Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) Practice Exam

What type of communication does FDA use when additional information is needed for an NDA or ANDA?

1. Complete response letter

2. Request for additional trials

3. Pre-approval inspection invitation

4. Clarification notice

The correct answer is: Complete response letter

The FDA utilizes a complete response letter as a means of communication when additional information is required for a New Drug Application (NDA) or Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA). This type of correspondence indicates that the review process has been completed, but the FDA has identified issues that preclude the approval of the application in its current form. The letter outlines specific deficiencies or questions regarding the application that need to be addressed before the NDA or ANDA can potentially be approved. The complete response letter serves as a formal notification to the applicant about what is necessary to address the concerns raised by the FDA. It provides clarity on the regulatory requirements and guides the applicant on the next steps needed for resubmission. This communication is critical because it ensures that both the FDA and the applicant are aligned in terms of expectations and requirements regarding the approval process. In contrast, a request for additional trials would not typically be issued as a standalone communication; rather, it would often be part of the feedback provided in a complete response letter. A pre-approval inspection invitation occurs when the FDA is ready to inspect the manufacturing facility, and a clarification notice does not represent the level of depth and regulatory concern that a complete response letter entails.