Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical-product companies often outsource research and manufacturing needs to contracting or partnering organizations but then must manage a challenging patchwork of regulatory activities. A standalone regulatory agreement could clarify the relationships and responsibilities between companies working jointly on a single regulated product. This study explored the need for and current use of standalone regulatory agreements. METHODS: A survey instrument was developed using an implementation framework and disseminated to mid- to senior-level employees and consultants for sponsor and vendor companies in the medical products sector. RESULTS: Of 294 respondents, about half, primarily from companies with more than 200 employees, were familiar with standalone regulatory agreements, and half of this subgroup had moved forward to implement them. Such agreements were considered beneficial to clarify regulatory roles and responsibilities, standardize regulatory expectations between the companies, and stimulate earlier discussion about joint regulatory strategies. However, the development of regulatory agreements appears challenged by the fact that such agreements are not required by regulatory agencies overseeing medical products and have no standardized templates, agency or industry guidance. Respondents whose organizations do not now use regulatory agreements either had not considered or did not see a need for a standalone agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Standalone regulatory agreements are becoming more common but are not yet implemented fully by most companies. Their usefulness and content appeared to depend upon the type of partner, the complexity of the relationship and the availability of internal expertise and support.