Real-World Data Included in Post-authorisation Measures: A Case Study of Approved Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products in the European Union between 2013 and 2024.

backgroundAdvanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) often require long-term monitoring to assess both safety and efficacy post-authorisation due to uncertainties identified during the approval process. This study aims to characterise the use of real-world data (RWD) in post-authorisation measures (PAMs) for ATMPs approved in the European Union.

methodsA systematic extraction of all PAMs from publicly available European Medicines Agency (EMA) regulatory documents for ATMPs approved between January 2013 and December 2024 was performed, followed by the identification of the presence and sources of RWD. Additional databases including the HMA-EMA Catalogue of RWD studies and sources and ClinicalTrials.gov were consulted.

resultsAmongst 25 ATMPs approved by the European Commission over the study period, a total of 118 PAMs were identified, of which 49 (41.5%) involved RWD. Most RWD-PAMs were imposed by the EMA (n = 34; 69.4%), secondary data use was the most referenced data use type (n = 28; 57.1%) and registries were the main source of RWD being mentioned (n = 26; 53.1%). Further, 5 (10.2%) included a comparator group and 13 (32.5%) incorporated patient-reported outcomes.

conclusionsThis study emphasises the instrumental role of RWD in the post-authorisation monitoring of ATMPs in the European Union. PAMs reflect the regulatory flexibility for these products, shifting some efforts to the post-authorisation phase to address benefit-risk gaps. Enhancing the use of RWD in this context could improve evidence generation, minimise uncertainties and support more informed regulatory decisions.