| Followers | 141 |
| Posts | 5785 |
| Boards Moderated | 0 |
| Alias Born | 06/09/2020 |
Wednesday, November 01, 2023 3:00:34 AM
Scenario:
Consider the following case of a new glioblastoma drug.
It has been in a phase 3 trial for 15 years and it shows 2.5 times the efficacy (Overall Survival OS) of standard of care. After data lock primary and secondary endpoints were reached. There were controversies over the trial design though, using External Controls (Historial Controls ECA). 10 years of data from compassionate use (in the UK) care though, supports the results and there are no adverse effects at all taking the drugs, being completely safe. Concurrently with this trial, the drug has been tested in a combo phase 3 trial with an other approved drug for 13 years. A trial showing the stunning efficacy of up to 50%, when using these two drugs together against glioblastoma. Results that are about to be published in Nature before the first trial is approved. The drug will be submitted for approval in the UK and it is believed, that MHRA will approve and politicians support this.
With the above in mind here are the questions.
a) When being considered for approval, will or could the results of the combo trial in any way influence the outcome of the first trial with any regulators (RAs)?1
[b) If being approved by the MHRA in the UK, will or could this in any way influence the outcome for other regulators?
ChatGBT
a) The results of the combo trial with the other approved drug may potentially influence the outcome of the first trial when being considered for approval by regulators (RAs), but it's not guaranteed. The extent to which it could influence the outcome depends on several factors, including the following:
Trial Design and Data Analysis: Regulators will assess the trial design, statistical methods, and data quality of both trials. If the combo trial is well-designed, conducted rigorously, and statistically sound, it could bolster the credibility of the first trial.
Regulatory Agencies' Policies: Different regulatory agencies may have their own policies and guidelines for considering external data or combination therapies. Some agencies may be more open to considering additional data from combo trials, while others may be more conservative.
Strength of Evidence: The strength of the combo trial results, such as the magnitude of the observed efficacy (up to 50%), will also be a crucial factor. If the combo trial demonstrates a substantial improvement in efficacy and has a strong statistical significance, it could positively impact the perception of the first trial.
Consistency with Primary Trial Results: Regulators will assess whether the results from the combo trial are consistent with the first trial's findings. If the combo trial complements the first trial by showing similar or even better results, it may strengthen the case for approval.
Transparency and Data Sharing: The transparency of data and sharing of information between regulatory agencies will also play a role. If the results of the combo trial are well-documented and shared with other regulatory agencies, it may influence their decisions.
It's important to note that regulatory decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and the influence of the combo trial results on the first trial's approval will depend on the specific circumstances and the regulators' assessment.
b) If the drug is approved by the MHRA in the UK, it could influence the outcome for other regulators, but the extent of that influence will vary. Other regulatory agencies may take into consideration the MHRA's decision and the supporting data when evaluating the drug for approval. Factors that could affect how much influence the MHRA's decision has on other regulators include:
International Collaboration: Regulatory agencies often collaborate and share information. A positive decision from a respected agency like the MHRA may carry weight in discussions with other agencies.
Data Quality and Transparency: If the data submitted to the MHRA is of high quality, well-documented, and transparent, other regulators may be more inclined to consider it seriously.
Consistency with Their Own Guidelines: Each regulatory agency has its own guidelines and policies. They will assess the MHRA's decision in the context of their own standards and requirements.
Drug-Specific Considerations: The specific characteristics of the drug, the disease it targets, and the available treatment options in each country may also influence regulatory decisions.
While a favorable MHRA decision can be influential, it doesn't guarantee automatic approval by other regulators. Each regulatory agency will make its decision independently based on the data and information available to them.
BARD
Yes, the results of the combo trial could influence the outcome of the first trial with any regulators. Regulators are always looking for new and improved treatments for cancer, and the fact that the combo trial showed such promising results is likely to pique their interest. They may be more likely to approve the drug based on the results of the combo trial, even if there are some concerns about the design of the first trial.
Whether or not the MHRA's approval of the drug influences the outcome for other regulators is more difficult to say. Each regulator has its own approval process, and they may not give the same weight to the MHRA's decision. However, the fact that the MHRA is a well-respected regulator is likely to have some influence on other regulators.
Here are some specific factors that regulators may consider when deciding whether or not to approve the drug:
The results of the first trial, including the criticisms of the trial design.
The results of the combo trial.
The safety of the drug, as demonstrated by the 10 years of data from compassionate use care.
The unmet need for new and improved treatments for glioblastoma.
The opinions of medical experts.
Regulators will weigh all of these factors carefully before making a decision about whether or not to approve the drug.
Overall, I think it is likely that the results of the combo trial and the MHRA's approval of the drug will both have a positive influence on the outcome for other regulators. However, it is impossible to say for sure whether or not the drug will be approved by all regulators.
Recent NWBO News
- Northwest Biotherapeutics Appoints Dr. Annalisa Jenkins As Strategic Adviser To Advance Dendritic Cell Cancer Vaccine Platform • PR Newswire (US) • 04/30/2026 04:38:00 PM
- Northwest Biotherapeutics Appoints Dr. Annalisa Jenkins As Strategic Adviser To Advance Dendritic Cell Cancer Vaccine Platform • PR Newswire (US) • 04/30/2026 04:30:00 PM
- Northwest Biotherapeutics Announces Establishment Of the Company's Own Dedicated Leukapheresis Clinic • PR Newswire (US) • 04/21/2026 01:30:00 PM
- Northwest Biotherapeutics Announces Establishment Of the Company's Own Dedicated Leukapheresis Clinic • PR Newswire (US) • 04/21/2026 01:30:00 PM
- Form EFFECT - Notice of Effectiveness • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 04/21/2026 04:15:08 AM
- Form POS AM - Post-Effective amendments for registration statement • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 04/16/2026 09:25:30 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 04/07/2026 04:30:50 PM
- Form NT 10-K - Notification of inability to timely file Form 10-K 405, 10-K, 10-KSB 405, 10-KSB, 10-KT, or 10-KT405 • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 03/31/2026 09:04:37 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 01/15/2026 10:06:20 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 01/02/2026 10:14:59 PM
- Form DEF 14A - Other definitive proxy statements • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 11/28/2025 09:43:27 PM
- Form 424B5 - Prospectus [Rule 424(b)(5)] • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 11/25/2025 10:23:07 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 11/20/2025 09:26:03 PM
- Form PRE 14A - Other preliminary proxy statements • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 11/19/2025 09:15:48 PM
- Form 10-Q - Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 11/14/2025 09:44:21 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 10/31/2025 04:29:10 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 10/30/2025 08:40:05 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 10/24/2025 04:28:38 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 10/14/2025 06:22:26 PM
- Form 10-Q - Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 08/14/2025 09:00:38 PM
- Form 424B5 - Prospectus [Rule 424(b)(5)] • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 07/01/2025 09:04:38 PM

