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Product-Specific Guidances for Generic Drug Development

To successfully develop and manufacture a generic drug product, an applicant should consider that their product is expected to be: pharmaceutically equivalent to its reference listed drug (RLD), i.e., to have the same active ingredient, dosage form, strength, and route of administration under the same conditions of use; bioequivalent to the RLD, i.e., to show no significant difference in the rate and extent of absorption of the active pharmaceutical ingredient; and, consequently, therapeutically equivalent, i.e., to be substitutable for the RLD with the expectation that the generic product will have the same safety and efficacy as its RLD.

According to 21 CFR 320.24, different types of evidence may be used to establish bioequivalence (BE) for pharmaceutically equivalent drug products, including in vivo or in vitro testing, or both. The selection of the method used to demonstrate BE depends upon the purpose of the study, the analytical methods available, and the nature of the drug product. Under this regulation, applicants must conduct BE testing using the most accurate, sensitive, and reproducible approach available among those set forth in 21 CFR 320.24. As the initial step for selecting methodology for generic drug product development, applicants are referred to the following draft guidance: Draft Guidance for Industry on Bioequivalence Studies With Pharmacokinetic Endpoints for Drugs Submitted Under an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) (August 2021).

To facilitate generic drug product availability and further assist the generic pharmaceutical industry with identifying the most appropriate methodology for developing drugs and generating evidence needed to support ANDA approval, the FDA publishes product-specific guidances (PSG). PSGs describe the Agency's current thinking and expectations to develop generic drug products therapeutically equivalent to specific RLDs.

The FDA publishes PSGs to foster drug product development, ANDA submission and approval, and ultimately provide increased access to generic drugs.

PSGs are published in an incremental manner and listed below in alphabetical order according to the active ingredient's name. The most recently published guidances (new and revised) are listed below.

The implementation of FDA's commitments under the Generic Drug User Fee Amendments Reauthorization of 20221 (GDUFA III). with regard to issuance of PSGs is effective on October 1, 2022. Under GDUFA III, the FDA will issue PSGs consistent with the following goals:

  • For complex products1,2 approved in new drug applications (NDAs) on or after October 1, 2022, a PSG will be issued for 50 percent of such NDA products within two years after the date of approval, and for 75 percent of such NDA products within three years after the date of approval.
  • FDA will continue to develop PSGs for complex products approved prior to October 1, 2022, for which no PSG has been published.
  • For non-complex drug products approved in NDAs on or after October 1, 2022, that contain a new chemical entity (NCE) (as described in section 505(j)(5)(F)(ii) of the FD&C Act), a PSG will be issued within two years after the date of approval for 90 percent of such products.
In addition to GDUFA III PSG goals, the FDA considers several factors when prioritizing PSG development. The FDA evaluates the generic industries and other stakeholders' interest in products that do not have a PSG through controlled correspondences, public requests, and pre-ANDA meeting requests.

The FDA also evaluates drug availability and accessibility and considers public health priorities, including but not limited to, public health emergencies and drug safety and efficacy updates. In addition to these elements, the FDA continually assesses the status and outcomes of ongoing GDUFA research to ensure there are sufficient and adequate data and evidence to support the development of PSGs that align with the FDA's current scientific thinking.

Sponsors and investigators of any investigational new drug (IND)-exempt pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, pharmacodynamic (PD) studies, or BE and/or bioavailability (BA) studies involving human subjects in support of an ANDA should refer to the current RLD labeling, including BOXED WARNINGS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections. This information should be considered during study design and conduct, including attention to appropriate subject screening and selection, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and appropriate clinical safety monitoring.

In addition to the provided information, sponsors and investigators of any Investigational New Drug (IND)-exempt pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, pharmacodynamic (PD) studies, or BE and/or bioavailability (BA) studies involving human subjects in support of an ANDA should refer to the current RLD labeling, including BOXED WARNINGS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections. This information should be considered during study design and conduct; including attention to appropriate subject screening and selection, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and appropriate clinical safety monitoring.

Some of the PSGs include discussion regarding data formats. Please note that under section 745A(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, separate Agency-wide guidances specify the electronic formats, subject matter, and scope of applicability for certain submissions, including submissions to ANDAs. As these are finalized guidances and subject to described timetables for implementation, these guidances are binding and the electronic format(s) specified must be used for submissions to ANDAs. Questions and general information regarding the preparation of submissions in electronic format may be directed to CDER at esub@fda.hhs.gov. Questions regarding submission of datasets to CDER may be sent to edata@fda.hhs.gov.

COMMENTS: The Agency is seeking feedback and considers comments to the docket on these guidances. You may submit comments on any guidance at any time as follows: Submit electronic comments to Docket FDA-2007-D-0369. For further information on submitting electronic comments, refer to (www.regulations.gov). You may also mail your written comments to DDM (HFA-305), FDA, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. All submissions received must include the Docket No. [FDA-2007-D-0369]. Please contact the Regulations.gov Help Desk at 1-877-378-5457 (toll free) or at (www.regulations.gov/support) for assistance regarding submissions.

