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PHARMA UPTODAY
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Inside this issue
3 News Uptoday 35 New Guidance 41 Audit Findings 42 Warning Letters
- Warning letter: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Warning letter: One Way Drug, LLC - Warning letter: Thomas S. Tooma, M.D.
46 EU Non Compliance Report
- Non Compliance Report: Iason Italia SRL, Italy - Non Compliance Report: AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd., India
49 Regulations of the Month
- Sec. 211.48 Plumbing (b) - Sec. 211.50 Sewage and refuse - Sec. 211.52 Washing and toilet facilities - Sec. 211.56 Sanitation (a)
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News Uptoday
Sanofi, AstraZeneca Collaborate to Share 210,000 Compounds
Sanofi and AstraZeneca are touting an innovative, open model of collaboration that will see the
direct exchange of 210,000 compounds between the two companies‘ proprietary libraries.
Announced in late November, the deal gives both companies free access to each other‘s usually
closely guarded compounds. Each company is free to develop any of the shared compounds without
any financial obligation and without restrictions on targeted disease areas.
The collaboration will enhance the chemical diversity of the compound collections and allow them to
screen a broader, more diverse chemical group as the starting point in developing new small-
molecule drugs.
The exchanged compounds specifically were selected to play off differences from their own current
libraries, the companies say. They will be exchanged in large enough quantities to enable the
receiving company to carry out high throughput screening for several years to determine if they are
active against a certain target. If a compound matches a target, it then can be modified to optimize
its structure before being classified as a ―lead compound‖ and entering development.
Even though the drugmakers work in similar disease areas like oncology, there is little chance that
they would develop similar drugs even using the same compound, because the companies have
different R&D methods.
This is a unique agreement, as large pharmaceutical companies typically seek to expand their
pipelines by licensing drugs from smaller biotech firms, or just buying them outright. AstraZeneca
also has struck compound sharing agreements with smaller companies, but nothing at this scale with
a major player like Sanofi.
MHRA to phase out submissions for medicines licences on physical media
Submissions on physical media (CD/DVD) for medicines licences will not be accepted by MHRA
from 1 February 2016.
Recently, MHRA concluded a period of consultation with all appropriate trade bodies about MHRA
plans to phase out the acceptance of regulatory submissions on physical media (CD/DVD).
As a result of our findings and in the absence of unresolved objections, MHRA will no longer accept
submissions on physical media from 1 February 2016.
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Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-to-phase-out-regulatory-submissions-for-
medicines-on-physical-media
Exporters demand to enhance validity of WHO GMP certificate from 2 to 3 years
The pharmaceutical exporters have demanded to enhance the validity period of World Health
Organization - Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO GMP) certificate from 2 years to 3 years from
the date of final inspection and recommendation to licensing authority as the exporters hardly get
one year time for registration since the time needed for Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP)
and inclusion of new products takes more than six months.
The registration of product in every country takes minimum 16 to 18 months including countries in
Africa and Asia. Hence by the time registration documents are processed and come under
evaluation by respective drug authority, the CoPPs get expired. In such cases, the exporters are
again forced to obtain new CoPP legalisation which takes more time, additional expenses and delay
in registration. Also, most of the regulatory authorities are not accepting the CoPP with less than 6
months validity. Hence practically with the present two years' validity of GMP the exporters are able
to use it only for 18 months.
Currently, the validity of WHO GMP certification is given for 2 years only. All the importing countries
irrespective of size now takes minimum 2 years for product registration hence CoPP validity is
always a big problem and hurdle since by the time registration is on verge of completion CoPP gets
expired so for a fresh CoPP it takes at least 2 to 3 months time which further delays registration
period.
The exporters have therefore suggested that WHO GMP certificate should be issued for 3 years
from the date of final inspection and recommendation to licensing authority. Every Indian
manufacturer requires grant of WHO GMP certificate registration in order to export their
pharmaceutical preparations to different countries. CoPP is granted after joint inspections of the
manufacturing facilities by CDSCO officials and the state regulatory authorities. The validity of this
CoPP is for 2 years only. Re-inspection is required to get the new CoPP, but many a times re-
inspection is not possible in time due to various constraints and hence an extension of CoPP is
sought.
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Regulatory authorities in most countries do not accept CoPP with remaining validity of only 6
months. This means that CoPP is effectively valid only for 18 months. An extension of 6 months is
given, but only after the completion of 2 years validity which is of no significant value and the
registration process gets held up. The product registration offered by all countries is valid for 5 years.
The drug manufacturing license in India is also valid for 5 years. Hence it was urged that the validity
period of CoPP may also be 5 years or at least 3 years. This will help to expedite the registration of
products and in-turn will help boost the nation‘s pharmaceutical exports.
MHRA gives troubled Wockhardt plant all clear to manufacture for UK
Wockhardt has received a GMP certificate from the UK‟s MHRA for its facility in Chikalthana,
India.
The contractor announced the certificate in a statement filed with the Bombay Stock
Exchange yesterday.
“The Company has undergone recently an inspection at its L1-Chikalthana, Aurangabad
manufacturing facility by UK MHRA and have received a communication confirming the closure of
the inspection and issuance of an unrestricted GMP certificate,” the firm said.
This was confirmed with the European database of GMP compliance, which shows the certificate,
was issued on November 27, six weeks after the MHRA inspection which at the time Wockhardt said
resulted in no critical observations.
The plant – which makes generic drugs and antibiotics – has previously been the subject of
considerable regulatory criticism.
In October 2013 it was banned from exporting products to the UK after the country‘s Medicines and
Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a certificate of non-compliance due to
cGMP violations.
A month after the MHRA‘s original suspension, the plant was hit by the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) which issued an import alert in November 2013 , banning exports of all but five
essential medicines made at the site.
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ManKind plans to build manufacturing plant in the Himalayas
ManKind Pharma plans to set up manufacturing facilities in Northeast India to bring
production in-house and cut its tax bill.
The Delhi company, which is not to be confused with US inhaled insulin developer MannKind
Corporation, will spend INR2bn ($30m) on new manufacturing facilities in India in 2016.
One of the new plants – which will make finished dosage forms for the Indian market – will be
constructed at an as yet unchosen site in Sikkim, a mountainous State in the North West of the
country that borders Nepal and Tibet.
Sikkim is popular with drugmakers despite the logistical challenges associated with running facilities
in the Himalayas.
Under State law, manufacturers that set up in the region before April 2017 will not have to pay taxes
on revenues generated by products made there for 10 consecutive years.
ManKind‘s plant is scheduled to be operational next March. The firm will join Cipla, Sun Pharma,
Zydus Cadila, Alembic, IPCA, Alkem Lab, Intas Pharma, Torrent Pharma and Unichem which all
have manufacturing operations in the State.
The second new ManKind facility – which is expected to open next summer – will be built at a site in
Behror in Rajasthan. The Indian drugmaker plans to make a range of active pharmaceutical
ingredients at the facility (API).
„Over 90%‟ of industry thinks Pfizer will sell generics biz
Pfizer says it will decide in 2018 whether to split its generics and branded businesses but
M&A experts are already predicting how the giant will get rid of its established drugs
programme.
Following news of the Pfizer-Allergan merger, the pharma world is united in predicting a split,
according to analyst Mark Schoenebaum, whose company Evercore ISI surveyed 448 industry
insiders and found more than 90% believe Pfizer ―should split eventually.‖
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Chrisoph Bieri, an M&A advisor to the pharma industry, backed up this claim. He told us mid-to-large
pharma is increasingly specialising to survive, and the biggest players are choosing either low-cost
generics, or shedding their off-brand portfolios to become originator specialists.
Just as Allergan in July sold to Teva the generics programmes it had amassed after mergers with
Actuis and Watson, Bieri predicts Pfizer is likely to do the same.
―We know that Pfizer also has a number of products off-patent and is trying to find a way to manage
them. We hear now that Pfizer is considering selling all the Pfizer generic drugs – perhaps via a
spin-off […] to focus on originator strategy.‖
Pfizer‘s previous generics policy was to try to commercialise what it calls its ―established products‖
programme through the same channels as original drugs. It then tried to split generics and branded
pharma within each country – ―that didn’t work either,‖ says Bieri.
―The latest we heard is they tried to build an established products unit, the same as Novartis.
Novartis have their generics drugs business [Sandoz] clearly separated – it’s clearly far away, even
geographically. You cannot mix your generics business – it’s a disaster.‖
On the market – but who wants to buy?
As for who Pfizer might sell its generics to, Bieri said there are few large generics players currently
who might want to take up the offer. Teva, Sandoz and Mylan are the current biggest off-patent
manufacturers.
He suggested it ―could make sense‖ for Sanofi and Pfizer to merge their generics businesses into a
new company, as Novartis and GSK funnelled their over-the-counter units in 2014 into a ―Consumer
Healthcare‖ joint venture.
Another question is ―whether Pfizer would sell Hospira [so soon after acquiring it] – it wouldn’t make
a lot of sense,‖ says Bieri. ―Hospira is niche – with sterile injectibles.‖
What is a „generic‟? Changing views
Talk of splitting big pharma between old and new drugs brings up some questions about terminology
– what counts as an originator drug these days? Small changes and add-ons intended to extend IP –
such as new formulations or different dosages of an existing API – are ―not reimbursed any more as
an original drug in Europe,‖ says Bieri. ―They look at it as a generic.‖
Regulators are likely to become stricter in their definitions for new drug submissions, he predicted:
―We assume that over time, having a new drug will mean a new chemical entity or biological entity.‖
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New Online submission system launched by CDSCO for clinical trials
New online submission system for clinical trials has been launched by Central Drugs Standard
Control Organization (CDSCO) in order to increase transparency, accountability and efficiency in
processing clinical trial applications.
