Fighting epidemic, FDA reins supply chain, seeks narrower opioid NDAs

US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has issued a statement outlining his agency’s efforts to stop the illegal importation of drugs and control the drug supply chain. The agency will also seek more more focused New Drug Applications (NDAs) for opioid products.

Noting that the opioid epidemic remains “one of the greatest challenges facing this nation and the FDA,” Dr Gottlieb said his agency was engaged in multiple areas to try to stymy the illicit trade in opioids in the USA.

Part of this work has meant helping target international mail facilities, assigning special agents that work with the FDA's regulatory staff to stop illegally imported drugs and help bring criminal cases to prosecution.