What is the Well-Established Use pathway?

The well-established use (WEU) pathway for medicinal products is a streamlined process in with European Union (EU) for obtaining marketing authorizations (MAs) for medicines that have already been on the market and have a well-documented history of safe and effective use. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) defines WEU “when an active ingredient of a medicine has been used for more than 10 years and its efficacy and safety have been well established.”. The WUE application pathway is particularly beneficial for generic and biosimilar medicines which allows manufacturers to reference existing data instead of conducting extensive clinical trials to reduce the approval timeline for the product.

Dossiers for WEU products must meet the requirements of Directive 2001/83/EC when demonstrating, using bibliographic data and safety information for the active substance, that the product is safe and efficacious. This application pathway has been used in cases where the reference medicinal product cannot be identified within the EU, and is used as a legal basis for product registration with EMA.

What are the advantages of the WEU pathway?

In addition to expediting the approval pathway for products, the WEU pathway promotes innovation by incentivizing the development of new formulations or dosage forms of existing medicines. Manufacturers can leverage the data on the well-established use of the active substance(s) to support the authorization of these innovative products, leading to a broader range of treatment options for patients.

It also contrizbutes to public health by facilitating timely access to essential medicines. By expediting the authorization process for medicines with a proven track record of safety and efficacy, patients can benefit from earlier access to these treatments, potentially improving health outcomes and quality of life.

What are the key considerations and regulatory challenges associated with the WEU pathway?

A key consideration is the need to establish recognized efficacy and an acceptable level of proven safety for the active substance(s) of the medicinal product. This requires a thorough evaluation of the available evidence, including clinical studies, real-world data, and pharmacovigilance reports. Ensuring that the data meets regulatory standards and addresses any gaps in information can be complex, particularly for medicines with complex mechanisms of action or limited historical data. The WEU pathway requires a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework and guidelines set forth by the EMA and EU member states. This includes compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, pharmacovigilance requirements, and labeling regulations. Navigating these regulatory requirements while preparing the WEU dossier and engaging with regulatory authorities can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

One of the significant regulatory challenges is the potential variability in interpretation and expectations among EU member states. While the EMA provides guidelines and harmonization efforts, differences in local regulations, cultural factors, and healthcare practices can impact the acceptance and review of WEU applications. This can lead to delays or discrepancies in the authorization process, requiring careful coordination and communication with regulatory agencies across multiple jurisdictions. Another challenge is the evolving nature of scientific knowledge and regulatory standards. As new data and technologies emerge, there may be updates to requirements or expectations for demonstrating the safety and efficacy of medicinal products. Keeping abreast of these developments and adapting WEU dossiers accordingly is essential to ensure compliance and successful authorization.