The online submission system was launched due to decline in clinical trial applications and
approvals in recent years. Rules regarding compensating for the deaths of clinical trial research
subjects were released. India approved 19 clinical trials in the first four months of 2015, as compared
with 76 trials approved through the first five months of 2014, and 24 trials approved through the first
five months of 2013.
Benefits of the new submission system:
Creation of such an online system will help to protect the rights, safety and well-being of trial
subjects, as well as the authenticity of the data generated
The new online system will help in the collection and organization of information on sponsors,
contract research organizations, investigators, ethics committees and trial subjects.
Although online submissions are not mandatory currently however in the first phase of the launch of
the system, the online submission of applications of clinical trials can be made via the
website:http://octams.gov.in.
GVK Given clean chit by government panel in drug clinical trials
In December 2014, GVK was alleged for falsification in some of its BA/BE studies by French drug
regulator. Subsequently, the European Medicines Agency, after its preliminary investigations,
suspended sales and distribution of about 700 generic drugs across the EU.
The six-member multi-departmental expert panel, looking into GVK Biosciences alleged falsification
of drug trials data, inspected GVK Bio‘s facility and found no evidence of violations. The panel have
gone through data extensively and no data manipulation has been found. In fact, the one allegation
that has been made against the company was that the ECG data is falsified although when other
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regulators including FDA inspected GVK they did not found anything wrong. The panel, is yet to
finalize the report and submit to the government.
GVK was already given a clean chit by CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) and
findings were submitted to the expert panel.
The panel also pointed out that The French inspector did not give the basis on which he had
concluded the ECG data is falsified and therefore the panel has taken up the issue with the French
authorities, who are yet to respond.
MHRA begins to develop human factors guidance with stakeholders
The Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) met with stakeholders to begin to
develop guidance on human factors to promote patient safety.
The Human Factors Task Group created by MHRA held its second meeting of 4 with external
stakeholders to begin to develop guidance on human factors for patient safety.
The group decided the guidance will be divided into 4 sections, which are:
regulatory framework/ pre-market (including settings/ end users)
regulatory framework/ post-market surveillance (including settings/ end users)
standards
simulation/ usablity
The guidance will be mainly aimed at the medical devices industry, although could be useful for
clinicians, procurement specialists and professionals with an interest in patient safety.
The group includes representatives from notified bodies, academia, NICE, trade bodies and
professional associations as well as representatives from the devices, licensing and vigilance and
risk management in medicines divisions at MHRA. Dr Brian Edwards of the Clinical Human Factors
Groupgave a stimulating presentation saying:
It‘s important to work together in particular areas where we have overlapping interests such as drug/
device combinations.
We plan to keep the group focused, inviting experts such as Brian Edwards to share their
knowledge.
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The group is chaired by Dr Peter Nightingale, who is also the chair of MHRADevices Expert Advisory
Group (DEAC). MHRA first held the group meeting on 27 February 2015, which was put together as
a result of a multi-disciplinary stakeholder day to engage on human factors and the implications for
patient safety. We plan to follow up on this work by sharing the draft guidance with a wider group of
stakeholders in Spring.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-begins-to-develop-human-factors-guidance-
with-stakeholders
AstraZeneca Pharma India to close Bengaluru API unit
Drug firm AstraZeneca Pharma India will close its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) unit
at Bengaluru due to low demand for the product in the export markets.
The Board of Directors of the company at its meeting held on December 2, 2015 has decided to
close the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Unit at Yelahanka in Bengaluru, AstraZeneca
Pharma India said in a filing to BSE.
The company, however, did not disclose what it intended to do with the employees working at the
respective unit.
"The Board took the decision as Terbutaline Sulphate (TBS) was the last API to be manufactured at
the API unit and no other API manufacturing activity is planned to be carried out at this unit in the
future," it added.
The decision was taken following an application to the Drug Controller General of India(DCGI) to
withdraw the manufacturing licence for TBS, AstraZeneca Pharma India said.
The product was manufactured primarily for export and the company applied to withdraw the licence
following low demand in the export markets.
The company's tablet manufacturing plant that started commercial operations in 2013 will continue to
operate at the above mentioned location, AstraZeneca said.
Established in 1979, AstraZeneca India is present in seven areas of healthcare -
Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Oncology, Respiratory & Inflammation, Infection, Local Anesthesia and
Maternal Healthcare.
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Final report on national drugs survey likely to come by April 2016
Field data to the tune of 47,000 samples as part of national drugs survey which has been sent to 10
drug testing labs across the country is likely to release its final report by April 2016. Testing and
analysis on the same may conclude by December end this year, according to reliable sources.
Central Drug Testing Labs (CDTL) in Chandigarh, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and
Guwahati, state drugs testing labs at Gujarat, Karnataka Maharashtra and a lab at Indian
Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), Ghaziabad are part of testing and analysis.
According to an official, "The pan-India drugs survey will not do any partial testing but complete
testing for the first time in the history of India. The survey is significant as all studies till date have
been done only for spurious drugs and no 100 per cent testing for NSQ has been done till date. This
is for the first time that complete testing of NSQ drugs would be done as per Indian pharmacopoeia
and other pharmacopoeias." Only 10 per cent of the samples were tested during the pan-India study
done in 2009.
Collection of 47,000 samples was done successfully covering all the retail drug stores including
government medical stores, CHCs and PHCs as part of the pan-India survey. The exercise of pan-
India drugs survey is a mammoth exercise as it covers 29 states and 7 union territories. Around
1000 drug inspectors from across the country have done sampling of drugs from retail pharmacies,
CGHS dispensaries, ESI hospitals, Central Medical Stores Depots, PHCs and CHCs.
Following completion of sampling of spurious and not-of-standard quality (NSQ) drugs, the National
Institute of Biologicals (NIB) under the Union health ministry had sent samples to each of the seven
central drug testing labs across the country for testing to accomplish for the first time complete
testing of NSQ drugs. Only 10 per cent of the samples were tested during the pan-India study done
in 2009. This is for the first time that complete testing of NSQ drugs would be done as per Indian
pharmacopoeia and other pharmacopoeias.
For facilitating the process of analysis and testing through a specialised software the analysis of field
data on spurious and NSQ drugs is done online on a consistent basis. The survey, being done in
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collaboration with Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata and Hyderabad and National Sample
Survey Organisation (NSSO), is a pan-India project in which drug samples were drawn from
healthcare institutions and retail pharmacies across the country to assess the quality of drugs
available to the patients.
In order to facilitate effective sampling of drugs by the drugs inspectors, all the 224 molecules
covering 15 therapeutic drug categories were assigned a unique sequence in the format developed
through a statistical design which ensures that the drug inspector can pick up samples only on the
basis of statistical design and not on their own.
Around 1000 drug inspectors and an equal number of NGOs were trained to execute the sampling
process to implement the study in the most meticulous and transparent manner. The analysis and
testing is facilitated through a specialised AKS software which helps in offering field data on spurious
and NSQ drugs online on a consistent basis in a seamless and flawless manner.
Earlier, a survey to assess the extent of spurious drugs in the country was conducted in the year
2009 by the ministry of health, which revealed that the extent of drugs found spurious was 0.046 per
cent only.
Sanofi, Shantha to supply polio vaccines for India's universal immunization scheme
India will join more than 110 countries that have introduced the injectable inactivated polio vaccine
(IPV) to their calendars. Sanofi and its Indian affiliate, Shantha Biotechnics, will supply polio
vaccines to the Indian government via UNICEF. The vaccines will be used in India's universal
immunization program.
Sanofi Pasteur has already supplied the government with its Imovax Polio vaccine, and Shantha will
soon follow suit with its ShanIPV. While oral polio vaccines have previously been included in the
nation's universal immunization program, the WHO recommends replacing it with the injected
inactivated vaccine, The Hindu Business Line reported.
While India is officially polio-free, it borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, which still report polio cases.
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"With the introduction of IPV in their immunization schedule, India moves the world much closer to
being polio-free," said Olivier Charmeil, president and CEO of Sanofi Pasteur, as quoted by The
Hindu Business Line. "As a company deeply rooted in India, we are very proud that vaccines
produced by both Sanofi Pasteur and Shantha will be used in this vital step towards a polio-free
world. We have worked as partners of the government of India for many years, with this day in
mind."
The goal is to eventually reach more than 20 million newborns annually through the program. The
rollout is gradual, with last month being the deadline to introduce IPV in 17 high-risk states and four
union territories,The Hindu Business Line reported. ShanIPV will be launched in 9 medium-risk
states in January and 6 low-risk states in March.
In February, a team of scientists in the U.K. won a $674 million grant from the Gates Foundation and
the WHO to develop an artificial polio vaccine. The existing oral polio vaccine uses a weakened
version of the poliovirus, which can cause infection in a few people, who can then spread the virus to
unvaccinated people. An artificial vaccine would not have this risk
Statistics and Process Validation: current Findings of the FDA
The "new" FDA's process validation guideline has been effective since January 2011. One
considerable change was made to the original validation guideline from 1987 to put a significantly
greater emphasis on statistics in the context of process validation. So far, relatively few inspection
deficiencies had been observed by the FDA with regard to statistics. At a conference in September
2015 co-sponsored by the FDA, Grace McNally - Senior FDA official - reported about current
"findings" in the 483s deficiency reports and in Establishment Inspection Reports (EIR). Now,
deficiencies regarding statistical problematics can also be found here.
