OPDP eCTD
On June 24, 2019, FDA issued a final guidance for industry entitled Providing Regulatory Submissions in Electronic and Non-Electronic Format--Promotional Labeling and Advertising Materials for Human Prescription Drugs. This guidance finalizes the draft guidance issued in April 2015. This final guidance outlines the requirements and recommendations for various types of promotional material submissions for prescription drugs and biological products, including the specific formats needed for use in the electronic common technical document (eCTD) as well as non-eCTD and non-electronic formats. Effective June 24, 2021, firms are required to submit electronically all promotional submissions that fall within the scope of section 745A(a) as specified in this guidance. Questions related to the content and format of eCTD submissions to OPDP may be sent to OPDPeCTD@fda.hhs.gov.
The OPDP eCTD page contains all resources and reference materials produced by OPDP in support of the OPDP Electronic Submissions Guidance.
The current version of the FDA Form 2253 and Instructions supplement are available for download as Adobe PDF forms.
OPDP Webinars
What’s New in the OPDP Electronic Submissions Final Guidance?
On August 12, 2019, OPDP recorded a webinar titled “What’s New in the OPDP Electronic Submissions Final Guidance?” The presentation provides an overview of the changes between the draft and final versions of the OPDP Electronic Submissions Guidance.
OPDP Electronic Submissions – Common Errors in eCTD and How to Avoid Them
On October 25, 2019, OPDP presented a webinar titled “OPDP Electronic Submissions – Common Errors in eCTD and How to Avoid Them.” The webinar provides an overview of the common errors OPDP observes in promotional submissions in eCTD format. The webinar also discusses the test submission process including steps for submitting test files to OPDP and the development of test cases to prevent the common errors discussed in the presentation. The webinar was recorded live and includes a Q&A session at the conclusion of the presentation.
OPDP Electronic Submissions – Grouped Promotional Submissions
On August 31, 2021, OPDP presented a webinar titled “Promotional Submissions in eCTD Format – Grouped Submissions.” The webinar provides an overview of the structure and composition of grouped promotional submissions. The webinar also includes examples of common errors related to grouped promotional submissions. Finally, the webinar concludes with a Q&A session.
Ad/Promo eCTD Submissions Roundtable
On November 19, 2019, OPDP moderated a roundtable discussion with presenters from Eli Lilly, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, and Agios Pharmaceuticals. During the discussion, each panel member presented their company’s implementation strategy for the transition to eCTD Ad/Promo submissions. Each presenter discussed the timeline for transitioning to eCTD, their experiences during the transition process, challenges, and lessons learned. The presenters also shared several best practices which were developed through their eCTD implementation experience.
Promotional Submission How-To Videos
OPDP has prepared a series of how-to videos targeted at submitters who are preparing promotional material submissions in eCTD format. The videos in this section provide an overview of the content and eCTD structure requirements for the most common types of OPDP Submissions.
2253 How-To Video
The 2253 How-to video provides an overview of the required files and placement of those files within the eCTD table of contents. The video also provides an example of a properly structured 2253 submission in eCTD format.
Advisory How-To Video
The Advisory How-to video provides an overview of the content that should be included in a Voluntary Request for Comment submission. The video also details the placement of the content files within the eCTD table of contents as well as providing an example of a properly structured Advisory submission in eCTD format.
Accelerated Approval How-To Video
The Accelerated Approval How-to video provides an overview of the content requirements for the Presubmission of Promotional Materials for Accelerated Approval Products. The video discusses the Launch and Non-Launch periods associated with Accelerated Approval Submissions, file requirements, and provides an example of a properly structured Accelerated Approval Submission in eCTD format.
Response to Untitled/Warning Letter in eCTD FAQs
- Can a Response to an Untitled or Warning Letter (UL/WL) be submitted in eCTD?
- Yes – The cover letter should be placed under Heading 1.15.1.6 in the eCTD table of contents.
- Should a Response to UL/WL include a Form?
- No – The Response to UL/WL should only include the cover letter and should not include a Form.
- Can I submit a Test eCTD Submission of a Response to UL/WL?
- Yes – OPDP encourages Submitters to submit a test Response to UL/WL. OPDP suggests that Submitters should document the process for submitting a Response Letter and include these steps in their Response Plans.
- Does OPDP provide any resources to help prepare a mock submission of a Response to UL/WL?
- Yes – Submitters can find the OPDP Test Submission checklist for the Response to UL/WL Submission at this link. The checklist can be used to verify that the eCTD table of contents is structured correctly.
- If a Firm receives an Untitled or Warning Letter, who can they contact if they have any questions regarding a Response to UL/WL in eCTD format?
- Please send any questions to OPDPeCTD@fda.hhs.gov