Pharma Digest

ASEAN Common Technical Document (ACTD)
It is a submission format for dossiers used in most ASEAN countries (Association of South-East Asian Nations). The main aim of ACTD is to regulate the pharmaceutical regulations of the ASEAN member countries to complement and facilitate the objective of AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area), particularly, the elimination of technical ... Read More

ANDA Suitability Petition Vs 505(b)(2)
Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act, commonly known as the Hatch-Waxman amendments, was enacted in 1984 to streamline the approval process for generic drugs. Under this law, generic drug manufacturers can file an ANDA to seek approval for a generic version of a previously approved brand-name drug, also ... Read More

Key Steps to Minimize the Chances of Getting a RTR from FDA
I am reaching out today to share important information that can help us circumvent any potential issues with Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) filed with the FDA. ANDAs are essential for the marketing of generic drugs, and therefore receiving a Refusal to Receive (RTR) can significantly delay approvals. From detailed ... Read More

ANDA Submission and Common Deficiencies
In the world of pharmaceuticals, understanding the ANDA (Abbreviated New Drug Application) submission process is crucial for drug manufacturers seeking approval to market generic drugs. Evaluation Procedure The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) thoroughly evaluates each submitted ANDA to determine if it can be received for review. The concept of ... Read More

Stability Data and Evaluation of Finished Pharmaceutical Products
Stability Studies: A Brief Introduction Stability studies are crucial for determining the shelf life and storage conditions of pharmaceutical products, ensuring their efficacy and safety throughout their lifespan. Long-term and accelerated studies are conducted to evaluate how products respond to various environmental conditions. Data from these studies help establish expiration ... Read More

Role of pKa and pH Values in HPLC
One of the critical factors influencing the success of an HPLC analysis is the control of pH, which directly impacts the ionization state of analytes. The pKa value of a compound, indicating its acid dissociation constant, plays a pivotal role in this process. pKa: A Key Parameter The pKa value ... Read More

Choice of Analytical Techniques for Cleaning Validation
Visual Inspection: Visual Inspection is the examination of the dried equipment under suitable lighting conditions by personnel with appropriate standards of vision. Generally, it is used when it has been demonstrated that a calculated MACO would leave a visible residue as it is not intuitive that a validated method of ... Read More

Classification of Elemental Impurities
The elemental impurity classes are: Class 1: The elements, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, are human toxicants that have limited or no use in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Their presence in drug products typically comes from commonly used materials (e.g., mined excipients). Because of their unique nature, these four elements ... Read More

Potential Sources of Elemental Impurities
In considering the production of a drug product, there are broad categories of potential sources of elemental impurities. The following diagram shows an example of typical materials, equipment and components used in the production of a drug product. Each of these sources may contribute elemental impurities to the drug product, ... Read More

Explanation of FDA Designations
Navigating the complex landscape of clinical trials can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the various designations put forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here’s a breakdown of some crucial designations: Standard Designation: Standard designation is the typical pathway for drug development, involving preclinical studies ... Read More

EU and US GMPs | Understanding the Similarities and Differences
Similarities 1) cover a wide range of products, including RX drugs, OTCs, biologics, & medical devices. Regulations apply to all stages of manufacturing, from raw material sourcing to the final packaging and distribution. 2) require manufacturers to provide adequate training to their employees. 3) prescribe certain standards for facility design ... Read More