For example, it has been criticised that a (statistical) sampling plan had be misinterpreted. Wrong
AQL values with regard to the number of samples have been noted based on MIL-STD-105D.
Moreover, it has been criticised that the company didn't know the operation characteristics of its
sampling plan.
Another criticised "finding" was that PPQ batches had been considered as "accepted" when all in-
process controls and release specifications were met. It has also been criticised that no intra-batch
variabilities have been examined. In addition, it has been noticed that there was no information
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available in the validation plan concerning the assessment of the process itself. There was also no
indication about the objective of the determination of inter-batch variabilities.
Although OOS results had been found in 2 out of 4 PPQ batches, reduced IPC tests have been
recommended in the PPQ report giving the justification that this was a standard procedure.
Regarding this point, the FDA criticises the lack of scientific rationales for reduced sampling and
monitoring. Interestingly, Grace McNally mentions possibilities for rationales of IPC sampling plans
and the adaptation to a reduced size. In this context, she refers to the ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 norm and ISO
2859 whereby it is expressly pointed out that the ANSI norm recommends the production of at least
10 successful batches before reducing testing. According to the ISO norm even 15 successful
batches are necessary.
The FDA notified a tablet process, criticising the fact that no rationales for warning and action limits
were available. Furthermore, it has been criticised that no analyses on variabilities were available
although they had been required internally and no capacity indices had been determined. There
have been no analyses on the distribution of data, neither planned nor performed. The FDA also
remarked that the calculation of variabilities is necessary to be able to make statements about
process capacities.
Conclusion: Reinforcing the emphasis on statistics in the US FDA Process Validation Guideline from
2011 hasn't been really often addressed in the official deficiencies reports. This seems to be
changing.
Identification of Medicinal Products Standards will apply in six Months
Over the last couple of years the European Health Authorities in conjunction with the International
Standards Organization (ISO) have been developing a set of global data standards referred to as
Identification of Medicinal Products (IDMP).
The Identification of Medicinal Products (IDMP) standards were developed in response to a
worldwide demand for internally harmonized specifications for medicinal products. The EU is the first
to implement these standards, and the other ICH regions will follow. The pharma sector must comply
with IDMP standards in the EU region starting July 2016. Following the EU, the other ICH
(International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of
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Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) countries will then begin their own adoption processes to ensure
global compliance.
Once the IDMP standards are implemented globally, detailed information about all medicinal
products worldwide will, for the first time, be available in a consistent format. This provides regulators
with the means of easily comparing product data across regions and with different manufacturers
and marketing authorisation holders. This increased transparency will drive numerous patient safety
initiatives. It also paves the way for the future roll-out of patient-centric initiatives such as 'e-
prescriptions'.
Adopting the IDMP standard should not only help to achieve regulatory compliance but wants also
improve internal business process efficiencies, as well as increase effectiveness between business
functions and with external partners, truly enabling a task to value strategy.
For additional information please visit the EMA IDMP Plaza page.
The QP Declaration: some Questions remain open
Marketing authorisations require a QP declaration (issued by the Qualified Person) to confirm that
the active substance (active pharmaceutical ingredient - API) has been manufactured in accordance
with the EU-GMP Guide, Part II: Basic Requirements for Active Substances used as Starting
Materials. This QP declaration is required from each registered EEA Manufacturer and Importer
Authorisation Holder (MIAH) that uses the API as a starting material and/or is responsible for QP
certification of the finished batch of a human or veterinary medicinal product.
The QP declaration template provides, in a format considered suitable for submission, a basis for
demonstrating compliance of the active substance manufacture with GMP requirements and that the
manufacturer has relevant knowledge of the supply chain.
However, more than one year after the final guidance was published, some questions remain open
or are frequently asked by the stakeholders. The Co-ordination Group for Mutual Recognition and
Decentralised Procedures - Human (CMDh) has now published an updated document in October
2015 to summarise the most frequent questions and answers.
Amongst others, the following questions are answered:
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Must the QP declaration consider only the final active substance manufacturer site and its
intermediate, or does it need to consider the manufacturing sites of the raw-materials used for
the first synthesis step?
When the only change in an updated CEP is the name of the HOLDER (the manufacturing
site remains the same) what is the rationale for requiring a new QP Declaration?
When a new API manufacturing site is added in an updated CEP, is it necessary to present a
QP Declaration for the already approved API manufacturers?
The answers and other Q&As can be found in the CMDh Q&As QP declaration document
CMDh/340/2015 (October 2015).
The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) original Qualified Person (QP) declaration template and
accompanying guidance, which intended to clarify the expecations, was already published in 2014.
Pharma companies „among happiest places to work‟
Five pharmaceutical companies have placed in a top 50 of the happiest companies in America
listing, based on reviews by employees, with two leading drugmakers making the top three.
Amgen, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, MSD and Pfizer all ranked in online career community
CareerBliss‘ sixth annual 50 Happiest Companies in America awards list. The survey is compiled
using thousands of independent company reviews submitted to the CareerBliss site by employees
between 2014 and 2015.
The survey takes into account eight weighted factors relating to a happy working environment,
including: work-life balance, an employee‘s relationship with his or her boss and colleagues, the
office environment, job resources, compensation, opportunities for professional development, and
company culture.
Amgen and Novartis came second and third on the list respectively, while Johnson & Johnson
placed 14th. Also in the top 50 from the pharma industry were MSD, at 29th, and Pfizer at 33rd.
The number one ‗happiest‘ company according to the research was the health insurance provider
UnitedHealthcare, which offers an average employee salary of $67,856 – calculated from
CareerBliss‘ job listings from the company.
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Amgen and Novartis came second and third, respectively and both topped United for employee
salary. California-based Amgen offers average wages of $74,808, while third-placed Novartis pays
an average of $183,182.
Amgen climbed seven places from the 2014 listings and Novartis retained third place. Other
companies in the top 10 companies in all sectors were: Nokia, Total Quality Logistics, Texas
Instruments, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Chevron, Adobe Systems and Anthem – another
health insurer. Google meanwhile, fell 12 places from sixth to 18th, with an average wage of
$47,598. The list‘s highest climber was Paypal, which rose from 49th last year to 13th in 2015.
As well as salary, among employees‘ chief concerns in rating their companies were that they
received support to further and develop their careers, that they had positive relationships with
managers and that they felt part of a strong company culture.
Source: http://www.pharmafile.com/news/501704/pharma-companies-among-happiest-places-work
Seven-member committee to examine online drug sale issue
A seven-member committee has been formed to look into the the issue of online sale of drugs, Lok
Sabha was informed today.
Drugs Consultative Committee ( DCC) has constituted a seven-member sub committee to examine
the issue of online sale of drugs, while taking care of the risks and concerns related to such sales,
Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said in a written reply to Lok
Sabha.
"All measures considered necessary for safeguarding the interests of consumers are being taken by
the government", he added.
A number of representations have been received from chemists and druggist associations against
the online sale of prescription drugs, the minister said.
Similarly a number of representations have also been received to permit such sales, he added.
Replying to another question, Ahir said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has constituted an
expert core committee to review and recommend the revision of National List of Essential Medicines
(NLEM) 2011 in the context of contemporary knowledge of use of therapeutic products.
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Indian Govt to introduce injectable contraceptives for women
Government has decided to introduce injectable contraceptives for women in the public health
system and family welfare programme, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said today.
"The government has decided to introduce injectable contraceptive for women in the public health
system and family welfare programme. In the first phase it would be launched only in the medical
colleges and district hospitals where dedicated counsellors for family planning are in place," the
minister said in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.
He said that the government had conducted a high-level meeting of prominent gynecologists from
across the country including heads of departments of medical colleges and professional
and technical organisations which discussed the safety concerns in detail.
"It was concluded in the meeting thaptit menstrual irregularity and demineralisation of bones are
temporary phenomena which disappear once the injectables are discontinued. Rare case of
demineralisation of bones would be managed through external supplementation," Nadda said.
The first dose would be administered by a trained doctor in the facility after proper screening
and counselling and the government has planned dedicated technical content and capacity-building
plan for providers for all states, he said.
Google Life Sciences has a new name: Verily
Google Life Sciences got a rebrand today: It‘s now called Verily. A new site is up as well to illustrate
the company‘s emphasis on wielding technology ―to create a true picture of human health‖ – and
―effecting prevention.‖
Just as Google formed parent company ―Alphabet‖ earlier this year, it‘s clearly sticking to a literary
theme with ―verily,‖ which is a florid, Shakespearean way to say ―truth, truly, confidently.‖
Google Life Sciences was formed as an independent company, belonging to Alphabet, this past
August. Previously, GLS was simply the life sciences division of Google X. But as the
company sprawled and its emphasis on the life sciences continued to grow, its need for a life
sciences-focused division emerged.
Source: http://medcitynews.com/
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China toughens drug quality standards, rejects 13 applications
China's food and drug regulator said late on Monday it had rejected applications for 13 new drugs,
citing false or incomplete trial data, as the government toughens enforcement of quality standards.
The China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) last month also rejected applications by eight
Chinese companies for inadequate trial data related to generic drugs for heart problems,
schizophrenia, pain, infections and other diseases.
The quality of locally made drugs is a priority for the government, which is pushing an ambitious
program of healthcare reforms to reduce reliance on both generic and more innovative imported
drugs.
