GUEST COLUMNISTS

• Revision Of The ASTM E3263 Standard For Visual Inspection Of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment And Medical Devices For Residues

  ASTM has published the revision of ASTM E3263 "Standard Practice For Qualification Of Visual Inspection Of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment And Medical Devices For Residues.” This article, written by the ASTM revision team itself, explains the reasons behind the revision and delves into the key updates.

• Considerations For Sterility Test Methods When Working With CDMOs

  Confirmation of microbial quality of drug products manufactured by CDMOs is a key component of product release. It is important to ensure that laboratory-specific method suitability testing is performed to ensure appropriate recovery of the presence of potential contaminants.

• FDA Adopts ICH Final Guidance On Bioanalytical Method Validation

  The FDA has issued final guidance on the validation of biological assays, titled M10 Bioanalytical Method Validation and Study Sample Analysis. ICH approved the final guidance in May 2022, so this FDA adoption completes international acceptance of a unified approach. It extends to both full and partial validation for clinical and nonclinical studies.

• FDA Seeks Comment On Delaying, Denying, Limiting, Refusing Inspections

  The FDA has released for public comment a proposed draft guidance, Circumstances that Constitute Delaying, Denying, Limiting, or Refusing a Drug or Device Inspection Revision 1. The guidance shares examples of reasonable and unreasonable circumstances. Submit public comments by February 14, 2023.

• Will ESG Be 2023’s Hottest Business Topic In Bio/Pharma?

  Sustainability used to be just about saving the planet. Today it has morphed into an umbrella term for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Mentions of ESG and related topics in pharma companies’ filings more than tripled between 2016 and 2021. What are the commitments that companies are making, and which Big Pharma companies are making those commitments?

• Why Location Matters

  While many factors can dictate the choice of a CDMO partner, the CDMO's location can have a significant influence on the communications channels, facilities, and skillsets that a potential partner has to offer.

• CDMOs And Contamination Control Strategy: The Span Of Oversight In EU GMP Annex 1 Compliance

  While the concept of contamination control is not new, the EU's revised GMP Annex 1 requires a formally documented strategy specific to a facility. Under the new set of requirements, the “span of oversight” has shifted, and CDMOs are finding their sterility assurance programs in a position that will require a new level of transparency with sponsors.