The FDA posts plans for issuing new or revised PSGs on the Upcoming Product-Specific Guidances for Generic Drug Product Development web page

For additional information on development of generic drug products, please refer to FDA's guidance document database.

1GDUFA Reauthorization Performance Goals and Program Enhancements Fiscal Years 2023-2027 (GDUFA III Commitment Letter)

2Classifying Approved New Drug Products and Drug-device combination Products as Complex Products for Generic Drug Development Purposes (CDER MAPP 5240.10)

Total number of currently published PSGs: 2407

Product-Specific Guidances for Specific Products Arranged by Active Ingredient


Search by Active Ingredient or by RLD or RS Number


Newly Added Guidances since February 26, 2026

Active Ingredient (link to Specific Guidance) URL Type Route Dosage Form RLD or RS Number Date Recommended
Aceclidine Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_218585.pdf Draft Ophthalmic Solution/Drops 218585 02/26/2026
Acetaminophen https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_206968.pdf Draft Intravenous Solution 206968 02/26/2026
Acoltremon https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_217370.pdf Draft Ophthalmic Solution/Drops 217370 02/26/2026
Alpelisib https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_218466.pdf Draft Oral Granule 218466 02/26/2026
Alpelisib https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_215039.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 215039 02/26/2026
Apixaban https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_220073.pdf Draft Oral For Suspension 220073 02/26/2026
Avacincaptad Pegol Sodium https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_217225.pdf Draft Intravitreal Solution 217225 02/26/2026
Bisoprolol Fumarate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_019982.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 019982 02/26/2026
Buprenorphine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_210136.pdf Draft Subcutaneous Solution, Extended Release 210136 02/26/2026
Cephalexin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_050440.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 063024 02/26/2026
Dabrafenib Mesylate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_217514.pdf Draft Oral Tablet, For Suspension 217514 02/26/2026
Diazoxide Choline https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_216665.pdf Draft Oral Tablet, Extended Release 216665 02/26/2026
Entrectinib https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_218550.pdf Draft Oral Pellets 218550 02/26/2026
Foscarbidopa; Foslevodopa https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_216962.pdf Draft Subcutaneous Solution 216962 02/26/2026
Glecaprevir; Pibrentasvir https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_215110.pdf Draft Oral Pellets 215110 02/26/2026
Imatinib Mesylate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_219097.pdf Draft Oral Solution 219097 02/26/2026
Landiolol Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_217202.pdf Draft Intravenous Powder 217202 02/26/2026
Letermovir https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_219104.pdf Draft Oral Pellet 219104 02/26/2026
Meloxicam; Rizatriptan Benzoate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_215431.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 215431 02/26/2026
Mometasone Furoate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_209310.pdf Draft Implantation Implant 209310 02/26/2026
Paliperidone Palmitate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_216352.pdf Draft Intramuscular Suspension, Extended Release 216352 02/26/2026
Phenylephrine Hydrochloride; Tropicamide https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_215352.pdf Draft Ophthalmic Spray, Metered 215352 02/26/2026
Ribavirin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_018859.pdf Draft Inhalation For Solution 018859 02/26/2026
Rilpivirine Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_219016.pdf Draft Oral Tablet, For Suspension 219016 02/26/2026
Semaglutide https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_218316.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 218316 02/26/2026
Sofosbuvir; Velpatasvir https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_214187.pdf Draft Oral Pellet 214187 02/26/2026
Tadalafil https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_214522.pdf Draft Oral Suspension 214522 02/26/2026
Testosterone Cypionate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_216318.pdf Draft Intramuscular Solution 216318 02/26/2026
Testosterone Cypionate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_085635.pdf Draft Injection Injectable 085635 02/26/2026
Tolmetin Sodium https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_017628.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 017628 02/26/2026
Tolmetin Sodium https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_018084.pdf Draft Oral Capsule 018084 02/26/2026

