delivered for introduction 
into interstate commerce without an approved application is subject to 
regulatory action at any time.
    A request for a hearing may not rest upon mere allegations or 
denials, but must present specific facts showing that there is a 
genuine and substantial issue of fact that requires a hearing. If a 
request for a hearing is not complete or is not supported, the 
Commissioner of Food and Drugs will enter summary

[[Page 71741]]

judgment against the person who requests the hearing, making findings 
and conclusions, and denying a hearing.
    All submissions under this notice of opportunity for a hearing must 
be filed in two copies. Except for data and information prohibited from 
public disclosure under 21 U.S.C. 331(j) or 18 U.S.C. 1905, the 
submissions may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management (see 
ADDRESSES) between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will 
be posted to the docket at http://www.regulations.gov.
    This notice is issued under section 505(e) of the FD&C Act and 
under the authority delegated to the Director of CDER by the 
Commissioner of Food and Drugs.

IV. References

    The following references are on display in the Division of Dockets 
Management (see ADDRESSES) and are available for viewing by interested 
persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; they are also 
available electronically at http://www.regulations.gov. FDA has 
verified the Web site addresses, as of the date this document publishes 
in the Federal Register, but Web sites are subject to change over time.

1. Swanson, J.M., et al., ``A Comparison of Once-Daily Extended-
Release Methylphenidate Formulations in Children With Attention-
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the Laboratory School (The Comacs 
Study),'' Pediatrics, vol. 113, pp. 206-216, 2004.
2. FDA, draft guidance for industry, ``Bioequivalence 
Recommendations for CONCERTA (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride) 
Extended-Release Tablets,'' November 2014 (available at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM320007.pdf).
3. FDA, draft guidance for industry, ``Bioequivalence Studies With 
Pharmacokinetic Endpoints for Drugs Submitted Under an ANDA,'' 
December 2013 (available at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM377465).
4. Dighe, S.V. and W.P. Adams. ``Bioequivalence: A United States 
Regulatory Perspective.'' In Welling, P.G., L.S. Tse, and S.V. 
Dighe, eds., Pharmaceutical Bioequivalence. New York: Marcel Dekker, 
Inc., pp. 347-380, 1991.
5. Kimko, H., et al., ``Population Pharmacodynamic Modeling of 
Various Extended-Release Formulations of Methylphenidate in Children 
With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Via Meta-Analysis,'' 
Journal of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, vol. 39(2), pp. 
161-176, 2012.
6. Memorandum to Janet Woodcock, Director, Center for Drug 
Evaluation and Research, in Support of Beginning Approval Withdrawal 
Proceedings for ANDA 202608 (October 1, 2016, Peters).

    Dated: October 12, 2016.
Janet Woodcock,
Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
[FR Doc. 2016-25093 Filed 10-17-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4164-01-P



                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Notices                                         71737

