Guest Columns

  1. Implementing Small-Scale Models For Biopharmaceutical Development 5/12/2021

    Small-scale models (SSMs) are widely used in the biopharmaceutical industry. These models are used for process development and optimization, scale-up, technology transfer, process characterization, process validation, and more. This article discusses the applications of the models, including viral clearance, quality oversight, and design considerations for justification of SSMs.

  2. A Better Approach To Aseptic Process Simulation For Lyophilized Products 5/9/2021

    Proposed 2020 revisions to EU Annex 11 with respect to aseptic process simulation (APS) for lyophilized products have prompted extensive discussions on best practices for process simulation of the lyophilization unit operation. This article serves to address these expectations and present a risk-based, holistic best practice approach.

  3. Not A Time For Novices: FDA Needs A Leader With Deep Agency Roots And Expertise 5/5/2021

    With the crossing of President Biden's 100th day in office, the administration still hasn’t nominated an FDA commissioner candidate, a delay that daily weakens the FDA and undermines the agency’s ability to act boldly and decisively in order to face the challenges caused by the pandemic and its aftermath. This article makes the case for what traits we need to see in an FDA leader and who would fit the bill.

  4. Are You Ready For The FDA’s “Data Effect” Tsunami? 8 Steps To Prepare 5/5/2021

    The FDA is moving forward with its Data Modernization Action Plan (DMAP), the next leg of the Technology Modernization Action Plan. Why is this a tsunami? Because you'll need to prepare yourself for the influx of questions, audits, observations, warning letters, and more! Here's what you can do to position yourself for success.

  5. FDA Issues Pandemic Remote Inspection Guidance For Drug Manufacturing Facilities 5/3/2021

    On April 14, 2021, the FDA released a new guidance, Remote Interactive Evaluations of Drug Manufacturing and Bioresearch Monitoring Facilities During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This article discusses planning, conducting, and concluding a remote interactive evaluation under this guidance, and shares how to submit public comments for FDA consideration.

  6. How To Use DMF Content To Support Your Application To The FDA 4/30/2021

    A drug master file (DMF) is a voluntary regulatory application submitted to the U.S. FDA. It is used to provide confidential detailed information about the manufacturing, processing, packaging, and storing of APIs and/or human drugs. What are the types of DMF submissions, what is involved, and how does the FDA evaluate your submission?

  7. No, Biologics Are Not Natural Monopolies 4/28/2021

    Biologics are not natural monopolies, as certain individuals continually assert. This assertion threatens future innovations, greater healthcare affordability, and patient access. This article, backed up with data, debunks the myth that biologics are natural monopolies.

  8. Are You Approaching LIMS Validation Correctly? 4/26/2021

    Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are an established part of larger laboratories. However, different LIMS vary in their scale, functionality, and quality. This article considers the essential validation criteria for LIMS to ensure the system functions as a compliant component in the digital backbone of the modern laboratory.

  9. Using System Risk Structures To Understand And Balance Risk/Benefit Trade-offs 4/23/2021

    The ICH 31000 guidance defines a risk as the “impact of uncertainty on objectives.” As a follow-up to his article on why we should replace the RPN with the adjusted risk likelihood (ARL), Mark Witcher describes how system risk structures can be used to simultaneously understand and manage both risks and benefits. 

  10. An Analysis Of The Gene Therapy Viral Vector Landscape 4/21/2021

    Over the last five years, multiple gene therapies have been approved by regulatory agencies and a bolus of late-stage pipeline assets are approaching the market. However, as the first gene therapies began to post early wins, several challenges have emerged. This article discusses the landscape of the viral vector sector.