Quality/GMPs

High-priority issues requiring immediate attention leave little time for Congress to consider drug access proposals that have limited bipartisan support.

FDA issues a statement on new policy and enforcement steps to ensure proper oversight of stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine in the wake of two incidents involving unauthorized stem-cell treatment activity.

Laboratory tests can determine critical cleaning parameters for passivation treatments used to prevent rouge on GMP stainless-steel equipment.

The company is voluntarily recalling the products because of potential contamination with Burkholderia cepacia.

The US Pharmacopeial Convention is hosting a variety of workshops in Autumn 2017 on a wide range of topics including continuing education, bioassays, and peptides.

FDA has signed a confidentiality commitment with the European Commission and the European Medicines Agency that allows FDA to share confidential information with EU regulations.

FDA sent a warning letter to Bicooya Cosmetics Limited after inspectors found rodent feces at the company’s Zhejiang, China facility.

The directors of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and Center for Devices and Radiological Health praised Congress’ reauthorization of user fee programs.

The agency published guidance on identifying trading partners under DSCSA.

The withdrawal has been attributed to issues at the biotech company’s manufacturing facility.

The company is voluntarily recalling Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL because of misprinted dosing droppers.

A pilot program will offer instruction on scientific and regulatory guidelines including training on GMPs and quality.

The agency sent a warning letter to Cellex-C International regarding GMP violations found at the company’s Toronto facility.

Efforts to establish an international system for identifying and tracing drugs through the global supply chain are moving forward.

The China Food and Drug Administration has submitted its membership to the International Council for Harmonization.

The review of batch records creates a story of the materials, manufacturing, and packaging involved in the production of bio/pharmaceuticals, according to Susan Schniepp, distinguished fellow at Regulatory Compliance Associates.

The Senate voted 94–1 to approve legislation reauthorizing user fees and a series of program changes.

Following passage by the House in July 2017, the Senate has voted to pass a reauthorization bill for FDA user-fee programs for drugs and medical devices ahead of the user-fee programs’ expiration date.

The agency is asking for comments on a reflection paper on developing drugs for the needs of older patients.

The agency has developed a business continuity plan to ensure that the public’s health is protected during the agency’s relocation.

FDA urges manufacturers to seek fast approval of “high-need” generics and targeted therapies. 

Industry experts weigh in on best practices, challenges, and mutual recognition of cleaning validation standards.

Managing and prioritizing risk is essential to ensuring raw material quality. USP is developing new guidelines to make the work easier.

Investigational failures and discrepancies can be avoided through the proper execution and documentation of investigations.

Stainless-steel particulates were found in one lot of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP 1000 mL, prompting the recall to the hospital/user level.

Manufacturers are seeking greater oversight of how providers reimburse for and dispense covered drugs.

Weak or faulty quality systems can hurt a company at every stage of a product’s lifecycle.

The agency is offering patients with life-threatening diseases a how-to tool on accessing investigational drugs.

FDA sent a warning letter to Sage Products, Inc. regarding CGMP failures involving test methods, sampling, and sterilization procedures.

The agency will lead an international team to create a Supply Chain Security Toolkit of resources to educate the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries on supply chain vulnerabilities.