Bioavailability and bioequivalence: an FDA regulatory overview

Pharm Res. 2001 Dec;18(12):1645-50. doi: 10.1023/a:1013319408893.

Abstract

Bioavailability and/or bioequivalence studies play a key role in the drug development period for both new drug products and their generic equivalents. For both, these studies are also important in the postapproval period in the presence of certain manufacturing changes. Like many regulatory studies, the assessment of bioavailability and bioequivalence can generally be achieved by considering the following three questions. What is the primary question of the study? What are the tests that can be used to address the question? What degree of confidence is needed for the test outcome? This article reviews the regulatory science of bioavailability and bioequivalence and provides FDA's recommendations for drug sponsors who intend to establish bioavailability and/or demonstrate bioequivalence for their pharmaceutical products during the developmental process or after approval.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Availability*
  • Drug Approval
  • Drugs, Generic
  • Drugs, Investigational
  • Legislation, Drug*
  • Therapeutic Equivalency*
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Drugs, Generic
  • Drugs, Investigational