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<Elementary> Lesson No.1

Pre-submission Meeting for New Drug Approval / 新薬承認申請の事前相談

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

This involves conducting pre-consultation meetings with overseas regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA, etc.) regarding a new drug under development to discuss application strategies, required trial data, and approval timelines.
開発中の新薬について海外規制当局と申請戦略や承認タイムラインを協議する場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.We plan to conduct...(...を実施する予定である)
2.We expect to submit...(...を提出する見込みである)
3.Let me explain our approach...(我々のアプローチを説明させてください)
4.We understand your concern...(ご懸念は理解しております)
5.We can commit to...(...を確約できる)
6.We can provide three types of...(3種類の...を提供できる)
7.We've prepared for that requirement...(その要件には準備しております)

1-2 Essential words
1.conduct(実施する)
2.submit(提出する)
3.concern(懸念)
4.explain(説明する)
5.approach(アプローチ)
6.extend(延ばす)
7.delay(遅らせる)
8.support(支持する)
9.provide(提供する)
10.prepare(準備する)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

This involves conducting pre-consultation meetings with overseas regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA, etc.) regarding a new drug under development to discuss application strategies, required trial data, and approval timelines.
開発中の新薬について海外規制当局と申請戦略や承認タイムラインを協議する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We've reviewed your briefing document for the new oncology drug. I'd like to discuss the clinical trial design and the timeline for your NDA submission.
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。新規抗がん剤のブリーフィング資料を確認しました。臨床試験デザインとNDA申請のタイムラインについて議論したいと思います。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
Thank you for the opportunity. We plan to conduct a Phase 3 trial with 600 patients over 24 months. We expect to submit the NDA by the end of 2026, assuming we receive your feedback on the trial design today.
(機会をいただきありがとうございます。600名の患者を対象に24か月間の第3相試験を実施する予定です。本日試験デザインについてフィードバックをいただければ、2026年末までにNDAを提出できると見込んでいます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
I see. However, we have concerns about your primary endpoint. Progression-free survival alone may not be sufficient for this indication. Have you considered overall survival as a co-primary endpoint?
(なるほど。しかし、主要評価項目について懸念があります。この適応症では無増悪生存期間だけでは不十分かもしれません。全生存期間を共同主要評価項目として検討されましたか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
We understand your concern. Let me explain our approach. First, our Phase 2 data showed a strong correlation between progression-free survival and overall survival. Second, adding overall survival would extend the trial by 12 months and delay patient access. Third, we can commit to a post-approval confirmatory study for overall survival. This approach balances regulatory requirements with patient needs.
(ご懸念は理解しております。我々のアプローチを説明させてください。第一に、第2相試験のデータで無増悪生存期間と全生存期間の強い相関が示されました。第二に、全生存期間を追加すると試験期間が12か月延び、患者さんのアクセスが遅れます。第三に、承認後の検証試験で全生存期間を評価することを確約できます。このアプローチは規制要件と患者ニーズのバランスをとるものです。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
I appreciate your detailed response. However, the 12-month delay concerns me less than the risk of approving a drug without clear survival benefit. What additional data can you provide to support your position?
(詳細な回答に感謝します。しかし、12か月の遅れよりも、明確な生存ベネフィットなしに薬剤を承認するリスクの方が懸念されます。あなたの立場を裏付けるどのような追加データを提供できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
We can provide three types of supporting data. First, we have real-world evidence from 200 patients in our expanded access program showing improved outcomes. Second, we can include quality of life as a secondary endpoint to demonstrate clinical benefit beyond tumor response. Third, we're prepared to conduct an interim analysis at 18 months to check for any safety signals. These measures will help reduce the risk you mentioned.
(3種類の裏付けデータを提供できます。第一に、拡大アクセスプログラムの200名の患者から得た、転帰改善を示す実臨床データがあります。第二に、腫瘍反応を超える臨床的ベネフィットを示すため、QOLを副次評価項目に含めることができます。第三に、安全性シグナルを確認するため18か月時点での中間解析を実施する用意があります。これらの対策は、ご指摘のリスクを軽減するのに役立ちます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
That's helpful. One more question: what's your plan for the pediatric population? The Pediatric Research Equity Act will require pediatric studies for this indication.
(参考になります。もう1つ質問です。小児集団への計画はどうなっていますか?小児研究公平法により、この適応症では小児試験が必要になります。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
We've prepared for that requirement. We plan to submit a Pediatric Study Plan within 60 days of this meeting. The plan includes a Phase 1 dose-finding study in adolescents starting 6 months after adult approval, followed by a Phase 2 efficacy study. We'll request a deferral for younger children until we have more safety data from adolescents.
(その要件には準備しております。本会議から60日以内に小児試験計画を提出する予定です。計画には、成人での承認後6か月で開始する青年期患者での第1相用量設定試験と、それに続く第2相有効性試験が含まれます。より年少の小児については、青年期患者からより多くの安全性データが得られるまで延期を要請します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
Thank you for the thorough explanation. Based on today's discussion, I think we can support your proposed Phase 3 design with the additional measures you mentioned. Please submit your updated protocol within 30 days, and we'll provide written feedback within 45 days. This should keep you on track for your 2026 timeline.
(丁寧な説明をありがとうございます。本日の議論に基づき、ご提案の第3相試験デザインを、言及された追加対策とともに支持できると思います。30日以内に更新された試験実施計画書を提出してください。45日以内に文書でフィードバックを提供します。これで2026年のタイムラインを維持できるはずです。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

This involves conducting pre-consultation meetings with overseas regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA, etc.) regarding a new drug under development to discuss application strategies, required trial data, and approval timelines.
開発中の新薬について海外規制当局と申請戦略や承認タイムラインを協議する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We've reviewed your briefing document for the new oncology drug. I'd like to discuss the clinical trial design and the timeline for your NDA submission.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
Thank you for the opportunity. We plan to [実施する] a Phase 3 trial with 600 patients over 24 months. We expect to [提出する] the NDA by the end of 2026, assuming we receive your feedback on the trial design today.