Newly Revised Guidances since February 26, 2026

Active Ingredient (link to Specific Guidance) URL Type Route Dosage Form RLD or RS Number Date Recommended
Acetaminophen; Ibuprofen https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_211733.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 211733 02/26/2026
Alpelisib https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_212526.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 212526 02/26/2026
Amoxicillin; Omeprazole Magnesium; Rifabutin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_213004.pdf Draft Oral Capsule, Delayed Release 213004 02/26/2026
Apixaban https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_202155.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 202155 02/26/2026
Asenapine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_212268.pdf Draft Transdermal System 212268 02/26/2026
Baclofen https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_215602.pdf Draft Oral Suspension 215602 02/26/2026
Baloxavir Marboxil https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_214410.pdf Draft Oral For Suspension 214410 02/26/2026
Barium Sulfate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_208036.pdf Draft Oral Suspension 208036 02/26/2026
Barium Sulfate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_208143.pdf Draft Oral Suspension 208143 02/26/2026
Buprenorphine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021306.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 021306 02/26/2026
Buspirone Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_018731.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 018731 02/26/2026
Capsaicin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_022395.pdf Draft Topical Patch 022395 02/26/2026
Chlorthalidone https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_012283.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 012283 218647 02/26/2026
Clonidine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_018891.pdf Draft Transdermal System 018891 02/26/2026
Clozapine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_203479.pdf Draft Oral Suspension 203479 02/26/2026
Clozapine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_019758.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 019758 02/26/2026
Clozapine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021590.pdf Draft Oral Tablet, Orally Disintegrating 021590 02/26/2026
Cobicistat; Darunavir https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_205395.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 205395 02/26/2026
Dasatinib https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021986.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 021986 02/26/2026
Dextroamphetamine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_215401.pdf Draft Transdermal System 215401 02/26/2026
Diclofenac Epolamine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021234.pdf Draft Topical System 021234 02/26/2026
Donepezil Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_212304.pdf Draft Transdermal System 212304 02/26/2026
Duloxetine Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021427.pdf Draft Oral Capsule, Delayed Release Pellets 021427 02/26/2026
Duloxetine Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_212516.pdf Draft Oral Capsule, Delayed Release 212516 02/26/2026
Estradiol https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_019081.pdf Draft Transdermal System 019081 02/26/2026
Estradiol https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020375.pdf Draft Transdermal System 020375 021674 02/26/2026
Estradiol https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020538.pdf Draft Transdermal System 020538 203752 02/26/2026
Estradiol; Levonorgestrel https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021258.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 021258 02/26/2026
Estradiol; Norethindrone Acetate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020870.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 020870 02/26/2026
Ethinyl Estradiol; Levonorgestrel https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_204017.pdf Draft Transdermal System 204017 02/26/2026
Ethinyl Estradiol; Norelgestromin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021180.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 021180 02/26/2026
Fentanyl https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_019813.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 019813 02/26/2026
Ferric Derisomaltose https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_208171.pdf Draft Intravenous Solution 208171 02/26/2026
Formoterol Fumarate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020831.pdf Draft Inhalation Powder 020831 02/26/2026
Granisetron https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_022198.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 022198 02/26/2026
Imatinib Mesylate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021588.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 021588 02/26/2026
Ketoconazole https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_019927.pdf Draft Topical Shampoo 019927 02/26/2026
Ketoconazole https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020310.pdf Draft Topical Shampoo 020310 02/26/2026
Lidocaine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020612.pdf Draft Topical Patch 020612 02/26/2026
Lidocaine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_207962.pdf Draft Topical Patch 207962 02/26/2026
Lorazepam https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_214826.pdf Draft Oral Capsule, Extended Release 214826 02/26/2026
Lorlatinib https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_210868.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 210868 02/26/2026
Loxapine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_022549.pdf Draft Inhalation Powder 022549 02/26/2026
Menthol; Methyl Salicylate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_022029.pdf Draft Topical Patch 022029 02/26/2026
Metformin Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020357-TabC.pdf Draft Oral Tablet, Chewable 020357 02/26/2026
Methylphenidate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021514.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 021514 02/26/2026
Nicotine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020076.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 020076 020165 02/26/2026
Nitroglycerin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020145.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 020145 02/26/2026
Nitroglycerin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020144.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 020144 02/26/2026
Octreotide Acetate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_213224.pdf Draft Subcutaneous Solution 213224 02/26/2026
Oxybutynin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_202211.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 202211 02/26/2026
Oxybutynin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021351.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 021351 02/26/2026
Paliperidone Palmitate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_022264.pdf Draft Intramuscular Suspension, Extended Release 022264 02/26/2026
Perfluorohexyloctane https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_216675.pdf Draft Ophthalmic Solution/Drops 216675 02/26/2026
Rivastigmine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_022083.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 022083 02/26/2026
Rotigotine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021829.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 021829 02/26/2026
Sacubitril; Valsartan https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_207620.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 207620 02/26/2026
Scopolamine https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_017874.pdf Draft Transdermal System 017874 02/26/2026
Selegiline https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021336.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 021336 02/26/2026
Selinexor https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_212306.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 212306 02/26/2026
Testosterone https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020489.pdf Draft Transdermal Film, Extended Release 020489 02/26/2026
Testosterone Undecanoate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_213953.pdf Draft Oral Capsule 213953 02/26/2026
Testosterone Undecanoate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_206089.pdf Draft Oral Capsule 206089 02/26/2026
Tiopronin https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_211843.pdf Draft Oral Tablet, Delayed Release 211843 02/26/2026
Tizanidine Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_021447.pdf Draft Oral Capsule 021447 02/26/2026
Venlafaxine Besylate https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_215429.pdf Draft Oral Tablet, Extended Release 215429 02/26/2026
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/PSG_020151.pdf Draft Oral Tablet 020151 02/26/2026
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