General Guidelines for the Clinical Evaluation of Anti-Infective Drug Products

Abstract

This document provides new general guidelines for the design and execution of studies evaluating anti-infective drugs for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases. The first step in evaluation is the determination of in vitro microbial susceptibility. Next, studies are conducted in animals. Several animal models provide information useful in the prediction of appropriate dosing and activity in humans. If the results of these studies are favorable, staged clinical trials are then conducted. These guidelines reflect changes in the practice of medicine, dealing with topics such as the switch from parenteral to oral drug administration during a course of therapy, treatment in settings other than acute-care hospitals, and the use of alternative comparison drugs for the study of indications or dosing schedules not covered by the product label. Because further changes in practice are anticipated, the present guidelines will need to be updated and revised periodically.