Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

Swissmedic: Permanent participation in "Orbis"

On 17 February 2021, Swissmedic announced that it will now permanently support the "Orbis" project. Orbis enables manufacturers to submit their marketing authorization applications submitted to the US FDA simultaneously to other international regulatory authorities, provided they participate in the project.

The goal of the project, initiated by the US FDA's Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE), is to accelerate the marketing authorization process for new cancer therapies worldwide.   

The applications submitted for marketing authorization are reviewed in cooperation with the FDA. Innovative therapeutic approaches thus reach the market and are made available to patients more quickly. Swissmedic participated in the project in 2020 in a pilot trial.  

As of March 1, 2021, the new Orbis HMV4 project guideline will come into force, describing the conditions for participation and the processes.   

Declarations of consent are required for the exchange of information between the FDA and the other authorities. For this purpose, you will find an updated version of the following forms on the Swissmedic website, also from 1 March:  

  • New authorisation of human medicinal products HMV4 
  • Variations and extensions HMV4  

In addition to Swissmedic, Health Canada, Japan's PMDA and the Australian regulatory authority TGA are also involved in the project.


Sources:

Swissmedic: Swissmedic permanently involved in Project Orbis

Swissmedic: ZL000_00_048e_WL Guidance document Project Orbis HMV4

US FDA: Project Orbis

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be interested in the following articles:

How is a QRM process initiated?

How is a QRM process initiated?

You can view the answer here:
Read more
FDA: Updated Pre-RFD Guidance for Combination Products

FDA: Updated Pre-RFD Guidance for Combination Products

The U.S. FDA has released an updated final guidance on preparing a Pre-Request for Designation (Pre-RFD), replacing the previous 2018 version. The revised document provides new recommendations for interacting with the Office of Combination Products (OCP) and clarifies expectations for Pre-RFD submissions.
Read more
EDQM: 9 Virtual Training Modules on Ph. Eur. and CEPs

EDQM: 9 Virtual Training Modules on Ph. Eur. and CEPs

The EDQM has introduced a modular training programme covering chemically defined active substances and medicinal products. It will take place between 1 and 12 December 2025.
Read more
 Data Integrity and Data Governance

Data Integrity and Data Governance

Data integrity is a key element in the pharmaceutical quality assurance system which has gained importance in recent years, especially from the viewpoint of the authorities. In GxP-regulated companies, managers are responsible for identifying and minimising risks to data integrity (“data governance”).

Read more
EMA Clarifies “Novel or Complex Manufacturing Process” Definition

EMA Clarifies “Novel or Complex Manufacturing Process” Definition

In its Quality of Medicines Q&A – Part 1, the EMA has clarified how “novel or complex manufacturing processes” should be interpreted for variation categories Q.II.b.1 (new/replacement finished product manufacturing site) and Q.II.b.4 (change in batch size).
Read more
EU: Environment Committee Comments on EU Regulation Regarding Critical Medicines

EU: Environment Committee Comments on EU Regulation Regarding Critical Medicines

The Environment Committee of the European Parliament has issued its opinion on the proposed EU Regulation to strengthen the availability of critical medicines. Key recommendations include fast-track permitting, simplified environmental assessments, and support for strategic manufacturing projects to boost EU production capacity.
Read more
Previous
Next