The regulator's crackdown comes after it called on manufacturers to carry out their own internal
investigations into trial data in July, a move expected to raise the quality of local drugs over the long-
run, creating a challenge for global pharmaceutical firms.
The top 10 Chinese drugmakers have seen sales grow around 12 percent this year, according to
data from IMS Consulting, twice the rate of multinationals, which suffered a setback from a bribery
scandal at GlaxoSmithKline two years ago.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/
Texts adopted by the Ph. Eur. Commission
The European Pharmacopoeia Commission adopted 28 new monographs and 3 new general
chapters during its 153rd Session in Strasbourg from 17-18 November 2015.
The Texts will be published in the 9th Edition of the Ph. Eur. and shall become effective on 1st
January 2017.
As it has been previously published in Pharmeuropa 27.2 the commission adopted the deletion of
the test for Heavy Metals (2.4.8) from approx. 760 individual monographs on substances for
pharmaceutical use.
Among the new general chapters adopted is the general method Qualitative high performance thin-
layer chromatography of herbal drugs and herbal drug preparations (2.8.25).
The Commission also adopted 5 revised general chapters and 114 revised monographs, including
42 revised monographs on veterinary vaccines and the general monograph on Vaccines for
veterinary use (0062).
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The general monograph (0062) and three individual monographs (0447, 1939 & 2674) also include
promotion of the move from final product controls to consistency of production. What exactly is
meant by "consistency of production" will be subject of a dedicated press release to be published on
the EDQM website soon. There might be a correlation to the recently published Draft of Annex 17
(Draft Annex 17: Real Time Release Testing, Revision 1).
Additionally, drafts for revised chapters Substances for pharmaceutical use (2034)
and Pharmaceutical preparations (2619) in view of the ICH Q3D Guideline on Elemental impurities
will be published for public inquiry in Pharmeuropa 28.2.
For further Information please visit the EDQM Website.
GDP Interpretation: German Associations publish a Position Paper on Temperature
Deviations
In 2013, the revised EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Guideline was published in the Official
Journal. The extensive revision of the Guideline from 1994 has raised a lot of questions with regard
to the implementation. Some of the key concerns of stakeholders deal with temperature excursions
during transport.
Some expectations from the authority are particularly challenging. The associations of the medicinal
products manufacturers BAH, BPI, vfa and Pro Generika and the association of wholesalers
PHAGRO have now published a position paper and forwarded it to the regulatory authorities.
According to a report from the German Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (BAH)
very restrictive regulations - to some extent - concerning temperature-controlled transport have been
set by the authorities; particularly on hot days in summer where daytime temperatures exceed 25
degrees.
Beside the presentation of the associations' perception of the issue, the paper should also provide
arguments when assessing short-term temperature deviations during the transport of medicinal
products. The paper states that results from stability studies show that temperature fluctuations in
climate zone I/II (relevant zones in the European Union) do not necessarily lead to quality problems.
According to the paper, it can be concluded that it should be allowed to accept temporary
temperature excursions (except for refrigerated goods).
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In this context, the determination of the mean kinetic temperature (MKT) might be used to support
this. The MKT is defined as the kinetic average of all temperatures to which the medicinal product
has been exposed during storage and transport within the supply chain.
According to the arguments of the associations, the storage temperature indicated should always be
considered in connection with the full shelf-life. If a medicinal product is exposed to a temperature of
25°C for 36 months, this results in the same load as 33 months at 21°C and 3 months at 40°C.
Within the framework of the position paper, it is also referred to the Austrian Codex for the transport
of medicinal products in Austria last revised in 2014 (available in German language only). This
document has been released by the associations PHAGO and PHARMIG. The document states
(translated text - unofficial translation):
"Regarding the storage of medicinal products, a distinction is generally made between room-
temperature products and refrigerated ones. The storage rooms are accordingly qualified for these
temperature ranges. GDP requires that products are transported in an "acceptable range". This
formulation considers that for the distribution of medicinal products so many process steps (e.g.
loading, unloading, etc.) are executed. Given this fact- with regard to the use of economically
reasonable qualified standard transport systems - it is impossible to keep the storage temperature
defined at all times without interruption during the whole transport processes.
It is thus justified to define specific transport acceptance criteria on a risk-based approach for short-
term interruptions (up to 12 hours): "(…) By means of a risk analysis, it should be noted that the
influence of these short-term deviations (up to 12 hours) due to the transport on the stability and the
shelf-life is negligible with regard to maximum allowable degradation of the API over the entire
products life. (…)".
To what extent the GMP/GDP monitoring authorities will follow this interpretation will have to be
observed. The British Medicines Authority MHRA had published a Question & Answer document on
the use of the MKT values - please see our News on MHRA principles with regard to the possibilites
and the limits of the use of MKT.
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AstraZeneca commits £75m to replace warehouse and packaging unit at UK plant
AstraZeneca has invested £75m ($114m) to build packaging and warehouse facilities at its
manufacturing site in Macclesfield, UK.
According to AstraZeneca spokesman Andrew Higgins, the site in Macclesfield – about 20km south
of Manchester – is the largest pharma production facility in the UK and the second biggest in the
Anglo-Swedish firm‘s global network.
While the site has been subject to major job cuts in the past, Higgins told in-Pharmatechnologist.com
this investment is testament to AstraZeneca‘s commitment to the facility which - with the construction
of a new sterile manufacturing unit - puts the recent investment total close to £200m.
“We are constructing a new packaging unit, comprising of a hi-tech packing lines for tablets and
capsules, and an automated warehouse facility on the site, as the old one needs replacing,” he said.
Higgins added the project was complex and would take until 2019 as the firm is ensuring there will
be no disruptions to supply.
The project will create around 150 construction jobs, but once complete AstraZeneca's total
headcount will not increase, he added.
Zoladex
The site makes a number of products in AstraZeneca‘s small molecule portfolio, including the
blockbuster drug Zoladex (goserelin) delivered by a subcutaneous injection of a solid state deposit
that dissolves in the body over three months in patients with prostate cancer.
More systems training needed to help inspectors spot data falsification say PIC/S experts
Data falsification at API facilities is getting harder to spot say regulators who have called for
more systems training and international collaboration.
Regulators who attended the PIC/S Expert Circle on APIs in October said spotting faked or
manipulated records requires expert knowledge of increasingly complex systems.
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Attendee Carmelo Rosa, Director of the US FDA‘s Division International Drug Quality, told us
―inspectors need to feel comfortable with the systems used, and have an understanding of the things
a person can do in the electronic world in an attempt to hide, delete, substitute, or modify results.‖
He cited falsification of batch records and the practice of recording manufacturing activities before
they occur as common data integrity issues that inspectors encounter.
Rosa also suggested that because they know spotting such deficiencies takes time, some API
manufacturers even ―try to refocus the scope of the inspection, delay or deny access to critical
areas, which makes it difficult for the inspections.‖
To combat this some PIC/S members, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have
the power to say a drug is adulterated if an inspection is delayed, or if inspectors are denied access
to records or the site.
Delegates at the meeting, which was hosted by the European Directorate for the Quality of
Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) in Strasbourg, France, also stressed the importance of regular
technical training for inspectors.
International collaboration
Collaboration was another major discussion point at the meeting, where national agencies were
urged to share more information with counterparts.
Rosa told us while regional regulators are working together and sharing information at an
―unprecedented level,‖ more needs to be done.
―More joint inspections are needed to continue harmonizing our inspection approaches and
outcomes‖ he said, adding that ―the more we interact, the more close we will get to relying on each
other’s inspection.”
Global
Membership of PIC/S provides a basic set of good manufacturing practices (GMP) guides for active
pharmaceutical (API) production and guides for the manufacture of sterile medicinal products.
The organisation also provides member organisations with seminars and training sessions relative to
APIs, computerized systems, human blood tissues, quality risk management and good distribution
practices.
PIC/S is also used by regulators to keep track of drugmakers‘ compliance with manufacturing
standards.
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The advantages of such collaboration were aslo stressed by MHLW director Haruo Akagawa at a
conference in Japan earlier this year.
He told delegates at CPhI Japan the membership of PIC/S - granted to the regulator and sister
organisation the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PDMA) in July 2014 "the purpose
of PIC/S is to pursue and strengthen the cooperation established, to provide the framework for the
sharing of information and experience on a voluntary basis.
―I profoundly hope that [drug] candidates and innovative products will be delivered to patients as
soon as possible, not only from Japan but also for the whole world with assured international quality
levels and they will help patients suffering from diseases‖ he said.
FDA updates definitions: what constitutes a manufacturing site change?
The FDA is seeking comment on a draft guidance which outlines the administration‟s
thoughts on what constitutes a manufacturing site change.
The new guidance will replace an earlier document, ―Likelihood of Facilities Inspections When
Modifying Devices Subject to Premarket Approval,‖ which was issued August 5, 1999. However, this
guidance was never finalized. Today, based on industry feedback – and after gaining more than 15
years of experience – the FDA has made substantial revisions to the original guidance.
"Because the 1999 draft guidance was never finalized and in light of feedback the agency has
received over the last several years, the draft guidance on manufacturing site changes was issued to
solicit new comments that can be considered in an effort to finalize the document," an FDA
spokesperson told OutSourcing-Pharma.com.
The updated document outlines FDA recommended steps to help determine whether a PMA
supplement should be submitted in the event of a manufacturing site change (including a change to
the processing, packaging, or sterilization site).
