21 CFR 201.127 - Drugs; expiration of exemptions.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is delaying the compliance dates for the final rule for over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen drug products that published in the Federal Register of June 17, 2011 (76 FR 35620). The final rule establishes labeling and effectiveness testing for certain OTC sunscreen products containing specified active ingredients and marketed without approved applications. It also amends labeling claims that are not currently supported by data and lifts the previously-published delay of implementation of the Drug Facts labeling requirements for OTC sunscreens. The 2011 final rule's compliance dates are being delayed because information received after publication of the 2011 final rule indicates that full implementation of the 2011 final rule's requirements for all affected products will require an additional 6 months. This final rule is part of FDA's ongoing review of OTC drug products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the establishment of a docket to receive comments on the proposed implementation of FDA's Prescription Drug Labeling Improvement and Enhancement Initiative and on a proposed pilot project relating to the voluntary conversion of labeling to the “Physician Labeling Rule (PLR)” format described in the 2006 FDA final rule, “Requirements on Content and Format of Labeling for Human Prescription Drug and Biological Products.” The purpose of the initiative and the pilot project is to enhance the safe and effective use of prescription drugs by facilitating optimal communication through labeling. FDA is seeking public comment on this initiative, and the pilot project, particularly from stakeholders who develop and use prescription drug labeling. Comments received from stakeholders will assist the Agency in identifying and addressing feasibility and implementation issues associated with this initiative.