Investigational new drug or device exemption

An Investigational New Drug Application (IND) is a request for authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to administer an investigational drug or biological product to humans. Such authorization must be secured prior to interstate shipment and administration of any new drug or biological product that is not the subject of an approved New Drug Application or Biologics/Product License Application.

Information on Submitting an Investigational New Drug Application

An Investigational New Drug Application (IND) is a request for authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to administer an investigational drug or biological product to humans. Such authorization must be secured prior to interstate shipment and administration of any new drug or biological product that is not the subject of an approved New Drug Application or Biologics/Product License Application. The following forms and informational material are provided for assistance in preparing and submitting an IND for a biological product. All Biological IND submissions must be made in triplicate and should be addressed as follows:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research

Document Control Center

10903 New Hampshire Avenue

WO71, G112

Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002

Product Development Under the Animal Rule

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of a guidance for industry entitled “Product Development Under the Animal Rule.” When human efficacy studies are not ethical and field trials are not feasible, FDA may rely on adequate and well-controlled animal efficacy studies to support approval of a drug or licensure of a biological product under the Animal Rule. This guidance finalizes the 2014 revised draft guidance for industry “Product Development Under the Animal Rule.” It is intended to help potential stakeholders (industry, academia, and government) understand FDA's expectations for product development under the Animal Rule.

Expanded Access to Experimental Biologics

Clinical trials are studies of drugs and biologics that are still in development and have not yet been approved by the FDA. Many patients enroll in clinical trials to gain access to investigational therapies and contribute to finding out how well an investigational therapy works, and how safe it is for patients. Obtaining a drug or biologic under an expanded access program may be an option for some patients who are not able to enroll in clinical trials. The FDA has allowed expanded access to experimental drugs and biologics since the 1970s. That access has allowed tens of thousands of patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other conditions to receive promising therapies when no approved alternative is available.