Additionally, it discusses general factors the FDA may use to determine whether a preapproval
inspection is necessary before approval of the PMA supplement.
The document outlines several types of manufacturing site changes, including moving
manufacturing, processing, or packaging activities to a contract manufacturer not approved as part
of the original PMA.
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According to the FDA, ―This guidance should help manufacturers manage the timeframes associated
with implementing the changes in the manufacturing site and any processes, methods, procedures,
qualifications, and validations.‖
For a complete list of site change types, view Manufacturing Site Change Supplements: Content and
Submission .
The administration will be accepting comments until January 19, 2016.
Indian pharma market crosses Rs 1,00,000 crore mark: IMS Health
The Indian pharmaceutical market has for the first time crossed the Rs 100000 crore mark in
November when calculated on the basis of Moving Annual Total (MAT), said IMS Health, a global
pharmaceutical market research firm.
In its monthly review of the local market, IMS Health said in its note titled Market Reflections that
Indian companies took over three-fourth of the market share during the month.
On an average over the last three years, Indian pharmaceutical market has grown by 12%. Almost
38% of the market was dominated by drugs that treat infections, heart ailments and patients with
gastro-intestinal issues. IMS report said in November, Indian market was at Rs 100115 crore, of
which the retail sector was valued at Rs 84279 crore.
Sun Pharma remained at the top of the list of drug companies with a market share of 8%, followed
by Abbott with a share of 6.1%. Cipla trailed at 5.4% but grew higher than its top peers showing
growth of 16% during the month. Mankind Pharma has jumped past its traditional rivals to secure the
fourth position with a market share of 3.7%, standing above Alkem, GlaxoSmithKline and Zydus
Cadila.
Mixtard, a popular insulin marketed by Abbott, continued to hold the position of the largest brand for
the month followed by Pfizer cough syrup Corex and Glycomet-gp, a diabetes brand of USV.
PHARMA UPTODAY
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Sun says the FDA has issued warning letter for Halol plant
Since its key plant in Halol was written up by the FDA following an inspection last year, Sun
Pharmaceutical has gone all out to get on top of the agency's concerns. It has brought in outside
consultants and invested in new systems and employee training. But it wasn't enough to ward off an
FDA warning letter.
India's largest drugmaker acknowledged over the weekend that the FDA had formalized its concerns
with the plant in the warning letter. It said its effort to make changes began as soon as the FDA
inspection highlighted them in September 2014 and that it has communicated regularly with the
agency about its progress. But it says it will continue to work diligently until the FDA is satisfied.
"While our team is working hard to ensure that the commitments made to the U.S. FDA in
September 2014 are fully completed, we will continue to cooperate with the U.S. FDA and undertake
any additional steps necessary to ensure that the US Agency is completely satisfied with our
remediation of the Halol facility," Managing Director Dilip Shanghvi said in a statement.
Source: http://www.fiercepharmamanufacturing.com/
Novartis opens new office complex in Hyderabad
Novartis Group on Thursday opened its new office complex Novartis Knowledge City, the largest of
its five global service centres.
Telangana's Information Technology Minister K. Tarakarama Rao inaugurated the new complex of
Novartis Global Service Centers (NGSC), a nine-storied structure with a gross area of 800,000
square feet, or sufficient space to enable Novartis to absorb future growth.
The other global NGSCs are in Mexico City, Dublin, Prague, Kuala Lumpur.
With about 3,500 employees, Novartis Business Services (NBS) in Hyderabad provides services in
IT, financial reporting and accounting, human resources services, procurement and product lifecycle
services. Pharma development focuses on data management, statistics, regulatory affairs,
pharmacovigilence and clinical trial operations.
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Novartis, which started operations here in 2007, had two offices at Mindspace in the Hitec City,
which have now moved to the new complex, the company said in a statement.
The company's third location in the city - the lab facility at Genome Valley, will continue its operations
at the same site.
The company expects to drive collaboration, efficiency and productivity gains by providing
centralized services.
Source: www.business-standard.com
Novartis selling French Alcon plant to Recipharm
Novartis will shed another manufacturing unit as it continues its efforts to improve earnings by
getting more efficient. This time, it will sell an Alcon unit to Swedish contract
manufacturer Recipharm but has swung a deal to buy and continue to market the eye meds made
there.
Recipharm announced today that is buying Kaysersberg Pharmaceuticals, from Novartis' Alcon unit,
for €18 million ($19.7 million). With the deal, Recipharm gets a manufacturing plant in Kaysersberg,
France, with a line of products that it will supply to Novartis through a long-term manufacturing
agreement. It said the products will add about €36 million ($39.4 million) in sales for the company.
As part of the deal, which is set to close by year end, Recipharm will take on the 260 employees at
the plant but said the facility may "provide synergy with Recipharm's three other French facilities."
Recipharm said the Kaysersberg plant also has blow-fill-seal capabilities, adding a new niche for the
contractor.
"Blow-fill-seal technology is a very interesting area which we believe will grow and it therefore forms
an important addition to our portfolio," Recipharm CEO Thomas Eldered said in a statement.
The acquisition of Kaysersberg Pharmaceuticals continues a buying spree for the Swedish company
that has been picking up specialized assets around the world. It recently announced it was paying
about $105.2 million to buy a 74% stake in Nitin Lifesciences, an Indian sterile injectables CMO.
Source: http://www.fiercepharmamanufacturing.com/
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Granules India facility gets three observations during USFDA audit
Drug firm Granules India has received three observations from the USFDA for its Jeedimetla,
Hyderabad facility during a recent inspection.
US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) completed the inspection of company's two facilities,
one located at Vizag in Andhra Pradesh and another at Jeedimetla in Telangana, Granules India
said in a regulatory filing.
"There are no observations for Vizag facility and three observations for Jeedimetla facility. The
company will respond to the observations in 15 business days", it added.
The Hyderabad-based firm serves customers in over 60 countries and has manufacturing footprint in
India and China.
It has three facilities in Hyderabad and one in Jingmen, China. A fifth factory is under construction in
Vizag through its JV company Granules OmniChem.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
TGA Half yearly performance report - January to June 2015
This half yearly performance report covers the period 1 January to 30 June 2015 inclusive.
Future reports will be published annually, with the next report covering July 2015 to June 2016. This
is in line with the report against the TGA key performance indicators and measures: Regulator
Performance Framework.
The KPI report outlines performance against our broad strategic intent, and should be read in
conjunction with the performance statistics provided in the future copies of this report.
Source: https://www.tga.gov.au/publication/half-yearly-performance-report-january-june-2015
PHARMA UPTODAY
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Honeywell Completes Acquisition Of Research Chemicals Business From Sigma-Aldrich
Honeywell today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Seelze, Germany-based
laboratory research chemicals business from Sigma-Aldrich, broadening Honeywell's offerings for
high-purity solutions for drug discovery, medical diagnostic testing and other laboratory applications.
The acquisition includes the Fluka-branded solvents and inorganic chemistry portfolio worldwide and
the Sigma-Aldrich-branded solvents and inorganic chemistry portfolio in the European Economic
Area (EEA). Those offerings are now part of Honeywell's broader portfolio of offerings for research
chemicals, which already includes the Riedel-de Haën® and Burdick & Jackson® brands.
"The combined Honeywell business will be able to serve a broader range of customers and
applications with global brands recognized for world-class quality and lot-to-lot consistency –
essential for a range of applications including drug synthesis, food, environmental, chemical and
forensic testing," said Qamar Bhatia, president of Honeywell's Specialty Products business. "To
make the transition process as seamless as possible, customers will still order products directly
through Sigma-Aldrich and receive the same level of dedicated customer, technical and logistical
support as they always have."
The Honeywell portfolio now includes six product lines:
Fluka® chemicals and reagents used for biochemical research and other chemical and
pharmaceutical applications
Hydranal® Karl Fischer titration reagents used by laboratories to measure moisture content in
liquids and solids
Chromasolv® high-purity solvents for chromatography, a technique used to separate and
analyze complex mixtures
Riedel-de Haën® high-quality research chemicals used in pharmaceutical production and
bioscience
Burdick & Jackson® high-purity solvents, reagents and chromatography products for
laboratories and pharmaceutical production
Sigma-Aldrich® solvents and inorganics sold into the European Economic Area
PHARMA UPTODAY
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The acquired business employs approximately 200 people, primarily in Seelze, with sales and
marketing personnel throughout Europe. Honeywell's Seelze plant, which manufactures Riedel-de
Haën-branded products, currently makes the majority of the products in the acquired business.
The acquired business will be integrated into Honeywell's Fine Chemicals business and will continue
to be led by the core leadership team of the acquired company. With two production sites, Seelze
and Muskegon, Mich., in the U.S., the combined business unit will be able to develop and
manufacture high-purity research chemicals and other materials used in new drug discovery,
medical diagnostic testing and other laboratory applications.
With the addition of titration products, high-purity solvents and reagents, and specialty inorganic
chemicals, Honeywell builds on an already strong portfolio of Burdick & Jackson and Riedel-de Haën
products. Honeywell's Fine Chemicals business has supplied high-quality research chemicals and
specialty organic and inorganic compounds to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for more
than 100 years. Its products are sold under the Burdick & Jackson and Riedel-de Haën brands, and
are used in a variety of laboratory, consumer and industrial applications including drug discovery,
toothpaste, water purification, fortified foodstuffs, polymer synthesis, and metal surface treatment
and finishing.
