Peculiarities of the Regulatory Status of Radiopharmaceuticals Manufactured in Medical Organisations

Abstract

Radiopharmaceuticals, the medicinal products containing radioactive isotopes, hold a special place among the other medicines. The aim of the study was to analyse regulatory peculiarities of the production and subsequent life cycle of radiopharmaceuticals, associated with the unique physicochemical properties, production process, distribution, and clinical use. The article reviews regulatory decisions adopted in Russia and a number of other countries that, in certain circumstances, allow medical organisations not licensed as manufacturers to compound radiopharmaceuticals for in-house use without marketing authorisation. Unstable isotopes in radiopharmaceuticals reduce the risk of microbial contamination, so the quality control requirements may be relaxed. The described regulatory framework, which came into effect 12 years ago, provided an opportunity for a many-fold increase in the number of radiopharmaceuticals for radionuclide diagnosis and treatment of severe socially significant diseases. In recent years, a number of countries have adopted regulations making it possible to supply the radiopharmaceuticals manufactured by medical organisations outside the usual marketing authorisation track to other medical organisations. If adopted in Russia, a similar regulation will further expand the access to effective methods of diagnosis and treatment for patients.