Regulatory Turnaround for a Phase 3 Global CDx Clinical Trial (Annex XIV)
A global biopharma company faced a critical delay in a phase 3 clinical trial in oncology. The study required an NGS-based companion diagnostic (CDx) assay to detect a specific mutation and pre-screen patients for eligibility. Several EU authorities initially rejected or stalled the Clinical Performance Study (CPS/PSA) due to assay validation concerns and fragmented IVDR processes. MDx CRO mobilized a specialized cross-functional team, redesigned the documentation package, and re-submitted in six EU countries within three months, clearing all RFIs and enabling on-time trial initiation. This case study has been accepted for presentation at ESMO 2025 in Berlin.
The Challenge
- Early rejection and major RFIs: EU bodies questioned assay validation and risk management, threatening the trial start.
- Dual-regulation complexity: The trial combined CT and IVDR CPS submissions with different national portals, templates, and timelines.
- Harmonization gaps: With EUDAMED not fully operational, CPS authorizations varied widely by Member State, creating long and unpredictable timelines.
What was at stake: lost recruitment windows, protocol amendments, cost escalation, and missed milestones tied to major scientific congresses.
MDx CRO Approach
1) Rapid diagnostic and plan
- Completed a 48-hour gap analysis across the submission: CDx protocol, analytical performance package, CER/PER linkages, IFU, training, and risk files.
- Mapped country-specific expectations (EC vs NCA) to pre-empt common RFIs: informed consent, site/PI suitability, device training, and performance datasets.
2) Targeted re-engineering
- Revised the clinical performance study protocol (CPSP) for the CDx assay to clarify endpoints, eligibility flows, and pre-screening logistics.
- Overhauled analytical performance evidence (accuracy, precision, LoD, reproducibility) and tightened traceability to risk controls.
- Redeveloped risk management documentation to align hazards, mitigations, and verification with Annex I GSPRs.
- Strengthened usability & training to address EC concerns on user competence and patient protection.
3) Country-by-country execution
- Sequenced six EU CPS submissions to match national review modalities (combined, parallel, or sequential EC/NCA), reducing idle time between waves.
- Built a rapid RFI response playbook so sponsors and sites could respond in days, not weeks.
Results & Impact
- All RFIs resolved: Delivered clear, evidence-backed answers across EC and NCA questions, including consent, site suitability, training, and performance data.
- Approvals secured quickly: The re-submission strategy compressed timelines and returned the program to the original start path despite EU-wide CPS delays.
- Trial initiation preserved: Sites opened on schedule, enabling screening with the NGS CDx pre-screen.
- Scientific visibility: Study learnings and regulatory insights are accepted for presentation at ESMO 2025, showcasing efficient navigation of combined CT/IVDR frameworks.
Why It Matters
The IVDR raised the bar for pre-market CDx and investigational IVDs used in drug trials. Sponsors now need diagnostic-grade evidence, strong risk-benefit narratives, and country-aware submission execution. MDx CRO bridges those gaps with integrated clinical, regulatory, and diagnostics expertise so drug–diagnostic programs stay on track.
What We Delivered
- Regulatory rescue for a phase 3 global CDx trial in chondrosarcoma (Annex XIV).
- Six-country CPS re-submission under IVDR with country-specific strategies.
- Protocol refinement for CDx use, analytical performance reinforcement, and risk-file re-mapping to GSPRs.
- RFI playbook & rapid responses covering EC and NCA priorities (consent, training, site suitability; analytical/clinical evidence, CPS plan).
- On-time site activation and screening with an NGS CDx assay.
Client Outcome
“MDx CRO restored regulatory confidence and protected our timelines. Their team aligned clinical, diagnostic, and regulatory workstreams and cleared every RFI with precision.”
Ready to Accelerate Your CDx Trial?
Running an EU drug–diagnostic study under IVDR? We can accelerate CPS authorizations, clear RFIs fast, and keep your trial on schedule.
