Effective communication with FDA through various FDA meetings is essential for a smooth and efficient drug development process. While Type A, B, and C meetings have long been established as key regulatory meeting types, FDA introduced Type D meetings as a faster, more streamlined option for sponsors seeking targeted feedback on specific, time-sensitive questions.

For sponsors looking to clarify regulatory expectations without the need for a full-scale formal meeting, Type D meetings provide a valuable, expedited alternative.

What is a Type D Meeting?

A Type D meeting is a newly defined FDA meeting category designed for sponsors who need rapid input on narrow, focused regulatory questions. Unlike Type A, B, or C meetings, which often cover broad development topics or major regulatory milestones, Type D meetings aim to resolve discrete issues rapidly.

FDA has provided draft guidance outlining the specific regulations and recommendations for Type D meetings, ensuring that sponsors understand the procedures and expectations.

Key characteristics of a Type D meeting include:

  • Limited to two focused questions related to a drug’s development.
  • Intended for questions that do not require extensive FDA review or lengthy discussion.
  • Provides written responses within 50 days—a faster turnaround than Type C meetings.
  • Allows for a shorter, more efficient interaction with FDA reviewers.

When to Submit a Type D Meeting Request

Sponsors should consider a Type D meeting when they need quick regulatory guidance on well-defined issues, such as:

  • Clarification of specific clinical or nonclinical study requirements.
  • Feedback on an individual protocol element (e.g., dosing, statistical analysis, or patient population).
  • Advice on a single aspect of manufacturing or quality concerns that does not require a broader discussion.
  • Pre-submission or post-submission clarifications that need a timely response.

Type D meetings can be particularly useful for sponsors who need guidance before a pre-IND meeting, helping to address specific regulatory uncertainties early in the development process.

Unlike Type C meetings, which accommodate a wide range of discussion topics, Type D meetings focus on resolving specific regulatory uncertainties without unnecessary delays.

Submitting a Type D FDA Meeting Request

When submitting a meeting request, sponsors should ensure they provide all necessary information to facilitate a productive discussion with FDA. The meeting request should include a clear description of the purpose of the meeting, the specific topics to be discussed, and any relevant background information. Sponsors should clearly state they are requesting aType D meeting.

It is essential to note that FDA has specific requirements for meeting requests, including the submission of a meeting package that contains relevant product information and supplementary materials. Sponsors should carefully review FDA’s guidance on formal meetings to ensure that they comply with all requirements.

In addition, sponsors should be mindful of FDA timelines for responding to meeting requests, which is typically within 14 days of submission.

Advantages of a FDA Type D Meeting

Type D meetings provide several key benefits for drug developers:

  • Faster FDA response times: Written responses within 50 days, compared to 75 days for Type C meetings. FDA aims to provide preliminary responses to sponsors’ questions within specific timelines, ensuring effective preparation for the meeting.
  • More efficient regulatory interactions: No need for a full meeting when only a few key questions require input.
  • Reduced burden on sponsors: Less preparation required compared to Type B or C meetings.
  • Helps maintain development timelines: Timely responses prevent regulatory uncertainty from delaying progress.

How to Maximize the Value of a Type D FDA Meeting

Since Type D meetings are limited to two focused questions, sponsors must ensure their request is precise, well-supported, and strategically framed to elicit the most useful response from FDA.

Best practices for a successful Type D meeting request:

  1. Keep questions clear and specific: FDA expects concise, well-defined questions that do not require an extensive data review.
  2. Provide necessary context: Include supporting data or rationale to help FDA provide an informed response.
  3. Ensure the issue is truly time-sensitive: Type D meetings are ideal for questions that impact immediate development decisions.
  4. Work with regulatory experts: Consulting with specialists, like those at Facet Life Sciences, helps refine your request to maximize regulatory clarity and minimize risk.

Seeking regulatory advice from experts can help sponsors frame their questions more effectively and ensure they receive the most useful feedback from FDA.

Facet Life Sciences: Your Partner in FDA Interactions

Navigating the FDA meeting process requires strategic planning and expert guidance. At Facet Life Sciences, we help sponsors prepare meeting requests, develop briefing packages, and interpret FDA feedback, ensuring that Type D meetings provide clear, actionable outcomes.

If you need targeted FDA input on a specific, time-sensitive issue, a Type D meeting may be the right choice. Contact Facet Life Sciences today to streamline your regulatory interactions, get the most out of your meetings with FDA, and keep your development program on track.