Jill Wechsler is Pharmaceutical Technology's Washington Editor, jillwechsler7@gmail.com.
Politics and Pricing Will Challenge Manufacturers in 2016
The bio/pharmaceutical industry will face increased scrutiny of product quality and cost drivers.
Priority Review Vouchers Raise Risks, say FDA Officials
The FDA program that encourages biopharma companies to develop new treatments for rare and neglected diseases has been in the spotlight recently.
Woodcock Lays Out Long To-Do List for CDER
Janet Woodcock, director of the Center for Drug Evaluation, highlights FDA's priority list for 2016.
Role of Drug Compounders Debated in Drug Pricing Probe
The use of drug compounding facilities to produce over-priced generic drugs raises quality and regulatory questions.
New Drugs and New Initiatives Shaped 2015
FDA confirmed quality focus while Congress moved to bolster biomedical innovation.
Califf Sidesteps Drug Pricing Complaints from Senate
Robert Califf addresses questions about drug pricing at the Senate hearing to weigh his appointment to be the next commissioner of FDA.
Hard Times in Washington for Generic Drugs
Even though rising production and use of generic pharmaceuticals is saving billions for the nation’s healthcare system, policy makers continue to slap the industry with policies it claims will limit product development and sales.
FDA Overhauls Inspection Operations
New program emphasizes quality, risk, and global collaboration.
Biosimilar Development Continues to Challenge FDA and Industry
Despite considerable investment by biotech manufacturers in developing competitive biologics for the US market, gaining FDA approval of these products has turned out to be a slow and complex process.
FDA Promotes Its Scientific Mission
In testifying before Congress on FDA regulation of long-awaited biosimilars, Janet Woodcock emphasized the importance of ensuring that the evaluation of new therapies is based on sound science.
Confirmation for Califf?
The White House nominates Robert Califf to head FDA, but will he be confirmed?
FDA Faces Controversy Over Quality Metrics and Biosimilars
Manufacturers challenge details in new policies designed to promote access to important therapies.
Manufacturers Face Key Policy and Regulatory Challenges
Legislation to streamline drug development may get tangled up in user fee negotiations and drug pricing battles.
Reagan-Udall Foundation Builds Portfolio of Drug Regulatory and Safety Projects
The Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA (RUF) is overcoming initial roadblocks and gaining support from a range of public and private organizations.
Industry Responds to FDA Metrics Program
Manufacturers seek gradual rollout of more targeted FDA quality metrics program.
Continued Process Verification Key to Lifecycle Control and Continuous Improvement
Regulatory officials and industry scientists participated in a CMC Strategy Forum sponsored by CASSS in July 2015.
Campaign Against Fake Drugs Gains Momentum
FDA and industry support global framework and collaborations to secure the supply chain.
FDA Quality Metrics Offer Regulatory “Carrots” for Manufacturers
The broader aim of FDA's metrics initiative is to encourage quality manufacturing operations that will help avoid drug shortages.
Disposable Systems Valuable in Responding to Emergencies and Epidemics
Manufacturers are producing new drugs and vaccines and clinical supplies faster and more efficiently through the development of standards and common practices for single-use technology systems.
FDA and Manufacturers Map Out PDUFA Reform Priorities
A year-long process reauthorizing the Prescription Drug User Fee Act was launched July 15, 2015 with a public meeting, setting the stage for discussions with industry and FDA.
House Approves Landmark “Cures” Legislation
The 21st Century Cures Act took a giant step forward with a 344-77 approval in the House; the Senate debate is still ahead.
Breakthrough Drugs Raise Development and Production Challenges
Manufacturers and FDA look for innovative strategies to meet accelerated timeframes.
Making Manufacturing Modernization Easier
Regulators and industry seek to streamline and harmonize oversight of manufacturing changes for firms that adopt modern production methods.
FDA Guidance Seeks More Effective Postapproval Change Strategies
FDA recently issued a much-anticipated draft guidance on how to define and report established conditions in market applications.
Drug Contamination Problems Hit NIH
Drug quality issues have forced the National Institutes of Health to shutter its in-house facility for producing clinical supplies for certain clinical trials.
Quality Systems Key to Lifecycle Drug Management
Regulators and industry seek to streamline and harmonize oversight of postapproval changes.
Generic Opioids Create Policy Issues
Widespread use and abuse of opioid painkillers is prompting efforts to develop new drugs and formulations that resist abuse while providing relief to legitimate patients.
“Cures” Debate Far From Over
The House Energy Committee’s approval of the 21st Century Cures legislation is only a first step, with critics and collaborators alike lining up to comment.
Fight Over Biosimilar Naming Continues
As the biopharma industry awaits FDA’s guidance on biosimilar naming, brand and generic manufacturers establish positions.
Congress Encourages Modern Drug Manufacturing
The revised "21st Century Cures” proposal includes provisions for research for continuous manufacturing, biomarker development, and NIH funding.