French Cannabis Specifications and Quality Requirements
The French Ministry of Health has published the specifications and quality requirements for medical cannabis in the pilot phase. The document covers flowers, extracts and finished products for oral, sublingual and inhalation use (including devices).
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: USP Proposal for Contaminant Analysis
In addition to the new USP Chapter <1567> Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids announced recently, the USP is proposing a new chapter entitled <567> Analysis of Contaminant Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs).
Herbal Medicinal Products: HMPC's Statement on Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
The Herbal Medicinal Products Committee (HMPC) of the EMA has published the draft of the updated public statement of the HMPC on pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). The document contains, among other things, the limits for the maximum daily intake of PAs.
The FDA issued a new guideline entitled “Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Compounds: Quality Considerations for Clinical Research”. The draft guidance also introduces key FDA regulatory concepts to stakeholders who may be less familiar with the FDA and the FDA’s authorities than other drug developers.
Pharmacovigilance Audits and Inspections during COVID-19
The European Commission (EC), the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) released a Q&A document to address challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The document is updated continuously and includes new Q&As relating to pharmacovigilance activities like CAPAs, Audits and Remote-Inspections.
Regulatory Authorities worldwide work more closely together because of COVID-19
Regulatory authorities around the world want to work together more closely on the basis of Covid-19 and have identified three areas for this: research during pregnancy, medicines in clinical trials and monitoring of vaccines. Read more here.
Is an Update of the QPPV´s Contact Details a Variation?
The CMDh and CMDv recently published a revised version of the Q&A paper regarding variations including a new question on how to notify about an update of the QPPV´s contact details.
Impact of COVID-19 on EudraVigilance Reporting and Labeling
The European Commission, the HMA and the EMA released a Q&A document on adaptations to the regulatory framework to address challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The document includes flexible approaches for adverse reactions reporting and labeling.
The MHRA GVP inspectorate recently published their latest pharmacovigilance inspection metrics report. The report includes remote inspections and lists critical findings in relation to risk management, the quality management system and the provision of information for inspections.
The USP Cannabis Expert Panel has published an article on the quality requirements for medical cannabis in the Journal of Natural Products. The article describes the appropriate use of USP General Chapters related to chromatographic methods and controls for contaminants.
UK will implement faster access to medicinal cannabis as import restrictions are changed. Thus, patients will be able to get their treatment in days rather than months.
France Takes Further Steps Regarding Medical Cannabis
The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety carries on the work on medical cannabis started in 2018 and has now published a dossier on cannabis for medical use.