                                               The Department specifically requests                    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://               except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20
                                             comments on: (a) Whether the proposed                   www.regulations.gov. Follow the                       and other applicable disclosure law.
                                             collection of information is necessary                  instructions for submitting comments to                 Comments Submitted by Other
                                             for the proper performance of the                       submit your request for a hearing.                    Interested Parties: For all comments
                                             functions of the agency, including                      Comments submitted electronically to                  submitted by other interested parties,
                                             whether the information shall have                      http://www.regulations.gov, including                 submit comments as follows:
                                             practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the              any attachments to the request for
                                                                                                     hearing, will be posted to the docket                 Electronic Submissions
                                             agency’s estimate of the burden of the
                                             proposed collection of information; (c)                 unchanged.                                              Submit electronic comments in the
                                             the quality, utility, and clarity of the                Written/Paper Submissions                             following way:
                                             information to be collected; and (d)                                                                            • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                             ways to minimize the burden of the                         Submit written/paper submissions as                www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                             collection of information on                            follows:                                              instructions for submitting comments.
                                             respondents, including through the use                     • Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for                  Comments submitted electronically,
                                             of automated collection techniques or                   written/paper submissions): Division of               including attachments, to http://
                                             other forms of information technology.                  Dockets Management (HFA–305), Food                    www.regulations.gov will be posted to
                                             Consideration will be given to                          and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers                 the docket unchanged. Because your
                                             comments and suggestions submitted                      Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
                                                                                                                                                           comment will be made public, you are
                                                                                                        • Because your request for a hearing
                                             within 60 days of this publication.                                                                           solely responsible for ensuring that your
                                                                                                     will be made public, you are solely
                                             Robert Sargis,                                          responsible for ensuring that your                    comment does not include any
                                                                                                     request does not include any                          confidential information that you or a
                                             Reports Clearance Officer.
                                                                                                     confidential information that you may                 third party may not wish to be posted,
                                             [FR Doc. 2016–25120 Filed 10–17–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                     not wish to be publicly posted, such as               such as medical information, your or
                                             BILLING CODE 4184–01–P                                                                                        anyone else’s Social Security number, or
                                                                                                     confidential business information, e.g., a
                                                                                                     manufacturing process. The request for                confidential business information, such
                                                                                                     a hearing must include the Docket No.                 as a manufacturing process. Please note
                                             DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                                                                                      that if you include your name, contact
                                             HUMAN SERVICES                                          FDA–2016–N–3118 for ‘‘Mallinckrodt
                                                                                                     Pharmaceuticals; Proposal to Withdraw                 information, or other information that
                                             Food and Drug Administration                            Approval of an Abbreviated New Drug                   identifies you in the body of your
                                                                                                     Application for Extended-Release                      comments, that information will be
                                             [Docket No. FDA–2016–N–3118]                                                                                  posted on http://www.regulations.gov.
                                                                                                     Methylphenidate Tablets; Opportunity
                                                                                                     for a Hearing.’’ The request for a hearing              • If you want to submit a comment
                                             Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals;                                                                                 with confidential information that you
                                             Proposal To Withdraw Approval of an                     will be placed in the docket and
                                                                                                     publicly viewable at http://                          do not wish to be made available to the
                                             Abbreviated New Drug Application for                                                                          public, submit the comment as a
                                             Extended-Release Methylphenidate                        www.regulations.gov or at the Division
                                                                                                     of Dockets Management between 9 a.m.                  written/paper submission and in the
                                             Tablets; Opportunity for a Hearing                                                                            manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper
                                                                                                     and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
                                             AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,                   Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals may                   Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’).
                                             HHS.                                                    submit all data and analysis upon which               Written/Paper Submissions
                                             ACTION:   Notice.                                       the request for a hearing relies in the
                                                                                                     same manner as the request for a                         Submit written/paper submissions as
                                             SUMMARY:   The Food and Drug                            hearing except as follows:                            follows:
                                             Administration’s (FDA or Agency)                           • Confidential Submissions—To                         • Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for
                                             Center for Drug Evaluation and Research                 submit any data analyses with                         written/paper submissions): Division of
                                             (CDER) is proposing to withdraw                         confidential information that you do not              Dockets Management (HFA–305), Food
                                             approval of an abbreviated new drug                     wish to be made publicly available,                   and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers
                                             application (ANDA) for                                  submit your data and analyses only as                 Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
                                             methylphenidate hydrochloride (HCl)                     a written/paper submission. You should                   • For written/paper comments
                                             extended-release (ER) tablets and is                    submit two copies total of all data and               submitted to the Division of Dockets
                                             announcing an opportunity for the                       analyses. One copy will include the                   Management, FDA will post your
                                             holder of the ANDA to request a hearing                 information you claim to be confidential              comment, as well as any attachments,
                                             on this proposal.                                       with a heading or cover note that states              except for information submitted,
                                             DATES: Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals                     ‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS                              marked and identified, as confidential,
                                             may submit a request for a hearing by                   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The                       if submitted as detailed in
                                             November 17, 2016. Submit all data,                     Agency will review this copy, including               ‘‘Instructions.’’
                                             information, and analyses upon which                    the claimed confidential information, in                 Instructions: All submissions received
                                             the request for a hearing relies by                     its consideration of any decisions on                 must include the Docket No. FDA–
                                             December 19, 2016. Submit written or                    this matter. The second copy, which                   2016–N–3118 for ‘‘Mallinckrodt
                                             electronic comments by December 19,                     will have the claimed confidential                    Pharmaceuticals; Proposal to Withdraw
                                             2016.                                                   information redacted/blacked out, will                Approval of an Abbreviated New Drug
                                             ADDRESSES: The request for a hearing                    be available for public viewing and                   Application for Extended-Release
Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                             may be submitted by Mallinckrodt                        posted on http://www.regulations.gov or               Methylphenidate Tablets; Opportunity
                                             Pharmaceuticals by either of the                        available at the Division of Dockets                  for a Hearing.’’ Received comments will
                                             following methods:                                      Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,                 be placed in the docket and, except for
                                                                                                     Monday through Friday. Submit both                    those submitted as ‘‘Confidential
                                             Electronic Submissions                                  copies to the Division of Dockets                     Submissions,’’ publicly viewable at
                                               Submit electronic comments in the                     Management. Any information marked                    http://www.regulations.gov or at the
                                             following way:                                          as ‘‘confidential’’ will not be disclosed             Division of Dockets Management


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:19 Oct 17, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00049   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM   18OCN1


                                             71738                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Notices

