Understanding Control Article [Food and Drugs]: A Legal Perspective

Definition & Meaning

A control article refers to any substance administered to a test system during a nonclinical laboratory study. This includes food additives, color additives, drugs, biological products, electronic products, and medical devices intended for human use. The purpose of using a control article is to provide a basis for comparison with the test article, which is the primary subject of the study. Essentially, it helps researchers understand the effects of the test article by comparing it to a known standard or control.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: In a study testing a new drug for diabetes, the control article might be a standard diabetes medication. Researchers would compare the effects of the new drug against this established treatment.

Example 2: In a food safety study, a control article could be a previously approved food additive, which is used to compare the effects of a new additive being tested. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Test Article The primary subject being tested in a study. The control article is used for comparison, while the test article is the focus of the study.
Placebo A substance with no therapeutic effect used as a control. A placebo is a specific type of control article, often used in clinical trials.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a nonclinical laboratory study and need to manage control articles, consider the following steps:

  • Identify the control articles relevant to your study.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, such as 21 CFR Part 58.
  • Utilize US Legal Forms for templates related to laboratory studies to streamline your documentation.
  • If the situation is complex, consult a legal professional for tailored advice.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Use Nonclinical laboratory studies
Relevant Regulations 21 CFR Part 58
Categories Food additives, drugs, medical devices

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The purpose of a control article is to provide a basis for comparison with a test article during a nonclinical laboratory study.