Quality/GMPs

FDA published a flurry of guidance documents in late 2016.

The agency plans on publishing more than 100 new or revised guidance documents in 2017.

Language surrounding regenerative medicine and the REGROW Act appeared back into the 21st Century Cures Act right before it passed. What will this mean for the controversial testing and marketing of stem-cell therapies?

The company was cited by FDA for violations of sterile processing GMPs.

FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) approved 22 new molecular entities (NMEs) in 2016, according to a January 4, 2016 release from the agency. Of the 22 NMEs, 12 were large-molecule therapeutics. Of CDER’s 45 novel drug approvals in 2015, 17 were considered large-molecule therapeutics (larger than 900 Daltons).In 2016, 11 of the 12 large-molecule drugs that were approved were biologics. This includes seven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), one hormone, and three DNA-derived medications. The remaining large-molecule medication was a diagnostic agent.

Siegfried Schmitt, PhD, principal consultant, PAREXEL, discusses how to handle audits and inspections during business expansion.

How involved should HTA bodies be in assessing cost effectiveness and reimbursements?

FDA plans to advance initiatives for ensuring reliable production of drugs and biologics in 2017.

Questions about new healthcare policies, investments, drug approvals, and more will test Biopharma.

There is much work to do to achieve efficient, cost-effective production processes.

The agency put Baoying County Fukang Medical Appliance Co., Ltd. on import alert after observing violations at the company’s Yangzhou City facility.

A pilot project, beginning in 2017, will support the development of biosimilars.

Emergent signed a follow-up contract to provide 29.4 million doses of BioThrax to the Strategic National Stockpile.

The agency announces that 81 medicines overall were recommended in 2016.

The commission concluded its P4Bio pilot phase with the adoption of the monograph for etanercept.

FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research makes plans for implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act that include patient-focused drug development.

Congress enacted the 21st Century Cures legislation, which shores FDA operations and supports biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health.

Dara Corrigan examines the Mutual Reliance Initiative as a method for expanding FDA’s inspection capabilities in Europe and beyond.

John Ward, vice-president of Engineering at Patheon, discusses the potential for cross contamination in the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals.

Biopharma must see regulators as partners in their efforts to provide safe and effective therapies.

Republican control of Washington promises overhaul of healthcare and medical product regulation.

Susan Schniepp, distinguished fellow at Regulatory Compliance Associates, discusses training personnel on a limited budget.

Understanding of endotoxin assays and a range of detection technologies are essential for effective testing.

A consistent approach in assessing risk is an important aspect of successful quality management.

The commission approved future plans, appointed members, and adopted texts during its November 2016 session.