                                             between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday                       stimulant intended for the treatment of               that the product was bioequivalent to
                                             through Friday.                                         attention deficit hyperactivity disorder              CONCERTA and met the other
                                                • Confidential Submissions—To                        in children 6 years of age and older,                 requirements for ANDA approval in
                                             submit a comment with confidential                      adolescents, and adults up to the age of              section 505(j) of the FD&C Act.
                                             information that you do not wish to be                  65. CONCERTA is a multiphasic
                                             made publicly available, submit your                                                                          B. Concerns About Insufficient
                                                                                                     modified-release product that is
                                             comments only as a written/paper                        formulated to release a bolus of                      Therapeutic Effect
                                             submission. You should submit two                       methylphenidate, resulting in an initial              1. ANDA 202608
                                             copies total. One copy will include the                 rapid rise in plasma concentration                       Mallinckrodt began marketing its
                                             information you claim to be confidential                comparable to the effect of an                        generic version of CONCERTA in March
                                             with a heading or cover note that states                immediate-release (IR) methylphenidate                2013. OGD routinely monitors all newly
                                             ‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS                                formulation, followed by sustained
                                                                                                                                                           approved ANDA products for safety and
                                             CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The                         delivery later in the day, thereby
                                                                                                                                                           efficacy concerns as they penetrate the
                                             Agency will review this copy, including                 allowing for once daily dosing. The
                                             the claimed confidential information, in                                                                      marketplace, including the monitoring
                                                                                                     relative bioavailability of CONCERTA in
                                             its consideration of comments. The                                                                            of adverse events reported to the
                                                                                                     adults is comparable to IR
                                             second copy, which will have the                                                                              Agency. In May 2013, the FDA Adverse
                                                                                                     methylphenidate administered three
                                             claimed confidential information                                                                              Event Reporting System (FAERS) began
                                                                                                     times daily, but the CONCERTA
                                             redacted/blacked out, will be available                                                                       receiving reports that described
                                                                                                     formulation minimizes the fluctuations
                                             for public viewing and posted on http://                                                                      insufficient therapeutic effect of the
                                                                                                     between peak and trough concentrations
                                             www.regulations.gov. Submit both                                                                              Mallinckrodt product, particularly
                                                                                                     associated with IR methylphenidate
                                             copies to the Division of Dockets                       administered three times daily.                       reports describing insufficient effect
                                             Management. If you do not wish your                     CONCERTA is approved for the                          later in the day.1 These reports
                                             name and contact information to be                      following strengths: 18 milligrams (mg),              indicated potential therapeutic
                                             made publicly available, you can                        27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg. CONCERTA                     inequivalence of the Mallinckrodt
                                             provide this information on the cover                   was approved based on, among other                    product as compared to CONCERTA. In
                                             sheet and not in the body of your                       things, safety studies and adequate and               light of the reports received, CDER
                                             comments and you must identify this                     well-controlled clinical efficacy studies             began an investigation of the
                                             information as ‘‘confidential.’’ Any                    showing that the product is safe for its              Mallinckrodt product.2
                                             information marked as ‘‘confidential’’                  intended uses and has the effects                     2. CDER’s Investigations
                                             will not be disclosed except in                         claimed for it.
                                                                                                        FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs (OGD)                   a. Tracked safety issue (TSI). CDER
                                             accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other                                                                        began its investigation of the
                                             applicable disclosure law. For more                     approved ANDA 202608, held by
                                                                                                     Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals                          Mallinckrodt product with a
                                             information about FDA’s posting of                                                                            reevaluation of the data and information
                                             comments to public dockets, see 80 FR                   (Mallinckrodt), for a generic version of
                                                                                                     CONCERTA under the requirements of                    submitted in the application to
                                             56469, September 18, 2015, or access                                                                          demonstrate bioequivalence; an
                                             the information at: http://www.fda.gov/                 section 505(j) of the Federal Food, Drug,
                                                                                                     and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) (21                   assessment of FAERS data; and a
                                             regulatoryinformation/dockets/                                                                                comparative analysis of the design,
                                             default.htm.                                            U.S.C. 355(j)) and FDA’s implementing
                                                                                                     regulations. OGD approved ANDA                        composition, dissolution, and active
                                                Docket: For access to the docket to
                                                                                                     202608 on December 28, 2012, for the                  pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
                                             read background documents or the
                                                                                                     27-mg, 36-mg, and 54-mg strengths.                    degradation of the generic product as
                                             electronic and written/paper comments
                                                                                                        At the time of approval, FDA                       compared to CONCERTA. The findings
                                             received, go to http://
                                                                                                     determined that the ANDA included                     of these investigations led to the
                                             www.regulations.gov and insert the
                                                                                                     data sufficient to demonstrate the                    initiation of a TSI. In general, when
                                             docket number, found in brackets in the
                                                                                                     bioequivalence of the Mallinckrodt                    CDER staff suspect that a potential
                                             heading of this document, into the
                                                                                                     product to CONCERTA. The                              safety issue could be significant, a TSI
                                             ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts
                                                                                                     bioequivalence (BE) testing and data                  is opened and an interdisciplinary team
                                             and/or go to the Division of Dockets
                                                                                                     submitted in the ANDA conformed to                    assesses the safety issue, reevaluates the
                                             Management, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm.
                                                                                                     recommendations provided in a draft                   risk-benefit profile of the drug, and
                                             1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
                                                                                                     guidance for industry on                              determines the need for further action.
                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                     ‘‘Methylphenidate hydrochloride.’’ The                CDER considers postmarketing safety
                                             Maryll W. Toufanian, Center for Drug                                                                          issues to be significant for tracking
                                                                                                     draft guidance was issued on September
                                             Evaluation and Research, Food and                                                                             purposes if these issues have the
                                                                                                     14, 2012 (77 FR 56851), and provided
                                             Drug Administration, 10903 New                                                                                potential to lead to, among other things,
                                                                                                     information and recommendations for
                                             Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 75, Rm. 1716,                                                                           withdrawal of FDA approval of a drug
                                                                                                     establishing bioequivalence to
                                             Silver Spring, MD 20993–0002, 240–                                                                            application.
                                                                                                     CONCERTA that reflected FDA’s
                                             402–7944.                                                                                                        The initial meeting of the TSI
                                                                                                     understanding, at that time, of how to
                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK)                     Committee occurred in December 2013.
                                             I. Background                                           properties of CONCERTA to support a
                                                                                                                                                             1 In addition to reports submitted to FAERS, FDA
                                                                                                     demonstration of bioequivalence. The
                                             A. Approval of ANDAs Referencing                        demonstration of bioequivalence was                   received complaints related to therapeutic failure
                                             CONCERTA                                                                                                      from multiple other sources, including FDA’s
Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                     necessary to the approval of                          Detroit District Office and a director of anesthesia
                                               CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl)                        Mallinckrodt’s product. Unlike                        support at a children’s hospital.
                                             ER tablet is the subject of new drug                    CONCERTA, Mallinckrodt was not                          2 FDA investigated ANDA 202608 concurrently

