Beginning in August 2020, applications for some novel cancer drugs and biologics will have to include reports on molecularly targeted pediatric investigations; agency is already working with sponsors on pediatric study development plans and expects to issue two draft guidances soon.

In addition to reviewing proposed lists of targets for relevance to pediatric cancer, advisory committee will discuss possible criteria for prioritizing same-in-class agents for evaluation and ways to promote international collaboration and global development; proposed list of substantially relevant targets is growing.

Initial draft list of molecular target candidates has industry, investigators and patient advocates asking how the agency intends to prioritize targets and same-in-class molecules for pediatric studies, and how frequently it will update the list; industry representatives divided as to whether ‘broader is better’ when it comes to the target list.