GMP News - Pharmaceutical Technology

The Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) adopted the Concept paper on the development of a Reflection Paper on modern manufacturing techniques used for herbal preparations. The proposed reflection paper should support the industry in the development and application of modern manufacturing methods regarding herbal preparations.

Due to numerous GMP deficiencies, a US company in the field of solid dosage form packaging received a Warning Letter from the FDA. The inspection had already taken place in November 2022. Since the FDA found the company's response to the Form 483 as insufficient, the Warning Letter now followed.

When planning cleanrooms and their HVAC systems, questions often arise regarding "recovery time" and "clean-up phase". Are these different requirements, or are they the same? Do these only apply to sterile or also to non-sterile products? And do they have to be measured in operation or at rest?

The US FDA recently published a discussion paper addressing artificial intelligence in the manufacturing of medicinal products. The FDA is considering the extent to which its risk-based regulation is applicable to AI technologies in the manufacturing of medicinal products.

Pharmaceutical water systems (PW and WFI) require a ventilating filter on the storage tank. It prevents dirty ambient air from being sucked into the system when water is withdrawn from the tank. This is often referred to as a sterile filter. However, there are numerous requirements for "real" sterile filtration according to the current EU GMP Annex 1. But is sterile filtration even necessary for this application?

In pharmaceutical water systems, the TOC value (Total Organic Carbon) is usually determined online. Since bacteria consist mainly of hydrocarbons, the question arises whether TOC monitoring can also provide information about the microbial status of the water system.

In May 2022, the US FDA inspected an Indian sterile manufacturer, revealing numerous deficiencies that have now led to a Warning Letter. Among other things, deficiencies in media fill, plant and cleanroom design, and environmental monitoring were cited.