                                             application (NDA) 021121, held by                       required to submit clinical studies to                with ANDA 091695, which is another generic
                                                                                                                                                           product referencing CONCERTA, held by Kremers
                                             Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and was                  demonstrate the safety and effectiveness              Urban Pharmaceuticals Inc. Elsewhere in this issue
                                             approved on August 1, 2000.                             of its product. Instead, Mallinckrodt’s               of the Federal Register, FDA is proposing to
                                             CONCERTA is a central nervous system                    ANDA was approved based on a finding                  withdraw approval of ANDA 091695.



                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:19 Oct 17, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00050   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM   18OCN1


                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Notices                                                      71739

                                             The TSI Committee was composed of                        performed on the BE data to evaluate                      On November 6, 2014 (79 FR 65978),
                                             CDER physicians, pharmacists, and                        the difference in product absorption                   CDER issued a revised draft guidance
                                             chemists, as well as other CDER                          between the Mallinckrodt product and                   for industry on ‘‘Bioequivalence
                                             scientists and experts, who carefully                    CONCERTA across various PK sampling                    Recommendations for CONCERTA
                                             reviewed all of the data and information                 time points. The analysis showed that                  (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride)
                                             related to the Mallinckrodt product. Key                 the greatest difference in product                     Extended-Release Tablets’’ (revised draft
                                             information reviewed and discussed by                    absorption between the Mallinckrodt                    BE guidance) (Ref. 2), with
                                             the TSI Committee is summarized as                       product and CONCERTA occurred at 10                    recommendations for establishing
                                             follows:                                                 hours post-dosing under fasting                        bioequivalence to CONCERTA that
                                                • Adverse event reports. An analysis                  conditions.                                            reflect CDER’s refined understanding of
                                             was conducted of FAERS reports, along                       • Modeling of potential clinical                    the relationship between the PK profile
                                             with additional data regarding                           impact. In light of the close relationship             of CONCERTA and its therapeutic
                                             therapeutic failure provided by                          between the PK profile and clinical                    effect. The revised draft BE guidance is
                                             Mallinckrodt and Janssen (CONCERTA’s                     effect of methylphenidate products (Ref.               available on FDA’s Web site and will be
                                             NDA holder), to assess, among other                      1), modeling was done based on the BE                  placed in Docket No. FDA–2016–N–
                                             things, the reporting rate for therapeutic               data submitted in the ANDA to predict                  3118.
                                             failure for the Mallinckrodt product as                  the potential clinical significance of the                On November 12, 2014,
                                             compared to the reporting rate for                       difference in PK profile, i.e., product                representatives from OGD and other
                                             therapeutic failure for the authorized                   absorption, of the Mallinckrodt product                CDER offices notified Mallinckrodt by
                                             generic version of CONCERTA marketed                     compared to CONCERTA. The modeling                     telephone of CDER’s concerns regarding
                                             by Actavis plc.3 The reporting rate for                  suggested some potential clinical                      its generic product. OGD explained that
                                             therapeutic failure was found to be 88                   inequivalence between the generic                      the TE rating for the product would be
                                             per 100,000 person-years of exposure for                 product and CONCERTA after 6 hours                     changed from AB to BX immediately.
                                             the Mallinckrodt product and 7.0 per                     post-dosing. The greatest mean percent                 OGD requested that Mallinckrodt: (1)
                                             100,000 person-years of exposure for the                 reduction in clinical efficacy for the                 Voluntarily withdraw its product from
                                             authorized generic drug product.                         Mallinckrodt product is predicted to be                the market under 21 CFR 314.150(d) and
                                                • Product composition. The                            approximately 21 percent at 10 hours                   request that FDA withdraw approval of
                                             Mallinckrodt product and CONCERTA                        post-dosing under fasting condition.                   the ANDA or (2) confirm bioequivalence
                                             were tested in FDA laboratories to                          The TSI was concluded in June 2014.                 of its product within 6 months,
                                             evaluate differences in drug design,                     Based on the information considered,                   consistent with the recommendations in
                                             composition, stability, and dissolution.                 the TSI Committee determined that the                  the revised draft BE guidance issued on
                                             The testing identified concerns with API                 Mallinckrodt product may deliver                       November 6, 2014. Mallinckrodt
                                             degradation and in vivo dissolution,                     methylphenidate into the body at a                     declined to voluntarily withdraw its
                                             which could result in differences in                     slower rate than CONCERTA during the                   product from the market, and it has not
                                             drug release. These differences could, in                time period of 7 to 12 hours post-dosing,              submitted data or information that
                                             turn, result in differences in therapeutic               and therefore, the product may not be                  confirms bioequivalence of its product
