RLD

Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy

RLD
Stands forReference listed drug
CategoriesMedical

RLD stands for Reference listed drug, a pharmacy abbreviation.

Approved drug product that a generic applicant must compare its product to when seeking approval through an ANDA. The RLD is usually the original brand-name product listed in the FDA's Orange Book.

Example: The ANDA's bioequivalence study used Lipitor as the RLD.

Usage notes

If the RLD is withdrawn for reasons other than safety, the FDA may designate a "reference standard", often a generic, for future bioequivalence testing. Generic companies sometimes struggle to buy RLD samples when brands restrict distribution, a problem addressed by the 2019 CREATES Act.

More pharmacy abbreviations

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  • PR – Prolonged release
  • QL – Quantity limit
  • REMS – Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy
  • RPh – Registered pharmacist
  • SDV – Single-dose vial
  • SMI – Soft mist inhaler
  • sol – Solution
  • SP – Specialty pharmacy
  • SR – Sustained release

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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.