Pharma Digest

Tips for Laboratory Design in Pharmaceutical Industry
1. Consider the purpose and requirements of the lab: Before designing the lab, clearly define its purpose and the specific requirements it needs to fulfill. This will help in determining the layout, equipment, and space needed. 2. Optimize space utilization: Efficiently utilize the available space by carefully planning the layout ... Read More

Drug Development and Approval Process | Part III
When studying a new drug, it can sometimes take many years to learn whether a drug actually provides a real effect on how a patient survives, feels, or functions. A positive therapeutic effect that is clinically meaningful in the context of a given disease is known as clinical benefit. Mindful ... Read More

Drug Development and Approval Process | Part II
FDA Approval: What It Means FDA approval of a drug means that data on the drug’s effects have been reviewed by CDER, and the drug is determined to provide benefits that outweigh its known and potential risks for the intended population. The drug approval process takes place within a structured ... Read More

Drug Development and Approval Process | Part I
Developing New Drugs American consumers benefit from having access to the safest and most advanced pharmaceutical system in the world. The main consumer watchdog in this system is FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). Drug companies seeking to sell a drug in the United States must first test ... Read More

FDA Inspection and Findings on Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP)
The FDA conducted an inspection of a manufacturing facility located in the US and found significant violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations. The violations identified include the following: The FDA requested the following actions in response to the identified violations: Recommendation: The firm should consideration of engaging a ... Read More

Criteria of Maintaining Audit and Inspection Readiness in Pharmaceutical Industry
To maintain audit and inspection readiness at all times in pharmaceutical industry, following criteria are to be maintained: 1. Clear Communication Channel 2. Document Control and Management 3. Effective Training and Competency Programs 4. Robust Change Control Processes 5. Real-time Monitoring and Data Analytics 6. A Culture of Continuous Improvement ... Read More

Executing Efficient and Effective CSV Audits
Once planning is complete, it’s time to execute the actual CSV audit. Here are some tips for conducting rigorous, value-adding CSV audits: Interview StakeholdersDiscuss in-depth with stakeholders like system owners, quality managers, and end users. This provides insights into how systems are used and any issues. Examine DocumentationThoroughly review all ... Read More

FDA Compliance Guide on Pre-approval Inspections (PAI) for Drugs
Pre-Approval Inspections (PAIs) are one of several significant milestones with an outsized impact on product approval and market entrance in FDA regulated industries. While organizations that have successfully navigated product development before often ingrain PAI readiness into their processes, companies of all sizes routinely need to devote time and energy ... Read More

Computerized System Validation (CSV) Audits
Computerised system validation (CSV) is critical in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotech. It ensures that computerised systems are compliant with guidelines and capable of consistently producing high-quality products and data. A key component of the CSV process is CSV auditing. CSV audits examine and evaluate computerised systems ... Read More

Highlights of Recent FDA Guidance on Nitrosamine Drug Substance
For example, FDA Recommended AI Limits for Certain Hypothetical NDSRIs FDA Recommended AI Limits for Certain NDSRIs Related: APIC Guidance on the Risk Assessment for Presence of N-Nitrosamines in APIs

Stability Requirements for Oral Solid Formulations in ANDA
When submitting an ANDA for a generic drug, one of the critical aspects is ensuring the product’s stability. The drug’s stability is a key factor in maintaining its safety, efficacy, and quality over its intended shelf life. Here are some key considerations: Long-term Stability: The generic drug product should retain ... Read More