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Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
Published in: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

The influence of the European paediatric regulation on marketing authorisation of orphan drugs for children

Authors: Annemarie Rosan Kreeftmeijer-Vegter, Anthonius de Boer, Roselinda H van der Vlugt-Meijer, Peter J de Vries

Published in: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Drug development for rare diseases is challenging, especially when these orphan drugs (OD) are intended for children. In 2007 the EU Paediatric Drug Regulation was enacted to improve the development of high quality and ethically researched medicines for children through the establishment of Paediatric Investigation Plans (PIPs). The effect of the EU Paediatric Drug Regulation on the marketing authorisation (MA) of drugs for children with rare diseases was studied.

Methods

Data on all designated orphan drugs, their indication, MA, PIPs and indication group (adult or child) were obtained from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The outcome and duration of the process from orphan drug designation (ODD) to MA, was compared, per indication, by age group. The effect of the Paediatric Drug Regulation, implemented in 2007, on the application process was assessed with survival analysis.

Results

Eighty-one orphan drugs obtained MA since 2000 and half are authorised for (a subgroup of) children; another 34 are currently undergoing further investigations in children through agreed PIPs. The Paediatric Drug Regulation did not significantly increase the number of ODDs with potential paediatric indications (58% before vs 64% after 2007 of ODDs, p = 0.1) and did not lead to more MAs for ODs with paediatric indications (60% vs 43%, p = 0.22). ODs authorised after 2007 had a longer time to MA than those authorised before 2007 (Hazard ratio (95% CI) 2.80 (1.84-4.28), p < 0.001); potential paediatric use did not influence the time to MA (Hazard ratio (95% CI) 1.14 (0.77-1.70), p = 0.52).

Conclusions

The EU Paediatric Drug Regulation had a minor impact on development and availability of ODs for children, was associated with a longer time to MA, but ensured the further paediatric development of drugs still off-label to children. The impact of the Paediatric Drug Regulation on research quantity and quality in children through PIPs is not yet clear.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The influence of the European paediatric regulation on marketing authorisation of orphan drugs for children
Authors
Annemarie Rosan Kreeftmeijer-Vegter
Anthonius de Boer
Roselinda H van der Vlugt-Meijer
Peter J de Vries
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1750-1172
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-014-0120-x

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