FDA may grant marketing approval for a biological product on the basis of adequate and well-controlled clinical trials establishing that the biological product has an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely, based on epidemiologic, therapeutic, pathophysiologic, or other evidence, to predict clinical benefit or on the basis of an effect on a clinical endpoint other than survival or irreversible morbidity. Approval under this section will be subject to the requirement that the applicant study the biological product further, to verify and describe its clinical benefit, where there is uncertainty as to the relation of the surrogate endpoint to clinical benefit, or of the observed clinical benefit to ultimate outcome. Postmarketing studies would usually be studies already underway. When required to be conducted, such studies must also be adequate and well-controlled. The applicant shall carry out any such studies with due diligence.
21 CFR Part 601 · Licensing
§ 601.41 Approval based on a surrogate endpoint or on an effect on a clinical endpoint other than survival or irreversible morbidity
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FDA guidance that cites § 601.41
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Developing Drugs for Treatment 8 May 2026
- Expedited Programs for Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Serious Conditions: Draft Guidance for Industry draft 24 Sept 2025
- Development and Licensure of Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19: Guidance for Industry 19 Oct 2023
- Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Developing Drugs for Treatment 7 Apr 2022
- Postmarketing Studies and Clinical Trials—Implementation of Section 505(o)(3) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Guidance for Industry: Draft Guidance for Industry draft 25 Oct 2019
- Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Transplantation: Developing Drugs for Prevention Guidance for Industry 29 Jul 2019
- Expedited Programs for Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Serious Conditions: Guidance for Industry 15 Feb 2019
- Labeling for Human Prescription Drug and Biological Products Approved Under the Accelerated Approval Regulatory Pathway 4 Feb 2019
- Postmarketing Studies and Clinical Trials—Implementation of Section 505(o)(3) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Guidance for Industry 12 Apr 2011
- Clinical Data Needed to Support the Licensure of Pandemic Influenza Vaccines: Guidance for Industry 31 May 2007
- Clinical Data Needed to Support the Licensure of Seasonal Inactivated Influenza Vaccines: Guidance for Industry 31 May 2007
Amendment history
Federal Register documents that created or amended this section.
- 38 FR 32052 20 Nov 1973