New Chemical Entities
An NCE is a type of chemical compound that has not been previously reported in scientific literature. It is a newly discovered chemical entity that has not been studied or characterized before. The discovery of NCEs is an important part of drug discovery research, as these compounds have the potential to be developed into new drugs for treating various diseases and medical conditions. Pharmaceutical companies invest significant time and resources into identifying and developing NCEs, with the ultimate goal of bringing new and effective treatments to patients. NCEs can come from a variety of sources, including natural products, synthetic chemistry, and biotechnology, and must go through extensive testing and regulatory approval processes before they can be brought to market.
In Europe, if a medicine contains a new chemical entity (NCE), the company can submit an application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for a Marketing Authorisation using the Centralised Procedure. Alternatively, they can submit an application to an individual Member State's regulatory authority, such as the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). If the medicine has already been authorised in another Member State, the company can use the Mutual Recognition Procedure to apply for authorisation in additional countries.
New Chemical Entities (NCEs) can receive exclusivity from the FDA, which gives the company holding the approved drug application a limited protection period from new competition. It is crucial for those involved in the development of a new medicine to recognize the significance of regulatory affairs support and advice. By addressing regulatory strategy at an early stage, companies can increase their chances of bringing their product to the market efficiently and minimize the risk of being overtaken by competitors. This emphasizes the need for companies to seek professional guidance to ensure that they comply with regulatory requirements, meet necessary standards, and achieve successful market entry.