Regulatory Oversight

Publication of proposed new regulations for pharmaceuticals in the environment has been postponed due to challenges in working out solutions and establishing a common framework.

More consistent and reliable production processes are critical for advancing innovative treatments.

The type of product, the packaging materials being used, and the process and materials used to manufacture the product will determine when E&L data should be submitted to regulators, says Susan J. Schniepp, executive vice-president, Post-approval Pharmaceuticals and distinguished fellow at Regulatory Compliance Associates.

A published regulatory template sharing best practices for filing RBPS data would benefit the industry and regulatory reviewers by enabling a consistent presentation of predictive data and conclusions.

Managing data at the different stages of the lifecycle, linking disparate systems together, and making the right data available to those who need it is problematic and time consuming.

A year’s worth of FDA warning letters suggest that API and finished drug manufacturers should strengthen their approach to continued process verification.

The recommended drugs include two orphan medicines and three biosimilars.

Commissioner Gottlieb is reorganizing FDA in the hopes of streamlining policymaking.

The agency has issued a warning letter for cGMP violations at a drug manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad, India, that Baxter gained through its acquisition of Claris Injectables.

FDA and ICH seek comment on new exposure levels for cadmium in drug products.

Inspectors found quality issues at bB BioChem Laboratories Inc, a California-based manufacturer of over-the-counter drug products.

FDA Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, announced formation of a new, drug shortages task force and efforts to advance long-term solutions to prevent shortages.

Both parties have agreed to recognize each other’s inspection of manufacturing sites for a broader range of medicines, including sterile products, APIs, biologics, and vaccines.

The agency is releasing six new draft guidances to provide a regulatory framework for handling gene therapies.

Certain blister card packages that do not meet US child-resistant packaging requirements are being recalled because they pose a risk of harm if the tablets are swallowed by children.

The agency is reviewing products containing valsartan supplied by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals, a company in Linhai, China.

The European Medicines Agency recommended Novartis’ Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) and Kite’s Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, for approval in the European Union.

The agency published guidance on how the Generic Drug User Fee Amendments Reauthorization of 2017 applies to amendments to ANDAs and PASs.

The delivery device and drug form should be considered when choosing a test method for identifying and measuring particulates in inhaled drug products.

The agency is asking firms to discuss internal quality metrics efforts as part of the approval process for new medical products.

Legislators look to widen access to medications for addiction treatment and overdose emergencies.

The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Healthcare highlighted the organization’s achievements in 2017, including the first mAb monograph.

FDA seeks more efficient testing to spur development of less costly biotech therapies.

EMA, the leading driver behind GMP inspection collaboration schemes, will be cutting back its involvement because of the need to concentrate on its relocation to Amsterdam.

Knowing and addressing regulatory expectations early on can avoid unexpected delays later, says Siegfried Schmitt, principal consultant at PAREXEL.

Pharmaceutical Technology spoke with Sharon Ayd, executive vice-president of Pre-approval Pharmaceuticals and chief scientific officer at Regulatory Compliance Associates, about developing a corrective action and preventive action (CAPA) plan.

Maintaining good quality control practices throughout the entire manufacturing process requires robust development, a drive toward product and process understanding, and pre-established, comprehensive written procedures that are consistently reviewed and updated.

Vendors are offering template-based models and direct data-filing services to help smaller companies meet imminent deadlines.

FDA sent a warning letter to Henan Lihua Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. after inspectors found the company failed to ensure the accuracy of its data.

The agency published guidance about requests for Prescription Drug User Fee Act waivers, refunds, and reductions in user fees.