Guest Columns

1. The 8 Key Takeaways For FDA Inspections In The Food And Drug Omnibus Reform Act 2/7/2023

   With President Biden’s signature, the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022 (FDORA), part of the larger Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, became law on Dec. 29, 2022. FDORA expands and modifies the inspection authority of the FDA in several key areas, including alternative tools to inspection, mutual recognition agreements, bioresearch monitoring, and more.

2. After Decades Of Biomanufacturing Workforce Development, What’s Next? 2/1/2023

   We have seen exponential growth of the biotech industry in recent decades. Companies have struggled to find qualified workers. To close that workforce gap, we need to leverage the lessons from successful biomanufacturing training programs and consider new approaches.

3. 4 Focus Areas To Modernize Your Cleaning Validation Strategy 1/30/2023

   The traditional outlook on cleaning validation might look inexpensive and safe, but it can lead to serious problems in the long run. To modernize your cleaning validation strategy for 2023, here are four areas to focus on.

4. 6 Strategies To Protect Your Biologics Supply Chain In 2023 1/25/2023

   Instead of automating everything — which costs a lot and doesn't solve every problem — drug makers should focus on building scalable, need-specific supply chain operations. This article discusses supply chain resilience strategies biotech companies can reasonably control.

5. Considerations For Microbial Enumeration Methods When Working With CDMOs 1/23/2023

   In microbial enumeration testing, the product-specific interferences are addressed during method development. The execution can vary between laboratories. This article examines general considerations, membrane filtration, and the pour plate method.

6. EMA's Revised GMP Annex 1 Addresses Common Global Challenges for Sterile Products 1/18/2023

   The new EMA GMP Annex 1, “Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products," is in line with other international regulations, e.g., ICH and PIC/S. FDA involvement in its writing is a clear indication that the contents will be the FDA position in general terms. Fortunately, the annex contains many checklists to help you assess and remedy your systems.

7. What's Behind The ASTM E3263 Standard Revision? 1/17/2023

   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, explains the reasons behind the revision and delves into the key updates.

8. Considerations For Sterility Test Methods When Working With CDMOs 1/13/2023

   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.

9. FDA Adopts ICH Final Guidance On Bioanalytical Method Validation 1/11/2023

   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.

10. FDA Seeks Comment On Delaying, Denying, Limiting, Refusing Inspections 1/9/2023

    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.