Expedited Programs Updated January 14, 2026

What is Project Orbis?

Project Orbis is FDA's international collaboration for concurrent review of oncology drugs with partner agencies. Learn about participating countries and benefits.

Definition

Project Orbis is an FDA initiative launched in 2019 enabling concurrent submission and review of oncology drugs with international regulatory partners. The program allows patients worldwide to access cancer treatments more quickly through coordinated approval processes.

How Project Orbis Works

FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence leads collaborative review with partner agencies. Each agency maintains sovereignty over final decisions while sharing assessments and insights.

Participating Agencies

AgencyCountry
FDAUnited States
TGAAustralia
Health CanadaCanada
HSASingapore
SwissmedicSwitzerland
MHRAUnited Kingdom
ANVISABrazil

Project Orbis Benefits

  1. Concurrent Review: Multiple agencies review simultaneously
  2. Shared Assessment: FDA shares review with partners
  3. Faster Global Access: Near-simultaneous approvals possible
  4. Reduced Duplication: Streamlined regulatory effort
  5. Knowledge Sharing: Agencies benefit from collaborative expertise

Why BD Teams Track Project Orbis

For business development professionals, Project Orbis enables global strategy:

  • Deal Implication: Concurrent multi-market approval enhances product value and launch strategy
  • Due Diligence Focus: Project Orbis participation indicates high-quality oncology assets
  • Opportunity Signal: Global approval coordination may affect regional partnership strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project Orbis?

Project Orbis is an FDA initiative for concurrent review of oncology drugs with international partners, enabling simultaneous approvals in multiple countries.

Which countries participate in Project Orbis?

Partners include Australia (TGA), Canada (Health Canada), Singapore (HSA), Switzerland (Swissmedic), UK (MHRA), and Brazil (ANVISA).

What are Project Orbis benefits?

Sponsors can achieve concurrent approvals in multiple markets, reducing time to global patient access and streamlining regulatory submissions.

Which drugs qualify for Project Orbis?

Oncology products, particularly those with strong efficacy signals, addressing serious conditions, or with Breakthrough Therapy designation.

How does Project Orbis work?

FDA leads collaborative review, sharing assessments with partner agencies who conduct their own reviews and make independent decisions.

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