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
I see. However, we have concerns about your primary endpoint. Progression-free survival alone may not be sufficient for this indication. Have you considered overall survival as a co-primary endpoint?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
We understand your [懸念]. Let me [説明する] our [アプローチ]. First, our Phase 2 data showed a strong correlation between progression-free survival and overall survival. Second, adding overall survival would [延ばす] the trial by 12 months and [遅らせる] patient access. Third, we can commit to a post-approval confirmatory study for overall survival. This [アプローチ] balances regulatory requirements with patient needs.

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
I appreciate your detailed response. However, the 12-month delay concerns me less than the risk of approving a drug without clear survival benefit. What additional data can you provide to support your position?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
We can [提供する] three types of supporting data. First, we have real-world evidence from 200 patients in our expanded access program showing improved outcomes. Second, we can include quality of life as a secondary endpoint to demonstrate clinical benefit beyond tumor response. Third, we're [準備する]d to [実施する] an interim analysis at 18 months to check for any safety signals. These measures will help reduce the risk you mentioned.

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
That's helpful. One more question: what's your plan for the pediatric population? The Pediatric Research Equity Act will require pediatric studies for this indication.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
We've [準備する]d for that requirement. We plan to [提出する] a Pediatric Study Plan within 60 days of this meeting. The plan includes a Phase 1 dose-finding study in adolescents starting 6 months after adult approval, followed by a Phase 2 efficacy study. We'll request a deferral for younger children until we have more safety data from adolescents.

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
Thank you for the thorough explanation. Based on today's discussion, I think we can support your proposed Phase 3 design with the additional measures you mentioned. Please submit your updated protocol within 30 days, and we'll provide written feedback within 45 days. This should keep you on track for your 2026 timeline.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

This involves conducting pre-consultation meetings with overseas regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA, etc.) regarding a new drug under development to discuss application strategies, required trial data, and approval timelines.
開発中の新薬について海外規制当局と申請戦略や承認タイムラインを協議する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We've reviewed your briefing document for the new oncology drug. I'd like to discuss the clinical trial design and the timeline for your NDA submission.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
Thank you for the opportunity. [600名の患者を対象に24か月間の第3相試験を実施する予定です。] [本日試験デザインについてフィードバックをいただければ、2026年末までにNDAを提出できると見込んでいます。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
I see. However, we have concerns about your primary endpoint. Progression-free survival alone may not be sufficient for this indication. Have you considered overall survival as a co-primary endpoint?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
We understand your concern. [我々のアプローチを説明させてください。] First, our Phase 2 data showed a strong correlation between progression-free survival and overall survival. Second, adding overall survival would extend the trial by 12 months and delay patient access. Third, we can commit to a post-approval confirmatory study for overall survival. This approach balances regulatory requirements with patient needs.

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
I appreciate your detailed response. However, the 12-month delay concerns me less than the risk of approving a drug without clear survival benefit. What additional data can you provide to support your position?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
[3種類の裏付けデータを提供できます。] First, we have real-world evidence from 200 patients in our expanded access program showing improved outcomes. Second, we can include quality of life as a secondary endpoint to demonstrate clinical benefit beyond tumor response. Third, we're prepared to conduct an interim analysis at 18 months to check for any safety signals. These measures will help reduce the risk you mentioned.

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
That's helpful. One more question: what's your plan for the pediatric population? The Pediatric Research Equity Act will require pediatric studies for this indication.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Regulatory Affairs Manager】:
We've prepared for that requirement. We plan to submit a Pediatric Study Plan within 60 days of this meeting. The plan includes a Phase 1 dose-finding study in adolescents starting 6 months after adult approval, followed by a Phase 2 efficacy study. We'll request a deferral for younger children until we have more safety data from adolescents.

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
Thank you for the thorough explanation. Based on today's discussion, I think we can support your proposed Phase 3 design with the additional measures you mentioned. Please submit your updated protocol within 30 days, and we'll provide written feedback within 45 days. This should keep you on track for your 2026 timeline.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
You are meeting with a regulatory authority officer to discuss your new drug development plan.
The officer has questions about your clinical trial design and approval timeline.
開発中の新薬について規制当局の担当官と事前相談会議を行っています。
担当官は臨床試験デザインと承認タイムラインについて質問しています。

👨‍💼【Teacher / FDA Regulatory Officer】:
I've reviewed your briefing document. Can you explain your proposed clinical trial design and how it addresses our regulatory requirements?
(ブリーフィング資料を確認しました。提案されている臨床試験デザインと、それが我々の規制要件にどう対応しているか説明していただけますか?)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1.Explain the trial design and timeline(試験デザインとタイムラインを説明する)
2.Address regulatory concerns(規制上の懸念に対応する)
3.Provide supporting evidence(裏付けとなる根拠を提供する)
4.Confirm readiness for requirements(要件への準備状況を確認する)
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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