Definition of Licensed and Approved
Licensed products are biological products that have been determined by FDA to be safe, pure, and potent. Biological products, once licensed, may be marketed in the United States. Some biological products are regulated by CDER, while others are regulated by CBER. Licensed biological products are subject to BLAs (biologic license applications). Approved drug products have been determined by FDA to be safe and effective. Approved drugs (regulated by CDER) have been evaluated and reviewed by CDER for safety and effectiveness and may be marketed in the United States. Approved drugs are subject to the following types of drug applications: NDA (new drug application) and ANDA (abbreviated new drug application).