                                             effect of the generic product compared                   bioequivalent or therapeutically                       to CONCERTA.
                                             to CONCERTA.                                             equivalent to CONCERTA. Following                         b. Post-TSI investigation. After
                                                • BE data. A review and reanalysis                    the TSI Committee’s investigation,                     communicating CDER’s concerns to
                                             were conducted of the data that were                     CDER concluded that the therapeutic                    Mallinckrodt about its methylphenidate
                                             submitted in the ANDA to establish                       equivalence (TE) rating for the                        product and changing the TE rating for
                                             bioequivalence to CONCERTA. In                           Mallinckrodt product in FDA’s                          the product to BX, CDER continued to
                                             particular, an outlier analysis was                      ‘‘Approved Drug Products with                          evaluate data and information related to
                                                                                                      Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations’’                  the bioequivalence of Mallinckrodt’s
                                                3 Authorized generic drug is defined in section
                                                                                                      (commonly referred to as the ‘‘Orange                  product to CONCERTA. CDER
                                             505(t) of the FD&C Act and in § 314.3(b) (21 CFR                                                                reanalyzed the BE data originally
                                             314.3(b)) (Authorized generic drug means a listed
                                                                                                      Book’’) should be changed from AB to
                                             drug, as defined in § 314.3(b), that has been            BX to indicate that the data are                       submitted in Mallinckrodt’s ANDA in
                                             approved under section 505(c) of the FD&C Act and        insufficient to determine that the                     accordance with the recommendations
                                             is marketed, sold, or distributed directly or            Mallinckrodt product is therapeutically                provided in the November 6, 2014,
                                             indirectly to retail class of trade with labeling,                                                              revised draft BE guidance. The
                                             packaging (other than repackaging as the listed drug     equivalent to CONCERTA.4
                                             in blister packs, unit doses, or similar packaging for                                                          reanalysis showed that the 54-mg
                                             use in institutions), product code, labeler code,          4 In the Orange Book, FDA ‘‘classifies as            Mallinckrodt product on which the in
                                             trade name, or trademark that differs from that of       therapeutically equivalent those products that meet    vivo BE testing was conducted does not
                                             the listed drug.). A listed drug is a new drug           the following general criteria: (1) [T]hey are
                                             product that has an effective approval under section     approved as safe and effective; (2) they are
                                                                                                                                                             provide the same extent of
                                             505(c) of the FD&C Act for safety and effectiveness,     pharmaceutical equivalents in that they (a) contain    methylphenidate exposure as
                                             or under section 505(j), that has not been               identical amounts of the same active drug              CONCERTA during the 7- to 12-hour
                                             withdrawn or suspended under section 505(e)(1)           ingredient in the same dosage form and route of        time period after administration.
                                             through (e)(5) or (j)(5) of the FD&C Act, and that has   administration, and (b) meet compendial or other
                                             not been withdrawn from sale for what FDA                applicable standards of strength, quality, purity,
                                                                                                                                                             Specifically, the 90 percent confidence
                                             determines are reasons of safety or effectiveness        and identity; (3) they are bioequivalent in that (a)   interval (CI) of the geometric mean ratio
                                             (§ 314.3(b)). Listed drugs are identified as drugs       they do not present a known or potential               of the test product (Mallinckrodt’s) to
                                             with an effective approval in FDA’s current edition      bioequivalence problem, and they meet an               reference product (CONCERTA) for
                                             of ‘‘Approved Drug Products With Therapeutic             acceptable in vitro standard, or (b) if they do
                                             Equivalence Evaluations’’ (commonly referred to as       present such a known or potential problem, they are
                                                                                                                                                             AUC7–12 5 (at 64.41 percent to 72.49
Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                             the ‘‘Orange Book’’) (Id.). A list of currently          shown to meet an appropriate bioequivalence
                                             available authorized generics is available at http://    standard; (4) they are adequately labeled; (5) they    in the Federal Register, but Web sites are subject
                                             www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/Officeof             are manufactured in compliance with Current Good       to change over time.)).
                                             MedicalProductsandTobacco/CDER/                          Manufacturing Practice regulations’’ (Orange Book        5 The area under the plasma concentration-time

                                             ucm126391.htm. (FDA has verified the Web site            Preface at vii, available at http://www.fda.gov/       curve (AUC) is used to evaluate the ‘‘extent’’ of
                                             addresses, as of the date this document publishes        downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/            absorption of a drug. See section 505(j)(7)(B) of the
                                             in the Federal Register, but Web sites are subject       UCM071436.pdf. (FDA has verified the Web site          FD&C Act. AUC7–12 captures the extent of
                                             to change over time.)                                    addresses, as of the date this document publishes                                                   Continued




                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:19 Oct 17, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00051   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM    18OCN1


                                             71740                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Notices

