Preparation of a Nonclinical Overview Based on Scientific Literature

Current requirements for the registration dossier include submission of a preclinical (nonclinical) overview, including scientific literature data on preclinical studies and actual preclinical data on the medicinal product. For some groups of medicines, scientific literature data may be used instead of actual preclinical data, which may be redundant. One of the important functions of the scientific literature review is the analysis of updated preclinical information on the medicinal product, which reflects the product’s characteristics, supports conclusions on its efficacy or safety, and may affect the results of the benefit/risk assessment. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal format for presenting scientific literature data in a nonclinical overview that would reflect the methodological aspects of preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies of medicines. The authors analysed the regulations of the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Economic Union containing requirements for the scientific literature review submitted instead of actual preclinical data as part of the registration dossier for a medicinal product. The authors also considered potential difficulties in preparing a nonclinical overview based on scientific literature. In order to systematise scientific literature data, it is recommended to provide pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological data using a format consistent with the common technical document. The proposed recommendations help to harmonise the process of preparation and design of a nonclinical overview which should contain data and facts enabling a reasoned assessment of the benefit/risk ratio. The standardised format of literature data presentation will help the developer prepare an adequate nonclinical overview and will speed up assessment of clinical trial or marketing authorisation applications.