Catching Up

When Galileo Galilei gained fame more than 350 years ago as a physicist, mathematician, and astronomer, his theories placed him ahead of other thinkers of the time. His contributions to observational astronomy in support of heliocentrism—that the Earth revolves around the sun—made him a controversial figure in his time.

Rita Peters

One of Galileo's observations, "By denying scientific principles, one may maintain any paradox," supported his belief in science-based studies and rings true for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing today.

True to Galileo's words, in this issue, we focus on what has become an overarching thrust to biopharmaceutical/pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, namely the application of a science- and risk-based approach under quality-by-design (QbD) principles. Process analytical technology (PAT) is key element of QbD for achieving process understanding, and we examine the advances in PAT as it applies to parenteral drug manufacturing.

We also examine, in a roundtable of industry experts, the implementation, including the challenges, of process validation in line with the product lifecycle concept underlined in FDA guidance and ICH guidelines.

Analytical testing and instrumentation, which underpins all development and manufacturing, is an integral part of achieving the desired product quality not only in a QbD paradigm but also for "traditional" development and manufacturing.

In mid-March, analytical scientists from around the world will gather in Philadelphia for the Pittcon conference and exhibition, billed as the largest meeting for the analytical sciences.

The program covers advances in analytical methods development, testing, and instrumentation using chromatography, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, microscopy, thermal analysis, and other techniques. Conference programs will detail novel applications of measurement science for pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, nanotechnology, and more. The editors of Pharmaceutical Technology will be in attendance, exploring the latest advances in analytical technology.

An introduction

In late January, I joined Advanstar Communications as editorial director for the Pharmaceutical Drug Development and Manufacturing Group. In that role, I oversee Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, and BioPharm International.

I am excited to work with the editorial team: Executive Editor Patricia Van Arnum, Managing Editor Susan Haigney, PharmTech Europe Editor and Scientific Editor Adeline Siew, Scientific Editor Amy Ritter, Manufacturing Editor Jennifer Markarian, and Community Editor Christopher Allen.

Although new to these publications, I previously worked for a publication in the drug-discovery segment of the pharmaceutical industry. I also have worked on publications addressing contamination control and controlled environments.

I look forward to the challenge of providing readers with the research, technical insight, and expert analysis needed to advance formulation and drug delivery, API manufacturing, finished drug-product manufacturing, analytical testing, and regulatory compliance. Pharmaceutical Technology will continue to deliver peer-reviewed research and technical articles in print, as well as news, expert analysis, and interviews on www.PharmTech.com. Our weekly ePT newsletter, and monthly Sourcing and Management and Equipment & Processing newsletters, deliver news and exclusive features directly to your desktop. In the coming months, we will be expanding our interactive features of podcasts, webcasts, polls, and exciting new media products.

Interaction with our readers is of utmost importance. We welcome your comments, thoughts, suggestions, and editorial contributions.

Rita Peters is editorial director of Pharmaceutical Technology. Send your thoughts and story ideas to rpeters@advanstar.com.