                                             percent) falls outside of the 80 percent                found to be within the BE acceptance                  section 505(e)(3) of the FD&C Act and
                                             to 125 percent BE acceptance criteria                   range of 80 percent to 125 percent. The               § 314.150(a)(2)(iii), withdrawing
                                             (Ref. 4). The lower level of                            observed lower level of                               approval of ANDA 202608 and all
                                             methylphenidate exposure compared to                    methylphenidate exposure compared to                  amendments and supplements to it on
                                             CONCERTA 7 to 12 hours after                            CONCERTA 7 to 12 hours after                          the grounds that, on the basis of new
                                             administration is consistent with the                   administration is consistent with that                information, evaluated together with the
                                             reports received describing lack of                     observed in the reanalysis of the 54-mg               evidence available when the application
                                             therapeutic effect later in the day.                    BE study submitted in Mallinckrodt’s                  was approved, there is a lack of
                                                In addition to the reanalysis described              ANDA.                                                 substantial evidence that the drug will
                                             above, FDA performed further clinical                      Finally, FDA analyzed FAERS reports                have the effect it is represented to have
                                             trial simulations based on the BE data                  from February 2014 to May 2015. The                   under the conditions of use prescribed,
                                             originally submitted in the ANDA to                     types and quality of reports received by              recommended, or suggested in its
                                             assess the potential clinical significance              FDA during that time period were very                 labeling.
                                             of the difference in PK profile, i.e.,                  similar to the reports received before
                                             methylphenidate absorption, of the                      FDA changed the TE rating. The reports                III. Hearing Procedures
                                             Mallinckrodt product compared to                        continued to contain specific                            In accordance with section 505(e) of
                                             CONCERTA (Ref. 5). The simulation                       complaints describing the failure of                  the FD&C Act, the applicant is hereby
                                             suggested some potential difference in                  therapeutic effect during the latter part             provided an opportunity to request a
                                             effect between Mallinckrodt’s product                   of the day.                                           hearing to show why approval of ANDA
                                             and CONCERTA after 6 hours post-                           The applicant has not submitted data               202608 should not be withdrawn and an
                                             dosing. Consistent with the evaluation                  that confirms bioequivalence of its                   opportunity to raise, for administrative
                                             presented during the TSI, the greatest                  product to CONCERTA. A                                determination, all issues relating to the
                                             mean percent reduction in efficacy was                  memorandum describing in detail the                   legal status of the drug product covered
                                             predicted to be 21.17 percent at 10                     information considered following the                  by this application.
                                             hours post-dosing, with individual                      TSI and explaining CDER’s                                An applicant who decides to seek a
                                             changes ranging from a 44.09 percent                    determination will be placed in Docket                hearing must file the following: (1) A
                                             decrease and a 9.04 percent increase in                 No. FDA–2016–N–3118 (Ref. 6).                         written notice of participation and
                                             efficacy compared to CONCERTA.                                                                                request for hearing (see DATES), and (2)
                                                                                                     II. Conclusions and Proposed Action                   the data, information, and analyses
                                                Along with a reanalysis of data
                                             submitted in the original ANDA, in                         An NDA (or reference listed drug)                  relied on to demonstrate that there is a
                                             March 2015, CDER sponsored its own                      applicant must submit ‘‘full reports of               genuine and substantial issue of fact
                                             study to evaluate bioequivalence of the                 investigations’’ to show that the drug for            that requires a hearing to resolve (see
                                             27-mg Mallinckrodt product as                           which the applicant is seeking approval               DATES). Any other interested person may
                                             compared to CONCERTA. The CDER-                         is safe and effective. In other words,                also submit comments on this notice.
                                             sponsored study was a single-dose, 4-                   reference listed drugs must meet the                  The procedures and requirements
                                             treatment, fully replicated, crossover,                 safety and substantial evidence of                    governing this notice of opportunity for
                                             randomized BE study (consistent with                    effectiveness standard (see section                   a hearing, notice of participation and
                                             the study design recommended in the                     505(b)(1) and (2), (c), and (d) of the                request for a hearing, the information
                                             revised draft BE guidance) in healthy                   FD&C Act). A reference listed drug                    and analyses to justify a hearing, other
                                             subjects under fasting conditions. The                  applicant can meet the standard by                    comments, and a grant or denial of a
                                             study compared: (1) The test product—                   conducting its own clinical studies                   hearing are contained in § 314.200 (21
                                             Mallinckrodt’s methylphenidate HCl ER                   (stand-alone application) or relying, in              CFR 314.200) and in 21 CFR part 12.
                                             tablets, 27 mg; and (2) the reference                   part, on the Agency’s previous finding                   The failure of an applicant to file a
                                             product—CONCERTA ER tablets, 27 mg.                     of safety and/or effectiveness or                     timely written notice of participation
                                             A total of 28 subjects were enrolled in                 literature (a 505(b)(2) application). An              and request for a hearing, as required by
                                             the study, and 24 subjects completed all                ANDA applicant does not submit                        § 314.200, constitutes an election by that
                                             4 periods. Plasma samples were                          independent clinical studies to                       applicant not to avail itself of the
                                             collected for up to 24 hours following                  demonstrate safety and effectiveness.                 opportunity for a hearing concerning
                                             each treatment. The mean                                Rather, an ANDA applicant relies on the               CDER’s proposal to withdraw approval
                                             methylphenidate plasma concentration                    Agency’s previous finding of safety and               of the application and constitutes a
                                             profiles for both the test and reference                effectiveness for the reference listed                waiver of any contentions concerning
                                             products exhibited PK properties                        drug and is required to meet other                    the legal status of the drug product. FDA
                                             consistent with those observed in the                   requirements such as demonstrating                    will then withdraw approval of the
                                             54-mg fasting BE study submitted by                     bioequivalence to the reference listed                application, and the drug product may
                                             Mallinckrodt in its ANDA. In particular,                drug to support approval. In the absence              not thereafter be lawfully introduced or
                                             decreased plasma concentrations were                    of information showing bioequivalence                 delivered for introduction into interstate
                                             observed with administration of the                     between the generic drug at issue and                 commerce. Any new drug product
                                             Mallinckrodt product as compared to                     the reference listed drug, there is no                introduced or delivered for introduction
                                             CONCERTA after 6 to 7 hours. The 90                     basis for concluding that the Agency’s                into interstate commerce without an
                                             percent CI of the geometric mean test-                  finding of safety and efficacy (or                    approved application is subject to
                                             to-reference ratio for AUC7–12 was below                substantial evidence of effectiveness)                regulatory action at any time.
                                             the 80 percent to 125 percent BE                        supporting approval of the reference                     A request for a hearing may not rest
Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                             acceptance range (at 60.99 percent to                   listed drug likewise supports approval                upon mere allegations or denials, but
                                             70.50 percent). All other metrics were                  of the generic drug.                                  must present specific facts showing that
                                                                                                        Therefore, based on all available data             there is a genuine and substantial issue
                                             absorption from 7 to 12 hours post-dosing. See, e.g.,   and information, notice is given to                   of fact that requires a hearing. If a
                                             the draft guidance for industry entitled                Mallinckrodt and to all other interested              request for a hearing is not complete or
                                             ‘‘Bioequivalence Studies with Pharmacokinetic
                                             Endpoints for Drugs Submitted under an ANDA’’           persons that the Director of CDER                     is not supported, the Commissioner of
                                             (Ref. 3).                                               proposes to issue an order, under                     Food and Drugs will enter summary


