Assyro AI
US FDAUnited StatesALApproval Letter

Approval Letter Other 018680 (Nov 13, 2025)

Issued November 13, 2025

Issued

November 13, 2025

Application

Other • 018680

Review center

Other

Stage

Final Decision

Letter type

Approval Letter

Response due November 13, 2026Product may be marketed.

Summary

This is a Complete Response letter from the FDA regarding CooperSurgical, Inc.'s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Paragard (intrauterine copper contraceptive), specifically for a new inserter. The application cannot be approved in its current form due to an incomplete facility inspection and numerous deficiencies identified in prescribing information, carton and container labeling, and the placement guide. The letter outlines detailed recommendations and requirements for resubmission, including a comprehensive safety update.

Key points

  • Notify the FDA in writing when the manufacturing facility is ready for inspection.
  • Review FDA's labeling review resources and guidance documents.
  • Include the November 20, 2023, draft labeling version as draft labeling in the resubmission.
  • Use the SRPI checklist to correct any formatting errors in the labeling prior to resubmission.
  • Add a placeholder for the lot number on carton labeling in accordance with 21 CFR 201.10(i)(1).
  • Add a placeholder for the expiration date on carton labeling in accordance with USP General Chapter <7>.
  • Identify the intended expiration date format for carton labeling.
  • Review guidance for product identifiers under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) to determine if requirements apply to the product's labeling.

Cited reasons

  • Incomplete Facility Inspection
  • Prescribing Information Formatting Errors
  • Missing Lot Number Placeholder on Carton Labeling
  • Missing/Undefined Expiration Date on Carton Labeling and Placement Guide
  • Missing Product Identifier on Carton Labeling
  • NDC Number Lacks Prominence
  • Master Carton Inconsistencies
  • Inconsistent Terminology for Labeling Documents

Recommended actions

  • Notify the FDA in writing when the manufacturing facility is ready for inspection.
  • Review FDA's labeling review resources and guidance documents.
  • Include the November 20, 2023, draft labeling version as draft labeling in the resubmission.
  • Use the SRPI checklist to correct any formatting errors in the labeling prior to resubmission.
  • Add a placeholder for the lot number on carton labeling in accordance with 21 CFR 201.10(i)(1).
  • Add a placeholder for the expiration date on carton labeling in accordance with USP General Chapter <7>.
  • Identify the intended expiration date format for carton labeling.
  • Review guidance for product identifiers under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) to determine if requirements apply to the product's labeling.

Deficiency summary

The application cannot be approved in its present form due to an incomplete facility inspection and numerous deficiencies related to carton/container labeling and the Placement Guide. Key issues include missing required information, inconsistent terminology, unclear instructions for use, and visual clutter. A comprehensive safety update is also required upon resubmission.

Findings

Incomplete Facility Inspection

Severity: critical

During a recent inspection of CooperSurgical, Inc.'s manufacturing facility (FEI, 1316626, NY, USA), the field investigator could not complete the inspection because the facility was not ready. A satisfactory inspection is required before this application may be approved.

Recommended response: Notify the agency in writing when the facility is ready for re-inspection to ensure compliance with manufacturing regulations.

Prescribing Information Formatting Errors

Severity: minor

The agency reserves comment on the proposed labeling until the application is otherwise adequate. It is recommended to review labeling resources and use the SRPI checklist to correct any formatting errors to ensure conformance with regulations and guidances.

Recommended response: Review and correct all formatting errors in the Prescribing Information using the SRPI checklist and relevant guidance documents prior to resubmission.

Missing Lot Number Placeholder on Carton Labeling

Severity: major

The placeholder for the lot number is missing from the carton labeling.

Recommended response: Add the placeholder for the lot number to the carton labeling in accordance with 21 CFR 201.10(i)(1).

Cited: 21 CFR 201.10(i)(1)

Missing/Undefined Expiration Date on Carton Labeling and Placement Guide

Severity: major

The placeholder for the expiration date is missing from the carton labeling. The format for the expiration date on the Placement Guide is not defined. Recommendations include ensuring no other numbers are in close proximity, identifying the format, and using YYYY-MM-DD or YYYY-MMM-DD format.

Recommended response: Add the expiration date placeholder to carton labeling and define the expiration date format on the Placement Guide, adhering to USP General Chapter <7> and FDA recommendations for clarity and format.

Cited: USP General Chapter <7>

Missing Product Identifier on Carton Labeling

Severity: major

The product identifier is missing. The agency recommends reviewing guidance to determine if the product identifier requirements apply and, if so, adding a placeholder to the carton labeling.

Recommended response: Review the DSCSA guidance for product identifier requirements and add a placeholder to the carton labeling if applicable.

NDC Number Lacks Prominence

Severity: minor

The NDC number lacks prominence due to small font size. It is recommended to increase the font size.

Recommended response: Increase the font size of the NDC number on the carton labeling to improve prominence.

Master Carton Inconsistencies

Severity: minor

The 'Master Carton' contains additional language not present on the carton. It is recommended to remove this language and clarify the purpose of the master carton.

Recommended response: Remove inconsistent language from the master carton and clearly define its purpose.

Inconsistent Terminology for Labeling Documents

Severity: major

Inconsistent terminology is used on the carton to describe the Prescribing Information and Patient Information labeling. Specific phrases need revision to be consistent with the titles of the specific labeling documents.

Recommended response: Revise carton labeling to use consistent and accurate terminology when referring to Prescribing Information and Patient Information documents.

Placement Guide Visual Clutter and Incomplete Container Label

Severity: major

The far-left and far-right panels of the Placement Guide also serve as the container label, creating visual clutter and missing required container label information (e.g., lot number placeholder, linear barcode).

Recommended response: Develop a separate container label with all required information, distinct from the Placement Guide, to reduce clutter and ensure compliance. Revise Placement Guide panels accordingly.

Placement Guide Accessibility Issue

Severity: major

The Placement Guide is proposed to be inside the sterile packaging, preventing users from reviewing it prior to starting the procedure. It is recommended to provide an additional copy outside the sterile packaging.

Recommended response: Provide an additional copy of the Placement Guide inside the carton but outside the sterile packaging to allow pre-procedure review.

Missing Critical Handling Information in Placement Guide Step 1

Severity: critical

Step 1 of the Placement Guide lacks critical information for intended use, including keeping the button in place, not pushing it back and forth multiple times, and keeping the tray horizontal during loading.

Recommended response: Add explicit statements to Step 1 of the Placement Guide to alert users of critical handling points, such as keeping the button in position, avoiding multiple pushes, and maintaining a horizontal tray.

Inconsistent Graphics and Unclear Terminology in Placement Guide

Severity: major

The Placement Guide needs to prominently describe unique use-related tasks. The 'neutral line' is depicted but not labeled, and its location appears inconsistent between steps 1, 2, and 5. Steps 5 and 6 need enhancement to show product deployment at the fundus.

Recommended response: Revise Placement Guide graphics and text to clearly label the 'neutral line', ensure consistency across steps, and enhance depiction of product deployment at the fundus.

Regulatory context

Submission stage
final decision
Regulatory pathway
sNDA under section 505(b)

Impact

Impact score
0.95
Estimated delay
270 days
Estimated rework cost
$0
Subsequent action
resubmission

Strategic insights

The primary issues preventing approval are a failed facility inspection and significant deficiencies in product labeling, particularly regarding required information, clarity of instructions for use, and consistency across different labeling components. A comprehensive safety update is also mandated for resubmission.

Regulatory change impact: Pending sponsor mitigation plan

Approval likelihood after response: 5%

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