When can a New Drug Application (NDA) be filed?

• A. When early tests and preclinical and clinical research indicate that a drug is safe and effective for its intended use
• B. After marketing
• C. After Phase 2 is complete
• D. When the company seeks marketing

Answer: (A)

Submitting an NDA happens when there is solid evidence from both nonclinical (preclinical) and clinical studies showing the drug is safe and effective for its intended use. This means data from laboratory and animal tests plus human trials across the development timeline have demonstrated that the benefits outweigh the risks in the target population, and there’s robust information on how to manufacture, test, and control the product. Only with that comprehensive safety and efficacy package can regulators consider granting marketing authorization. Filing after marketing is not appropriate, and waiting only until Phase 2 isn’t sufficient without the full set of Phase 3 results and manufacturing data.