Skip to main content

Posts

Efficient Laboratory Workflow Management

BayBiotech.NET In current times demands on laboratory performance are becoming more intensive as the number of new tests and diseases are adding on to our list as well as a greater demand for accuracy in test results is increasing by a much more controlled regulatory environment. In order to meet these demands, laboratory personnel are working on an ongoing basis to improve efficiency and productivity through better control over the operation and function of all aspects of the testing process by incorporating automation and use of computerized system wherever possible. Creation of an efficient Workflow helps make the entire process cost effective and efficient and a framework for creating a workflow may include: 1. Understanding the issues relating to creating a work list 2. Describe ways to minimize laboratory contamination 3. Understand ways to improve labor efficiency 4. Understand key variables that contribute to testing accuracy  Explain the importance of sensitivity

eCTD Submission Specifications

BayBiotech.NET The electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD) is an interface for the pharmaceutical industry to agency transfer of regulatory information. eCTD technical document format development was done by International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Multidisciplinary Group 2 Expert Working Group (ICH M2 EWG). Details on the specification for the ICH eCTD can be found in the guidance document M2 eCTD: Electronic Common Technical Document Specification. Currently, eCTD is the preferred format for electronic submissions by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although originally the CTD and the eCTD were designed for marketing applications, they could apply equally to other submission types, including INDs, master files, advertising material, and promotional labeling. In June 2008, FDA has issued guidelines for organizing the electronic regulatory document filing using the eCTD tools. This guidance discusses issues related to the electronic submission of applications for hum

Cold Chain Management: Good Practices

BayBiotech.NET Cold chain management is a temperature-controlled supply chain management to insure an unbroken and uninterrupted series of storage and distribution activities which maintain a given temperature range. Cold chain management is used to extend the shelf life as well as to protect the temperature sensitive products such as fresh produce, photographic films, meat products and medicinal products from damages caused due to inappropriate temperature regulations during processing, delivery and storage. Food industry uses the process of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), as a useful tool, however, its usage continues into other fields such as Pharmaceutical Industry. HACCP process identifies key action points known as Critical Control Points that are used to lower the hazardous risks. HACCP is based on seven principles. The seven principles are: (1) hazard analysis, (2) critical control point identification, (3) establishment of critical limits, (4) mon

European Medicines Agency : no longer ‘the EMEA’ – and not ‘the EMA’ either

BayBiotech.NET European Medicines Agency is in the process of changing its acronym from EMEA to EMA based on the feedback from the stakeholders over the past years who had questioned the existence of the second ‘e’ in the acronym which does not accurately reflect the full name. In addition, since EMEA is most frequently used in the business community to mean Europe, Middle East and Africa , European Medicine Agency has decided not to use EMEA to avoid the confusions. Since the inception, the adaptability of the acronym EMA is still to be validated and hence the agency decides to be using its full name as European Medicines Agency or the ‘Agency’ for short in the communications with e-mail ids being exceptions where ema will be used. The press release from EMEA has the details of all the recent changes that the Agency has undergone and is in the process of implementaion. Rest to follow…

Assignment and Request for Agency Component Designation for Premarket Applications (21CFR Part 3.1-3.10)

BayBiotech.NET The main purpose of 21 CFR Part 3 is to support the efficiency of agency management and operations by providing guidelines for determining the agency component that will have primary jurisdiction for any drug, device, or biological product or providing the guidelines for the agency component determination where such jurisdiction is unclear. Out of 10 sections of the 21CFR Part 3 (Product Jurisdiction), the blog has the main emphasis on Sec 3.5 and 3.7 that relates to the guidance documents for agency designations as well as the requirements for request of agency designation in case the designation is unclear as per the guidance. As per Sec 3.5, The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research have developed guidance documents clarifying product jurisdictional issues. The guidance documents entitled "Intercenter Agreement Between the Center for Drug Evaluation and Resea

Compliance for Imports of Human Drugs and Biologics

BayBiotech.NET Interstate shipment(which includes importation and exportation) of unapproved new drugs is prohibited by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.Clearly, the drugs that lack approval if imported either for personal use or otherwise,violates the Act.In this context,the definition of unapproved new drugs include any drugs--including foreign-made versions of U.S. approved drugs--that have not been manufactured in accordance with FDA approval. Imported products regulated by the FDA are inspected at the time of entry by the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection (Customs) and the shipments that are not found to comply with the law must be either brought into compliance, destroyed, or re-exported. The importation and exportation of controlled substances requires compliance with provisions enforced by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Further information on compliance can be obtained at the DEA Office of Diversion Control website . A draft gu

Compliance Requirements for Stem Cell Trials

BayBiotech.NET Stem Cell Therapy although holds promises for the treatment of many diseases, this is an area not much explored yet and many countries worldwide are drafting the guidelines for conducting safer clinical trials. Therefore, it is accepted widely that prior to conducting clinical trials with stem cells a stronger than usual proof of concept may be required for the safety and efficacy of the therapy. One of the major concerns is the rapid cell division cycles of such cells that may lead to tumor generation. Thus, it is recommended that the dose of administered cells to humans must be well adjusted to below the minimum number of cells observed to form tumors in animal models. Due to many unanswered questions regarding the safe use of stem cells a long-term follow-ups and Biovigilance must be planned carefully before starting a trial. In October, 2009,Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), FDA, has issued a draft guidance to potential sponsors (cord blood