Honeywell Fine Chemicals is a part of the Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies
business group.
Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies (PMT) is a global leader in developing
advanced materials, process technologies and automation solutions. PMT's Advanced Materials
businesses manufacture a wide variety of high-performance products, including environmentally
friendlier refrigerants and materials used to manufacture end products such as bullet-resistant armor,
nylon, computer chips and pharmaceutical packaging. Process technologies developed by PMT's
UOP business (www.uop.com) form the foundation for most of the world's refiners, efficiently
producing gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, petrochemicals and renewable fuels. PMT's Process Solutions
business (www.honeywellprocess.com) is a pioneer in automation control, instrumentation and
services for the oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, industrial power generation, chemicals and
petrochemicals, biofuels, life sciences, and metals, minerals and mining industries.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader,
serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for
PHARMA UPTODAY
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buildings, homes, and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. For more news and
information on Honeywell, please visitwww.honeywellnow.com.
This release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than
statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our
management intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are
forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments
made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current
economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to
be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number
of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental,
and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results,
developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such forward-looking
statements. We identify the principal risks and uncertainties that affect our performance in our Form
10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: http://www.laboratorynetwork.com/
AMRI Acquires Whitehouse Laboratories
AMRI today announced that it has acquired all the outstanding equity interests of Whitehouse
Laboratories, a leading provider of testing services that includes chemical and material analysis,
method development and validation and quality control verification services to the pharmaceutical,
medical device and personal care industries. Total consideration is $54 million in cash, and an
additional $2 million in shares of AMRI common stock contingent upon Whitehouse Labs achieving
certain 2015 targets.
"We are very pleased to acquire Whitehouse Labs, extending AMRI's analytical services expertise
and offerings, a critical function for all aspects of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing,"
said William S. Marth, AMRI's president and chief executive officer. "With the proliferation of ever-
tightening standards in the life sciences sector and mounting concern regarding quality and safety of
pharmaceutical products and medical devices, Whitehouse Labs meets the increasingly complex
PHARMA UPTODAY
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needs of customers we service and will augment our discovery, development and manufacturing
services nicely."
"For Whitehouse Labs, joining with AMRI validates our company's reputation and success and will
extend our ability to address customers' analytical and testing needs, which is a rapidly expanding
area of outsourcing within the life sciences industry," said Brian Mulhall, Co-Founder of Whitehouse
Labs. "Favorable dynamics are increasing the trend among biopharmaceutical manufacturers to
outsource testing services and our capabilities in analytical testing and diverse client base are highly
complementary to AMRI. We are very pleased to be joining the AMRI team and look forward to
working together to achieve our common goals."
Whitehouse Labs Background
Whitehouse Labs, based in Lebanon, New Jersey, operates a highly regarded analytical and testing
business with 2015 estimated revenue of approximately $11 million and 2015 estimated adjusted
EBITDA of approximately $6 million, implying a purchase price multiple of approximately 9 times
2015 adjusted EBITDA. Whitehouse Labs will continue to operate independently within AMRI's DDS
segment. Adjusted EBITDA excludes any deal related costs or purchase accounting impacts.
Whitehouse Labs offers a comprehensive array of testing solutions for life sciences from materials
and excipients, container qualification and container closure integrity testing, routine analytical
chemistry, drug delivery systems and device qualification programs, packaging, distribution, and
stability and storage programs.
About AMRI
Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI) is a global contract research and manufacturing
organization that has been working with the Life Sciences industry to improve patient outcomes and
the quality of life for more than two decades. With locations in North America,Europe and Asia, our
key business segments include Discovery and Development Services (DDS), Active Pharmaceutical
Ingredients (API) and Drug Product Manufacturing. Our DDS segment provides comprehensive
services from hit identification to IND, including expertise with diverse chemistry, library design and
synthesis, in vitro biology and pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, as well as
PHARMA UPTODAY
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natural products. API Manufacturing supports the chemical development and cGMP manufacture of
complex API, including potent, controlled substances, biologics, peptides, steroids and cytotoxic
compounds. Drug Product Manufacturing supports drug product development through commercial
scale production of complex liquid-filled and lyophilized parenteral formulations.
Cadila Healthcare slumps on receiving warning letter from USFDA
Shares of Cadila Healthcare have tanked 17% to Rs 320 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in
early morning trade after the pharmaceutical company received a warning letter from the US Food
and Drug Administration (USFDA) relating to its Moraiya formulation facility and Ahmedabad API
facility.
―The company has received a warning letter issued by the US FDA relating to its Moraiya formulation
facility and Ahmedabad API facility (Zyfine),‖ Cadila Healthcare said in a regulatory filing.
"The company said it will respond to US FDA to address the observations within the statutory time
permitted in the letter. The company is working hard to ensure that the commitments made to the US
FDA are fully completed. The company will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure that the
US FDA is fully satisfied with our remediation of the above facilities," it added.
Cadila has, however, clarified that there are no products in the US market which use API
of Zyfine facility.
―While it‘s too early to ascertain the impact on the numbers, as we also await more clarity on the
same. Also, the company has mentioned, that it will respond to USFDA to address the observations
within the statutory time permitted in the letter. Also, it‘s committed to resolve all the issues and
revamp our quality systems and processes and that there are no products in the US market which
use API of Zyfine facility,‖ says Sarabjit Kour Nangra, VP Research- Pharma, Angel Broking.
"On valuations front, the company is currently trading at 22xFY2017E earnings, thus leaving little for
comfort. In our assessment, after the correction, even in the best case scenario, the company has
upsides of only 7-8%", she adds.
During the 2QFY2016, the company had mentioned that, it has initiated site transfer of key filings
namely Asacol HD, Toprol XL and Prevacid OTD and expects it to be done over the next 6-9
months, the broking firm said in a client note.
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Cadila has already gained site transfer approvals for 4 of its existing products. Also, its new SEZ
formulations facility (oral Oncology, oral solids) received the Establishment Inspection Report (EIR)
from the USFDA. The company has undertaken 40+ filings over the past 3-4 years from this facility
paving the way for monetizing its large ANDA pipeline. Additionally the company is also hopeful of
commissioning its new sterile injectable facility located in Baroda by July 2016, added note.
At 12:56 p.m. the stock was down 15% at Rs 328 on the NSE. The trading volume on the counter
jumped multiple-fold with a combined 22.49 million shares representing 11% of total equity have
changed hands on the NSE and BSE so far.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/
Terminology
A User Requirements Specifications (URS) document describes what the end
user needs a system to do. The document can prioritize the requirements as
mandatory, desirable, optional, or possible in future versions. Example: The
system must prevent false alarms due to normal activities such as door
opening.
A Functional Specification (FS) document describes the functions of a system
and how these functions satisfy the requirements in the URS. It also contains
the methods for verifying that these requirements have been met. It does
not define the inner workings of the system; rather, the FS describes
interactions between the system and its end users.
A Traceability Matrix (TM) is used to outline project requirements and
ensure they are met. Traceability matrices are usually in the form of a table
that is used to track requirements and/ or specifications that must be tested.
The matrix guides the development of testing documents, and should be
verified after tests are completed to ensure that all system requirements
have been adequately tested.
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New Guidance Australian regulatory guidelines for OTC medicines (ARGOM) (Nov 2015)
The Australian Regulatory Guidelines for over the counter medicines (ARGOM) assist applicants
and sponsors with the process of applying to either register new OTC medicine or make changes to
the registry details of a registered OTC.
The general changes include:
A landing page for OTC medicines guidance, which includes information on updates to guidance and
hyperlinks to all guidance material relevant to OTC medicines.
Presenting the guidance as accessible interlinking webpages with print options rather than the PDF
documents.
A step-by-step guide through the processes to register or make a change to a registered medicine
and the Advisory committee process.
Removing duplicated information to create webpages as a central source of information on specific
topics. For example the information about the regulation of OTC medicines and the expert Advisory
committee process that was duplicated in both the Guidelines on the pre-market application and
evaluation process for OTC medicines and Guidelines on change to OTC medicines have been
consolidated to create single webpages for:
o The overview of OTC medicine registration
o Expert Advisory committee process for OTC medicines which is accessed by hyperlink from Step 10
in the OTC new medicine registration process and Step 11 in the process to change a registered
OTC medicines.
New guidance identified by the word NEW on the OTC medicines landing page
Updated guidance is identified by the word UPDATED on the OTC medicines landing page
New content in guidance is identified by the word NEW on the relevant webpages enabling readers
to scan the webpage to readily identify any updated or new information
Source & more details: https://www.tga.gov.au/publication/australian-regulatory-guidelines-otc-
medicines-argom-nov-2015
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Guidance for Industry and Review Staff: Best Practices for Communication Between IND
Sponsors and FDA During Drug Development
The purpose of this guidance is to describe best practices and procedures for timely, transparent,
and effective communications between investigational new drug application (IND) sponsors and FDA
at critical junctures in drug development, which may facilitate earlier availability of safe and effective
drugs to the American public. This guidance describes:
• FDA‘s philosophy regarding timely interactive communication with IND sponsors as a core activity
• The scope of appropriate interactions between the review team and the sponsor
• The types of advice appropriate for sponsors to seek from FDA in pursuing their drug development
program
• General expectations for the timing of FDA response to IND sponsor inquiries
• Best practices and communication methods to facilitate interactions between the FDA review team
and the IND sponsor during drug development
• Expectations for appropriate methods, including the frequency, of such communications
Source: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidance
s/UCM475586.pdf
FDA Guide for Microbial Vectors used for Gene Therapy
In October, FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) published a draft guideline
dealing with the authority's recommendations concerning microbial vectors for the production of gene
therapy medicinal products. After its adoption, the new guide entitled "Recommendations for
Microbial Vectors used for Gene Therapy" will complement the current guide "Guidance for FDA
Reviewers and Sponsors: Content and Review of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC)
Information for Human Gene Therapy Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs)".
