Given inconsistent study results, robustness of the efficacy evidence is expected to be key focus of the 6 November meeting of the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee; review could put a December 2019 guidance on the ‘substantial evidence’ standard to the test and offer insight into the amount of flexibility the agency is willing to exercise for neurodegenerative diseases with high unmet need.

The October panel will not review a specific application, but is expected to offer FDA advice on whether emergency use authorization is an appropriate pathway for COVID vaccines, and what data would be needed for full licensure. Sponsors may present data on their candidate vaccines.

Seven pharmacies have filed a lawsuit against the FDA claiming the agency exceeded its statutory authority in its final standard memorandum of understanding on interstate compounding and that the MOU will have an adverse impact on compounding pharmacies and patients.