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:19 Oct 17, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00052   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM   18OCN1


                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Notices                                          71741

                                             judgment against the person who                         6. Memorandum to Janet Woodcock, Director,               • Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for
                                             requests the hearing, making findings                       Center for Drug Evaluation and Research,          written/paper request for a hearing):
                                             and conclusions, and denying a hearing.                     in Support of Beginning Approval                  Division of Dockets Management (HFA–
                                                All submissions under this notice of                     Withdrawal Proceedings for ANDA
                                                                                                                                                           305), Food and Drug Administration,
                                                                                                         202608 (October 1, 2016, Peters).
                                             opportunity for a hearing must be filed                                                                       5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville,
                                             in two copies. Except for data and                        Dated: October 12, 2016.                            MD 20852.
                                             information prohibited from public                      Janet Woodcock,                                          Because your request for a hearing
                                             disclosure under 21 U.S.C. 331(j) or 18                 Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and              will be made public, you are solely
                                             U.S.C. 1905, the submissions may be                     Research.                                             responsible for ensuring that your
                                             seen in the Division of Dockets                         [FR Doc. 2016–25093 Filed 10–17–16; 8:45 am]          request does not include any
                                             Management (see ADDRESSES) between 9                    BILLING CODE 4164–01–P                                confidential information that you may
                                             a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through                                                                               not wish to be publicly posted, such as
                                             Friday, and will be posted to the docket                                                                      confidential business information, e.g., a
                                             at http://www.regulations.gov.                          DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                              manufacturing process. The request for
                                                This notice is issued under section                  HUMAN SERVICES                                        a hearing must include the Docket No.
                                             505(e) of the FD&C Act and under the                                                                          FDA–2016–N–3120 for ‘‘Kremers Urban
                                             authority delegated to the Director of                  Food and Drug Administration                          Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Proposal to
                                             CDER by the Commissioner of Food and                    [Docket No. FDA–2016–N–3120]                          Withdraw Approval of an Abbreviated
                                             Drugs.                                                                                                        New Drug Application for Extended-
                                                                                                     Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals Inc.;                   Release Methylphenidate Tablets;
                                             IV. References                                                                                                Opportunity for a Hearing.’’ The request
                                                                                                     Proposal To Withdraw Approval of an
                                               The following references are on                       Abbreviated New Drug Application for                  for a hearing will be placed in the
                                             display in the Division of Dockets                      Extended-Release Methylphenidate                      docket and publicly viewable at http://
                                             Management (see ADDRESSES) and are                      Tablets; Opportunity for a Hearing                    www.regulations.gov or at the Division
                                             available for viewing by interested                                                                           of Dockets Management between 9 a.m.
                                             persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,                      AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,              and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
                                             Monday through Friday; they are also                    HHS.                                                     Kremers Urban Pharmaceutical Inc.,
                                             available electronically at http://                     ACTION:   Notice.                                     may submit all data and analysis upon
                                             www.regulations.gov. FDA has verified                                                                         which the request for a hearing relies in
                                                                                                     SUMMARY:   The Food and Drug                          the same manner as the request for a
                                             the Web site addresses, as of the date
                                                                                                     Administration’s (FDA or Agency)                      hearing except as follows:
                                             this document publishes in the Federal
                                                                                                     Center for Drug Evaluation and Research                  • Confidential Submissions—To
                                             Register, but Web sites are subject to
                                                                                                     (CDER) is proposing to withdraw                       submit any data and analyses with
                                             change over time.
                                                                                                     approval of an abbreviated new drug                   confidential information that you do not
                                             1. Swanson, J.M., et al., ‘‘A Comparison of             application (ANDA) for
                                                  Once-Daily Extended-Release                                                                              wish to be made publicly available,
                                                                                                     methylphenidate hydrochloride (HCl)                   submit your data and analyses only as
                                                  Methylphenidate Formulations in                    extended-release (ER) tablets and is