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Nowadays, bacterial vectors such as Salmonella, Listeria or E. coli are genetically modified to
express therapeutically relevant compounds like tumour antigens, cytokines, growth factors,
therapeutic proteins, etc. for example, such vectors are generated by the modification of
chromosomal or episomal genes and the insertion of foreign genetic information. This may also lead
to modifications in the therapeutic profile or in the growth characteristics of the organisms.
Now with the new document, the FDA wants to give recommendations to the developing companies
and institutions, the investigational new drug application (IND) sponsors, about the information
needed with regard to the characteristics, production and control of such microorganisms (Microbial
Vectors used for Gene Therapy - MVGTs) for the submission of an IND. Moreover, the document
gives an overview of preclinical and clinical aspects.
The guide is composed of the following sections:
PRODUCT MANUFACTURING AND CHARACTERIZATION
Product Manufacturing – Components
Product Manufacturing – Procedures
Product Testing
Drug Substance
Drug Product
Stability Testing
Additional Testing
PRECLINICAL STUDIES
Animal Species and Models
Safety Evaluation
Attenuation Evaluation
Biodistribution/ Shedding
Antibiotic Use
CLINICAL STUDIES
General Considerations
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Prior Human Experience
Patient Population
Starting Dose, Dose Escalation, and Dosing Schedule
Treatment Modifications
Monitoring
For more details, refer complete guidance draft :
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/
Guidances/CellularandGeneTherapy/UCM466625.pdf
EMA publishes Principles for QR Codes
The European Co-ordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures - Human (CMDh)
published a position paper in April 2014 on the use of QR codes on the outer packaging and the package
leaflet of nationally authorised medicinal products. Read more in the news CMDh Position Paper on QR
Codes published. QR stands here for "Quick Reponse".
Now, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also released on 22 July 2015 details about the use of QR
codes on the outer packaging and package leaflet of centrally authorised medicinal products.
Following information can - for example - be made available via QR codes:
Package leaflet (completely or partially)
Excerpts from the SmPC
Training material (according to the risk management plan)
Diverse texts for which acceptance from the EMA is available
The regulations now adopted by the EMA comply with those for nationally authorised medicinal
products.
You can find EMA's tips on QR codes in the document Quick Response (QR) Codes in the Labelling
and Package Leaflet of centrally authorised Medicinal Products.
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A new general chapter on raw materials of biological origin will be published in the 9th
Edition of the European Pharmacopoeia
During the last European Pharmacopoeia Commission session held in Strasbourg on 17-18
November 2015, a new chapter was adopted for Raw materials of biological origin for the production
of cell-based and gene therapy medicinal products for human use (5.2.12). This general chapter is
published for information and includes sections on the risk, origin, production and quality
requirements of raw materials of biological origin used for the production of these advanced therapy
medicinal products. Read the Press Release Knowledge Database: information on substances and
methods of analysis, part of the work programme of the European Pharmacopoeia - See more at:
https://www.edqm.eu/en/node/14753#sthash.A2u5KOnZ.dpuf
Source: https://www.edqm.eu/en/node/14753
Draft Guidance on Pharmaceutical Quality/CMC: Draft Guidance for Industry on Advancement
of Emerging Technology Applications to Modernize the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Base;
Draft Guidance for Industry; Availability
This guidance provides recommendations to pharmaceutical companies interested in participating in
a program involving the submission of chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) information
containing emerging manufacturing technology to FDA. The program is open to companies that
intend the technology to be included as part of an investigational new drug application (IND) or
original or supplemental new drug application (NDA), abbreviated new drug application (ANDA), or
biologic license application (BLA) reviewed by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
(CDER), and where that technology meets other criteria described in this guidance.
Source: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidance
s/UCM478821.pdf
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Manual of Policies and Procedures (MAPP) FDA Pharmacy Student Experiential Program
This MAPP outlines CDER policies, procedures, and practices for CDER participating office and
division directors, administrative or management officers, preceptors, and
pharmacy students in the FDA Pharmacy Student Experiential Program (FDA PSEP).
Source: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofMedicalProductsandTobac
co/CDER/ManualofPoliciesProcedures/UCM479186.pdf
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AUDIT FINDINGS - 483 Observations
Firm Name 483 Observation
West-Ward Pharmaceutical
Corp. - Feb. 26, 2014
Investigations of a failure of a batch or any of its components to
meet any of its specifications did not extend to other batches of
the same drug product.
Grandpa's Compounding
Pharmacy, Inc. - Sept. 18,
2015
Failure to reject any lot of components that did not meet the
appropriate written specifications for identity, strength, quality and
purity.
King Bio, Inc. - Sept. 4, 2015 The operations relating to the manufacture, processing and
packing of penicillin are not performed in facilities separate from
those used for other drug products for human use.
Cramer Products, Inc. - Oct.
26, 2015
The responsibilities and procedures applicable to the quality
control unit are not in writing.
Naturich Labs, Inc. - Aug. 26,
2015
The responsibilities and procedures applicable to the quality
control unit are not fully followed.
Johnson & Johnson
Healthcare Products, Division
of McNeil PPC, Inc. - Sept. 21,
2015
Investigations of a failure of a batch or any of its components to
meet any of its specifications did not extend to other batches of
the same drug product and other drug products that may have
been associated with the specific failure or discrepancy.
RC Compounding Services, LLC - Sept. 14, 2015
Procedures designed to prevent microbiological contamination of
drug products purporting to be sterile do not include validation of
the sterilization process.
Kutol Products Co. - Sept. 29, 2015
There are no written procedures for production and process
controls designed to assure that the drug products have the
identity, strength, quality, and purity they purport or are
represented to possess.
Pi Pharma, Inc. - Sept. 11, 2015
You did not establish product specifications for the purity, strength,
and composition of the finished dietary supplement.
Progela, S.A. de C.V. - Aug. 5, 2015
Raw or source data not generated for identification test.
Petnet Solutions,Inc. - Oct. 15, 2015
Laboratory records did not contain a complete record of all data
obtained in the course of each test.
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp. - Aug. 14, 2015
Drug products failing to meet established standards,
specifications, and quality control criteria are not rejected.
Cape Apothecary, Inc. - Oct. 7, 2015
Procedures designed to prevent microbiological contamination of
drug products purporting to be sterile are not established.
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Alex C. Fergusson, LLC - Sept. 11, 2015
Testing and release of drug product for distribution do not include appropriate laboratory determination of satisfactory conformance to the identity and strength of each active ingredient prior to release.
Deva Holding AS - Cerkezkoy Subesi - Aug. 6, 2015
Deviations from written specifications, test procedures, and laboratory mechanisms are not recorded and justified.
Intas Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. - July 3, 2015
The quality control unit lacks authority to review production records to assure that no errors have occurred and fully investigate errors that have occurred.
Bajaj Medical, LLC - Oct. 16, 2015
The written stability testing program is not followed.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC - Oct. 16, 2015
Investigations of a failure of a batch or any of its components to meet any of its specifications did not extend to other batches of the same drug product.
CSL Behring Pty, Ltd. - Oct. 9, 2015
Performance Qualification studies reviewed for the ... Filling Facility autoclave and … are inadequate.
Sovereign Pharmaceuticals, LLC - Aug. 21, 2015
Protective apparel is not worn as necessary to protect drug products from contamination.
Digestive Care, Inc. - Sept. 25, 2015
Deviations from production time limits are not justified and compromise the quality of the drug product.
FDA Warning letters
US FDA Warning letter: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Halol Plant, Gujarat, India:
1. Your firm failed to establish and follow appropriate written procedures that are designed to
prevent microbiological contamination of drug products purporting to be sterile, and that include
validation of all aseptic and sterilization processes (21 CFR 211.113(b)).
You failed to perform adequate unidirectional airflow studies (smoke studies) under dynamic
conditions to determine how the movement of air and personnel during aseptic operations
could pose risks to product sterility.
Your aseptic processing equipment is not properly designed
You rejected vials during media fills without written justification or explanation.
Your media fill reconciliation records failed to include a specific description of the reason why
your firm rejected vials from each batch
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2. Your firm failed to maintain floors, walls, and ceilings of smooth, hard surfaces that are easily
cleanable in aseptic processing areas (21 C.F.R. 211.42(c)(10)(iv) and (i).
The floors, walls, and ceilings in your aseptic processing area were not maintained as
smooth, hard surfaces that were easily cleaned.
3. Your firm failed to thoroughly investigate any unexplained discrepancy or failure of a batch
or any of its components to meet any of its specifications whether or not the batch has already been
distributed (21 CFR 211.192).
You attributed the failures to product degradation from your process, but you failed to identify
the specific impurities or their root causes.
You also failed to notify the FDA of these stability failures
Unknown peaks were not thoroughly investigated
You failed to initiate an investigation for an extraneous peak identified during the analysis
of residue in your cleaning validation report
You did not initiate an investigation to determine the root cause for this extraneous peak at
the time of the event.
4. Your firm failed to establish and document the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and
reproducibility of test methods employed by the firm (21 C.F.R. 211.165(e)).
