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###### Department of Health and Human Services

###### Food and Drug Administration

          - [Docket No. FDA-2014-D-1439]

# AGENCY:

Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

# ACTION:

Notice.

# SUMMARY:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a guidance for industry entitled “Critical Path Innovation Meetings.” This guidance describes a Critical Path Innovation Meeting (CPIM), a means by which FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and investigators from industry, academia, government, and patient advocacy groups can communicate to improve efficiency and success in drug development. The goals of the CPIM are to discuss a methodology or technology proposed by the meeting requester and for CDER to provide general advice on how this methodology or technology might enhance drug development. The discussions and background information submitted through the CPIM are nonbinding on both FDA and CPIM requesters.

# DATES:

Submit either electronic or written comments on Agency guidances at any time.

# ADDRESSES:

                        Submit written requests for single copies of this guidance to the Division of Drug Information, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food                               ( print page 17052)                            and Drug Administration, 10001 New Hampshire Ave., Hillandale Building, 4th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20993. Send one self-addressed adhesive label to assist that office in processing your requests. See the                         **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION**                         section for electronic access to the guidance document.                    

                        Submit electronic comments on the guidance to                         *http://www.regulations.gov.*                         Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Alicia Barbieri Stuart, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 21, Rm. 4547, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301-796-3852.

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

## I. Background

FDA is announcing the availability of a guidance for industry entitled “Critical Path Innovation Meetings.” The guidance describes the purpose and scope of a CPIM and how to request such a meeting. A CPIM provides the opportunity to discuss a methodology or technology proposed by the meeting requester and for CDER to provide general advice on how the methodology or technology might enhance drug development. During a CPIM, CDER will identify some of the larger gaps in existing knowledge that requesters might consider addressing in the course of their work. The discussions and background information submitted through the CPIM are nonbinding on both FDA and CPIM requesters. The CPIM initiative meets Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) V Reauthorization Goal IX.A, “Enhancing Regulatory Science and Expediting Drug Development” by “Promoting Innovation Through Enhanced Communication Between FDA and Sponsors During Drug Development.”

This guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The guidance represents the current thinking of FDA on “Critical Path Innovation Meetings.” It does not establish any rights for any person and is not binding on FDA or the public. You can use an alternative approach if it satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

## II. The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

This guidance refers to previously approved collections of information that are subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The collection of information in 21 CFR part 312 (investigational new drug applications) has been approved under OMB control number 0910-0014. The collection of information in 21 CFR part 314 (new drug applications) has been approved under OMB control number 0910-0001. The collection of information resulting from formal meetings between interested persons and FDA has been approved under OMB control number 0910-0429.

## III. Comments

                    Interested persons may submit either electronic comments regarding this document to                     *http://www.regulations.gov*                     or written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (see                     **ADDRESSES**                    ). It is only necessary to send one set of comments. Identify comments with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be posted to the docket at                     *http://www.regulations.gov.*

## IV. Electronic Access

                    Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the document at either                     *http://www.fda.gov/​Drugs/​GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/​Guidances/​default.htm*                     or                     *http://www.regulations.gov.*

Dated: March 24, 2015.

Leslie Kux,

Associate Commissioner for Policy.

[FR Doc. 2015-07272 Filed 3-30-15; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4164-01-P