The general regulations governing clinical holds require that, where FDA concludes that there may be grounds for imposing a clinical hold, "FDA will, unless patients are exposed to immediate and serious risk, attempt to discuss and satisfactorily resolve the matter with the sponsor before issuing the clinical hold order." If possible, as in all cases where a clinical hold is considered, FDA will contact the sponsor and attempt to resolve the matter in a way that adequately protects study subjects before imposing a clinical hold, following the time frames described in companion guidances and regulations (e.g., Guidance with Industry: Formal Meetings with Sponsors and Applicants for PDUFA Products and 21 CFR 312.42(e), respectively). In those cases where an inspection appears necessary to resolve issues, FDA will make every effort to ensure that the inspections are completed in a timely manner.

‍