You did not evaluate the accuracy of your dissolution test method
Method validation failed to evaluate the capacity to separate unknown late-eluting peaks
Sterile gloves intended for use in the manufacture of sterile products were partially immersed
in (b)(4) medium. The investigator found that the fingers of the gloves were not immersed and
the test method was not validated
5. Your firm failed to routinely calibrate, inspect, or check according to a written program designed
to assure proper performance and to maintain adequate written records of calibration checks and
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inspections of automatic, mechanical, or electronic equipment, including computers, used in the
manufacture, processing, packing, and holding of a drug product (21 C.F.R 211.68(a)).
You have been using an un-validated and unqualified Agilent data acquisition unit (DAU) to
monitor the temperature of the microbiological incubation rooms for media filled vials.
6. Your firm failed to establish appropriate controls over computers and related systems to assure
that changes in master production and control records or other records are instituted only by
authorized personnel (21 CFR 211. 68(b)).
You lacked audit trails or other sufficient controls to facilitate traceability of the individuals who
access each of the programmable logic controller (PLC) levels or Man-Machine Interface
(MMI) equipment.
For complete details
browse: http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2015/ucm478393.htm
US FDA Warning letter - One Way Drug, LLC 7/22/15 (WL: 441276), Las Vegas, NV:
FDA investigators also noted CGMP violations at your facility, causing the drug products for which
you have not obtained valid prescriptions for individually-identified patients to be adulterated under
section 501(a)(2)(B) of the FDCA. The violations include, for example:
1. Your firm failed to establish and follow appropriate written procedures that are designed to
prevent microbiological contamination of drug products purporting to be sterile, and that include
validation of all aseptic and sterilization processes (21 CFR 211.113(b)).
2. Your firm failed to establish an adequate system for monitoring environmental conditions in
aseptic processing areas (21 CFR 211.42(c)(10)(iv)).
3. Your firm failed to establish an adequate system for cleaning and disinfecting the room and
equipment to produce aseptic conditions (21 CFR 211.42(c)(10)(v)).
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4. Your firm failed to ensure that manufacturing personnel wear clothing appropriate to protect drug
product from contamination (21 CFR 211.28(a)).
5. Your firm failed to adequately design the facility with adequate separation or defined areas or
such other control systems necessary to prevent contamination or mix-ups (21 CFR 211.42(b)).
6. Your firm failed to clean and, where indicated by the nature of the drug, sterilize and process
containers and closures to remove pyrogenic properties to assure they are suitable for their intended
use (21 CFR 211.94(c)).
7. Your firm does not have, for each batch of drug product purporting to be sterile and/or pyrogen-
free, appropriate laboratory determination of satisfactory conformance to final specifications for the
drug product (21 CFR 211.167(a)).
8. Your firm failed to establish and follow an adequate written testing program designed to assess
the stability characteristics of drug products and to use results of such stability testing to determine
appropriate storage conditions and expiration dates (21 CFR 211.166(a)).
For complete details
browse: http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2015/ucm474639.htm
US FDA Warning letter - Thomas S. Tooma, M.D. 11/2/15 (clinical site), California:
1. You failed to submit an IND for the conduct of a clinical investigation with an investigational new
drug that is subject to 21 CFR 312.2(a) [21 CFR 312.20(a), (b) and 312.40(a), (b)].
2. You failed to ensure proper monitoring of the clinical investigations [21 CFR 312.50 and
312.56(a)].
3. You failed to maintain adequate records of the disposition of the drug, including dates, quantity,
and use by subjects [21 CFR 312.62(a)].
For complete details
browse: http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2015/ucm474234.htm
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EU Non Compliance Report
EU Non-Compliance Report: Iason Italia SRL, Italy
Nature of non-compliance :
During the inspection 19 deficiencies were identified, 3 of them were rated as critical deficiencies
and 11 as major deficiencies.
The main deficiencies were related to the Quality Management and the Quality Assurance Systems
also in terms of sterility assurance and risk of contamination/defects of the final product.
One critical deficiency was related to failure to fully investigate and document out-of-
specification results for microbiological environmental monitoring in class A isolator
and class B/C surrounding areas, in manufacture of radiopharmaceuticals aseptically
prepared.
The company didn‘t carry out an appropriate and full-scale investigation to determine
what caused the OOSs.
An appropriate level of corrective action analysis was not applied during the
investigation and the true root cause(s) were not determined.
Failure to address the root cause due to ineffective CAPA revealed a lack of the
quality assurance framework system.
Another critical deficiency was reported with regards to production processes which
were considered not satisfactory controlled: it was found that for the manufacture of
some batches of the radiopharmaceutical Pcolina (Iasocholine) a non suitable reagent
was used (expired dibromomethane).
Moreover, for some batches of released RPs master batch documents were
incomplete.
No adequate review by QA or QP.
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Furthermore, preparation of the starting material set for radiopharmaceuticals was
performed in condition not appropriate to guarantee an adequate level of chemical
and microbiological containment.
The inspection‘s team has rated also as critical the observation related to the number
of personnel in force to the manufacturing site, which were considered not appropriate
to conduct all the activities in accordance with the GMP and to maintain the quality
management system and its effectiveness.
The remaining major deficiencies were related to specific aspects of the Quality
Assurance System with regards to PQR assessment, revalidation and recalibration of
critical equipment, data integrity in the context of HPLC management, storage of
materials and documentation system.
EU Non-Compliance Report: AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd., India
Nature of non-compliance :
The API manufacturing process was not acceptably validated and was not under control after the
validation.
The concerned batches have been sent to the EEA (Sweden) and to a third country (China). During
the inspection, 24 deficiencies were found. None of the deficiencies was critical but 4 were major.
The 4 major deficiencies were found in the areas of documentation routines and data integrity (2),
design and maintenance (1), validation (1). After three CAPA responses from the company the major
deficiency regarding validation still remains.
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Investigations:
Unexpected results and/or events should be
documented and thoroughly investigated.
It is not sufficient to determine that additional training
is required for the analyst or glassware wasn’t
adequately cleaned.
Regardless of the method used, the investigation steps
and results need to be clearly documents.
Include supporting documentation so that anyone
reading the investigation report understands the
actions taken and the corresponding results.
In the event that the cause cannot be identified, be sure
the investigation report illustrates that adequate
measures were taken to attempt to identify the cause.
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Regulations of the Month
Subpart C--Buildings and Facilities
Sec. 211.48 Plumbing.
(b) Drains shall be of adequate size and, where connected directly to a sewer, shall be
provided with an air break or other mechanical device to prevent back-siphonage.
Sec. 211.50 Sewage and refuse.
Sewage, trash, and other refuse in and from the building and immediate premises shall be
disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner.
Sec. 211.52 Washing and toilet facilities.
Adequate washing facilities shall be provided, including hot and cold water, soap or detergent,
air driers or single-service towels, and clean toilet facilities easily accesible to working areas.
Sec. 211.56 Sanitation.
(a) Any building used in the manufacture, processing, packing, or holding of a drug product
shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, Any such building shall be free of
infestation by rodents, birds, insects, and other vermin (other than laboratory animals). Trash
and organic waste matter shall be held and disposed of in a timely and sanitary manner.
PHARMA UPTODAY
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Top Presentations of Pharma Uptoday
· Presentation on data integrity in Pharmaceutical Industry
· Data Integrity II - Chromatography data system (CDS) in Pharma
· Good chromatographic practices
· HPLC - Peak integration for chromatography
· Good Laboratory Practices for Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratories
· Laboratory Errors
· Understand the importance of each step to minimise Laboratory errors
· Sample preparation techniques of solid dosage forms
· Investigating aberrant potency values in Pharma Analysis
· All about Tablets (Pharma)
The module Consult Yourself.... “Know Regulation - No Observation” deals with most common
(top 20) basic CFR regulations having frequent violations and previous observations for better
understanding.
#1 "21 CFR 211.160" http://www.slideshare.net/skvemula/top-20-observation-series-1-21-cfr-211160
(Subpart I--Laboratory Controls: Sec. 211.160 General requirements.)
#2 "21 CFR 211.22" http://www.slideshare.net/skvemula/top-20-observation-series-2-21-cfr-21122
(Subpart B--Organization and Personnel: Sec. 211.22 Responsibilities of quality control unit)
#3 "21 CFR 211.192" http://www.slideshare.net/skvemula/top-20-observation-series-3-21-cfr-211192
(Subpart J--Records and Reports: Sec. 211.192 Production record review.)
#4 "21 CFR 211.67" http://www.slideshare.net/skvemula/top-20-observation-series-4-21-cfr-21167
(Subpart D—Equipment: Sec. 211.67 Equipment cleaning and maintenance)
#5 "21 CFR 211.100" http://www.slideshare.net/skvemula/top-20-observation-series-5-21-cfr-211100
(Subpart F- Production and Process Controls: Sec. 211.100 Written procedures; deviations.)
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#6 "21 CFR 211.165" http://www.slideshare.net/skvemula/top-20-observation-series-6-21-cfr-211165
(Subpart I--Laboratory Controls: Sec. 211.165 Testing and release for distribution)
#7 "21 CFR 211.42" http://www.slideshare.net/skvemula/top-20-observation-series-7-21-cfr-21142-
subpart-cbuildings-and-facilities-design-and-construction-features
(Subpart C-Buildings and Facilities – Design and construction features)
Few Pharma Uptoday topics can be accessed from our website
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