Regulatory Sciences

Quality & Compliance

Clinical Quality Systems & the Outsourced Model

The landscape of clinical trials is evolving. The changes that are happening are due to the increased number of FDA-regulated trials, as well as a rise in the complexity of clinical protocols. As...

Regulatory Sciences

Senators work to Reform FDA’s Medical Device Inspection Process with Bipartisan Bill

On Wednesday, February 15th, Senators Michael Bennet (D – CO) and Johnny Isakson (R – GA) introduced a bill to improve FDA’s medical device inspection process. If passed, the bill would amend the...

Regulatory Sciences

#2: Labeling for Human Prescription Drug and Biological Products – Implementing the PLR Content and Format Requirements

In 2013, the FDA released a guidance entitled "Labeling for Human Prescription Drug and Biological Products – Implementing the PLR Content and Format Requirements." This guidance was finalized after...

#3: Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of Reformulated Drug Products and Products Intended for Administration by an Alternate Route

In October 2015, the FDA published a guidance document which outlines its recommendations regarding “the nonclinical evaluation of previously approved drug substances when a new formulation or a new...

Submitting Initial Pediatric Study Plans and Amended Initial Pediatric Study Plans

On March 8, 2016, the FDA announced availability of a revised draft guidance for industry regarding pediatric study plans, entitled "Pediatric Study Plans: Content of and Process for Submitting...

#5: How to Comply with the Pediatric Research Equity Act

On September 7, 2005, FDA announced the availability of a draft guidance, entitled "How to Comply with the Pediatric Research Equity Act," providing sponsors with a number of recommendations...

Quality & Compliance

#7: Quality Systems Approach to Pharmaceutical CGMP Regulations

In August 2002, the FDA announced the Pharmaceutical CGMPs for the 21st Century Initiative, which explained FDA’s intent of integrating quality systems and risk management approaches, and had a goal...

#8: Special Protocol Assessment

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a draft guidance on the Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) in May 2016, updating the original SPA guidance issued in 2002. SPAs are meant to give...

Regulatory Sciences

#10: Investigator Responsibilities – Protecting the Rights, Safety, & Welfare of Study Subjects

In October 2009, the FDA issued a guidance document regarding its expectations for investigators during the conduct of clinical investigations. The guidance, entitled Investigator...

Regulatory Sciences

Top Ten FDA Guidance Documents That You Should Know

There are a number of laws, regulations, and guidance documents ruling the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Laws are passed by Congress and must be followed by the FDA. The Agency then...

Regulatory Sciences

FDA Addresses Extrapolating Adult Data for Pediatric Use

In 2004, the FDA issued a guidance document, entitled “Premarket Assessment of Pediatric Medical Devices.” The guidance stated that, when consistent with scientific principles, data can be...

Tobacco Final Rule: Advice for Manufacturers

On May 10th the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a final rule expanding regulation to a range of products that meet the statutory definition of a “tobacco product,” including...

Supplier Qualification in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA), was signed into law on July 9, 2012. This law significantly expanded the FDA’s authority and strengthened its ability to safeguard...

Quality Agreements and the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

Over the past several years, outsourcing within the pharmaceutical supply chain has become common. The rise of the “virtual” pharmaceutical company has resulted in a complex supply chain, with the...

FDA Clarifies its Definition of "Convenience Kit"

On January 4, 2016, the FDA published a draft guidance entitled, “Unique Device Identification: Convenience Kits.” The draft guidance comes after the Agency’s 2013 final rule that established a...

Regulatory Sciences

The FDA’s Enforcement of Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

The FDA publishes weekly enforcement reports highlighting drugs that have been recalled during the previous week. Over the past several months these reports have been littered with hundreds of...