                                                  Children With Attention-Deficit/                                                                         a written/paper submission. You should
                                                  Hyperactivity Disorder in the Laboratory
                                                                                                     announcing an opportunity for the                     submit two copies total of all data and
                                                  School (The Comacs Study),’’ Pediatrics,           holder of the ANDA to request a hearing               analysis. One copy will include the
                                                  vol. 113, pp. 206–216, 2004.                       on this proposal.                                     information you claim to be confidential
                                             2. FDA, draft guidance for industry,                    DATES: Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals                  with a heading or cover note that states
                                                  ‘‘Bioequivalence Recommendations for               Inc., may submit a request for a hearing              ‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS
                                                  CONCERTA (Methylphenidate                          by November 17, 2016. Submit all data,
                                                  Hydrochloride) Extended-Release
                                                                                                                                                           CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The
                                                                                                     information, and analyses upon which                  Agency will review this copy, including
                                                  Tablets,’’ November 2014 (available at
                                                                                                     the request for a hearing relies by                   the claimed confidential information, in
                                                  http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/
                                                  GuidanceComplianceRegulatory                       December 19, 2016. Submit written or                  its consideration of any decisions on
                                                  Information/Guidances/                             electronic comments by December 19,                   this matter. The second copy, which
                                                  UCM320007.pdf).                                    2016.                                                 will have the claimed information
                                             3. FDA, draft guidance for industry,                    ADDRESSES: The request for a hearing                  redacted/blacked out, will be available
                                                  ‘‘Bioequivalence Studies With                      may be submitted by Kremers Urban                     for public viewing and posted on http://
                                                  Pharmacokinetic Endpoints for Drugs                                                                      www.regulations.gov or available at the
                                                                                                     Pharmaceuticals Inc., by either of the
                                                  Submitted Under an ANDA,’’ December
                                                  2013 (available at http://www.fda.gov/             following methods:                                    Division of Dockets Management
                                                  Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatory                                                                       between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
                                                                                                     Electronic Submissions                                through Friday. Submit both copies to
                                                  Information/Guidances/UCM377465).
                                             4. Dighe, S.V. and W.P. Adams.                            Submit electronic comments in the                   the Division of Dockets Management.
                                                  ‘‘Bioequivalence: A United States                  following way:                                        Any information marked as
                                                  Regulatory Perspective.’’ In Welling,                • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://               ‘‘confidential’’ will not be disclosed
                                                  P.G., L.S. Tse, and S.V. Dighe, eds.,              www.regulations.gov. Follow the                       except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20
                                                  Pharmaceutical Bioequivalence. New                 instructions for submitting comments to               and other applicable disclosure law.
                                                  York: Marcel Dekker, Inc., pp. 347–380,            submit your request for a hearing. Your                  Comments Submitted by Other
                                                  1991.                                              request for a hearing submitted                       Interested Parties: For all comments
                                             5. Kimko, H., et al., ‘‘Population                      electronically to http://
                                                  Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Various
                                                                                                                                                           submitted by other interested parties
Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  Extended-Release Formulations of
                                                                                                     www.regulations.gov, including any                    you may submit comments as follows:
                                                  Methylphenidate in Children With                   attachments to the request for hearing,
                                                                                                     will be posted to the docket unchanged.               Electronic Submissions
                                                  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
                                                  Via Meta-Analysis,’’ Journal of                                                                            Submit electronic comments in the
                                                                                                     Written/Paper Submissions                             following way:
                                                  Pharmacokinetics and
                                                  Pharmacodynamics, vol. 39(2), pp. 161–               Submit written/paper submissions as                   • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                                  176, 2012.                                         follows:                                              www.regulations.gov. Follow the


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:19 Oct 17, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00053   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM   18OCN1



Document Created: 2016-10-17 23:52:18
Document Modified: 2016-10-17 23:52:18
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesMallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals may submit a request for a hearing by November 17, 2016. Submit all data, information, and analyses upon which the request for a hearing relies by December 19, 2016. Submit written or electronic comments by December 19, 2016.
ContactMaryll W. Toufanian, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 75, Rm. 1716, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 240- 402-7944.
FR Citation81 FR 71737 

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR