Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, Vol 16, Issue 5, 1-6Review Article

ENHANCING OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG REGULATION THROUGH USER FEE PROGRAM

CHANDANA A. N.1, SANGITA MISHRA2, M. ARJUN3, M. P. VENKATESH4*

1,2,3Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Group, Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagar, Mysuru-570015, Karnataka, India. 4Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagar, Mysuru-570015, Karnataka, India and Guest Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Malaysia
*Corresponding author: M. P. Venkatesh; Email: venkateshmpv@jssuni.edu.in

Received: 18 Aug 2023, Revised and Accepted: 09 Mar 2024


ABSTRAC

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a distinctive regulatory program known as Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program (OMUFA) to improve the efficacy and security of over-the-counter (OTC) medications made available to consumers. The program, which represents a pivotal shift in the regulatory landscape, aims to address the challenges associated with the oversight of OTC monograph drugs. The OMUFA's primary objective is to expedite the review and approval process of OTC monograph drugs while maintaining stringent safety standards. By imposing user fees on manufacturers and sponsors seeking to bring new OTC products to market or seeking updates for existing ones, the program is designed to support the FDA's ability to allocate additional resources for timely reviews and assessments. This work delves into the key components and mechanics of the OMUFA, such as the user fee structure, types of submissions covered, and the corresponding performance goals established for the FDA. While acknowledging the benefits of the OMUFA, this work also discusses potential challenges and concerns raised by industry stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups. This critical regulatory initiative has the potential to facilitate further research and discussions on optimizing drug safety and access within the OTC market through required modifications and initiatives.

Keywords: FDA, OMUFA, OTC medications, User fees, Efficacy, Safety standards


INTRODUCTION

OTC Medications are an essential part of healthcare, providing readily accessible remedies for common ailments without the need for a prescription. OMUFA was established by the FDA of the United States to guarantee the efficacy, quality, and safety of these medications [1].

The FDA's regulatory actions for OTC monograph pharmaceuticals are supported by the OMUFA program, which was approved by US Congress and is funded in part by industry fees. The FDA and industry reached a "Commitment Letter" agreement that served as the basis for Congress's authorization of the OMUFA Program [2]. As part of this agreement, the FDA committed to upholding performance standards, including the deadlines for reviewing submissions. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD and C) Act's section 744L (6) lists the OTC monograph pharmaceutical activities that OMUFA payments will aid in funding and cover a variety of activities related to OTC monograph drugs as well as facility inspections for such goods [1]. We will also discuss common challenges that manufacturers face and offer recommendations for a successful OMUFA registration. By referring to this, stakeholders can form a clear understanding of the OMUFA registration process and how it can unlock numerous benefits for OTC drug manufacturers [3].

Methods and search criteria

The research carefully considers the activities of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in examining the regulatory frameworks controlling OTC drugs in the United States of America (USA). This paper utilizes guidelines (FDA) and existing literature on the subject published after 2005 to create a representation of OMUFA. Keywords used to search relevant literature and guidelines are “OTC Drugs”, “OTC Monograph”, “FDA User Fees”, “FD and C OTC Regulations”, “OMUFA”.

DISCUSSION

OTC monograph drugs are non-prescription medications that follow specific pre-established guidelines provided by the FDA. These guidelines cover a wide range of therapeutic categories, including pain relief, cough and cold remedies, antacids, and sunscreens. Unlike prescription drugs, which undergo a rigorous approval process, OTC monograph drugs are considered safe and effective based on their active ingredients and dosages [4].

The need for the OTC monograph drug user fee program

Over the years, the OTC market has expanded significantly, with an increasing number of products hitting the shelves. To keep up with the ever-growing volume of OTC drugs and to ensure their safety and efficacy, the FDA recognized the need for additional resources. As a result, the OMUFA was created [5].

Objectives of OMUFA

The primary objectives of OMUFA are as follows:

The impact on consumers

OMUFA has several significant implications for consumers:

The impact on manufacturers

OMUFA affects OTC drug manufacturers in the following ways:

Common OMUFA terminologies

Overview of the OMUFA user fee and its significance

As part of the registration process, manufacturers are required to provide a user fee to OMUFA. This fee is essential for funding the agency's activities and ensuring the efficient processing of registrations. The OMUFA user fee varies depending on the size of the manufacturer and the number of products being registered [16]. It is important to note that the user fee is non-refundable, even if the registration is not approved. Therefore, it is crucial for manufacturers to carefully evaluate their products and ensure they meet al. l the necessary requirements before initiating the registration process [17].

The user fee plays a significant role in the registration process as it helps OMUFA allocate resources and prioritize applications. Manufacturers who pay the user fee are given priority in the processing queue, leading to faster registration approval times. Additionally, the user fee helps maintain the integrity of the registration process by discouraging frivolous or incomplete applications. By charging a user fee, OMUFA ensures that only serious and committed manufacturers proceed with the registration, contributing to a more efficient and effective regulatory system [17].

OMUFA user fees

There are two types of OMUFA User Fees: Facility fees and OTC Monograph Order Request (OMOR) Fee [18]:

OMUFA facility fee

For qualified facilities that manufacture or prepare an OTC monograph drug's finished dosage form; assessments and payments are required annually. Depending on the facility's registration status (i.e., MDF or CMO) in the FDA's Electronic Drug Registration and Listing System (eDRLS), different facility user fee rates apply [19]. Assessment of OMUFA Facility Fees-A facility fee is due for the fiscal year from anybody who owned an OTC monograph facility on December 31 of the fiscal year or at any time during the prior twelve months, including facilities held by contract manufacturing organizations. A reduction in OMUFA facility expenses based on the size or income of an organization is not expressly permitted by the FD and C Act. If a facility was classified in eDRLS as an OTC monograph facility at any time between January 1 and December 31, 2022, it will be assessed an FY 2023 fee [20].

Facilities that are subject to OMUFA fees

OMOR

The term OMOR refers to a request for an administrative order made under section 505G(b)(5) of the FD and C Act, as defined by section 744L (7) of the FD and C Act, about an OTC monograph drug. For an OTC drug monograph, an OMOR request is used to add, remove, or change a condition that is generally recognized as safe and effective [23].

Types of OMORs

Tier 1 OMOR

Any OMOR that has n't been identified as a Tier 2 OMOR [24].

Additions like these serve as examples: An addition of a substance to a monograph including one or more compounds that have already been given the Generally Recognized as Safe and effective (GRASE) label.

Adding a monograph's addition of a new indication after already having one or more GRASE substances and that also pertain to one or more of those GRASE ingredients [25].

Tier 2 OMOR

OMORs could take part in the following: Rearranging the information already present within the drug fact label (DFL). Adding details to the DFL's "Other Information" section (with some restrictions). A modest dosage form adjustment necessitated a change to the Section of the DFL titled "Directions for Use." Standardization of a given finished ingredient's concentration or dose inside a specifically completed monograph. Align the naming of ingredients with a group that creates standards. A term that can be used interchangeably was added [26].

OMOR fees

OMOR Fees are as follows: Except for OMORs that require specific safety-related adjustments. Due on the day the OMOR is submitted. Not accounted for in the facility fees based OMUFA target income estimation [27].

There are two OMOR fee tiers: Tier 1 OMOR Fee and Tier 2 OMOR Fee [27].

OMOR fee exemptions

If the OMOR wants to make specific safety adjustments to a medicine covered by an OTC monograph, no cost will be charged. If the FDA determines that OMOR plans to amend, no fee will be assessed to modify an OTC monograph medicine's drug facts labeling in a way that will strengthen or add to a warning, caution, or contraindication. A declaration describing the dangers of abuse or misuse. A dosage or administration recommendation meant to improve the safety of using the OTC monograph medication covered under Section 744M(a)(2)(C) of the FD and C Act [26].

Fiscal Year 2023 fee schedule

Fee Rates for Facilities

MDF-$26,153

CMO-$17,435

Fee Schedule for OMOR

Tier 1-$517,381

Tier 2-$103,476(28)

Failure to pay fees

Failure to pay user fees accrued in accordance with the FD and C Act's section 744M could result in sanctions for the organization and/or their affiliates based on the type of cost. Additionally, if the fee isn't paid within 30 d after the invoice's issuance, it will be viewed as owing money to the US government. The government may then take legal action to collect the fee if it is not paid. Before declining to accept an OMOR application due to unpaid fees, the FDA is not compelled to notify requestors [28, 29].

Requesters are in the right position to keep an eye on their business partners to see if they are upholding their OMUFA fee responsibilities. Before filing an OMOR, the requestor must make sure that all of them have complied with its user fee responsibilities and those of its affiliates [30].

Facility fees

There are many repercussions if the facility fee is not paid:

OMUFA registration process

The OMUFA registration process involves a few crucial steps as depicted in fig. 1.

Fig. 1: OMUFA registration process

Steps Of OMUFA registration process

Tips for successful OMUFA registration

Common challenges in OMUFA registration

Benefits of OMUFA registration

OMUFA registration offers a wide range of benefits for OTC drug manufacturers.

Penalties for non-compliance with OMUFA registration

Non-compliance with OMUFA registration can have severe consequences for OTC drug manufacturers. The penalties for non-compliance can range from warning letters and fines to product recalls and even legal action. It is essential for manufacturers to understand and fulfill all the requirements of OMUFA registration to avoid these penalties and protect their business reputation. Below are the most common penalties:

Appeal request

The entity may decide to file an appeal if a request is turned down after being given another chance. Within 30 calendar days following the FDA's choice to uphold, an appeal must be made if it rejects a request for a refund or a reduction in user fees [43]. The appeal must contain all of the following details:

All appeal requests must be directed to the Director of CDER's Office of Management and the CDER Formal Dispute Resolution Project Manager at CDERCollections@fda.hhs.gov [45]. The contact information is available on the CDER Formal Dispute Resolution webpage. An alternative is for an organization to mail the FDA the request using a carrier of their choice [46].

CONCLUSION

The OMUFA introduced a user fee system to improve the efficiency and regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) monograph medications. Its goals included expediting FDA assessments, reducing monograph backlogs, and increasing the availability of safe OTC products in the market. The initiative successfully streamlined the approval process for OTC drugs, fostering innovation and facilitating faster access to essential medications. The program potentially empowered the FDA to enhance oversight, ensuring OTC monographs adhere to quality and safety standards. Improved communication between the FDA and industry may have boosted transparency. To accurately assess OMUFA's impact, real-time data is crucial. Manufacturers benefit from OMUFA registration, gaining legal authorization, credibility, and access to resources for market entry. Staying informed and addressing concerns ensures a smooth registration process, offering opportunities for OTC manufacturers in the competitive market.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Authors express sincere gratitude to JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research and JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru for their support in carrying out their work.

FUNDING

No grant or funding was received or requested for this work

AUTHORS CONTRIBUTIONS

CA played a comprehensive role by conceptualizing and designing the study and was involved in literature search, data acquisition and analysis, statistical analysis, manuscript preparation, editing, and review. SM supported in study design and was actively involved in content preparation, data synthesis, manuscript preparation, editing, and review of the same. AM contributed to manuscript preparation, editing, and review. MP helped in the study conceptualization and review of the manuscript.

CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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