Industry News

EDQM held a symposium on microbiology to gather industry feedback on alternative testing methods for microbiological control and sterilization processes.

The company is recalling several injectable products because of possible microbial contamination.

The European Commission and EMA have created an action plan to address challenges identified by stakeholders involved in developing advanced therapies.

The financial news and research organization has announced the winners of the first Biotech Innovator Awards.

The agency has published a continuity plan for its move from the United Kingdom.

The new center will serve as a regional hub where scientists and engineers can work with customers for biological development.

Baxter and FDA are working together to prevent shortages of the company’s sodium chloride 0.9% injection bags after recent hurricanes damaged the island.

NIH has entered a five-year, $215-million collaboration with leading biopharmaceutical companies to advance the development of cancer immunotherapies.

BARDA has entered a $12-million contract with biopharmaceutical firm Achaogen for the late-stage development of an antibiotic against resistant bacteria, and as a potential treatment for biowarfare agents.

Europe updates the guideline on excipients information in labeling and packaging.

The agency published guidance on developing antiviral drugs to treat respiratory syncytial virus infection.

The guidance gives recommendations for resolving scientific or regulatory issues with FDA regarding ANDA applications.

The company is considering options for a full or partial separation of its Consumer Healthcare business, either through a spin-off, sale, or other transaction.

FDA published guidance on the format and content of REMS documents.

FDA and manufacturers strive to prevent drug shortages from Hurricane Maria.

Both regulatory bodies are working on enhancements to their respective adverse event reporting systems in efforts to increase transparency and safety monitoring of drugs.

Aptar Pharma will be a main exhibitor at CPhI Worldwide 2017 and will deliver three briefings on company drug-delivery developments.

The Danish biotechnology company has been awarded a sole-source BARDA contract valued at more than $539 million for a freeze-dried smallpox vaccine.

Under Project BioShield, the agency could provide more than $170 million in funding to purchase and support late-stage development of Ebola vaccines and therapeutic drugs.

Genentech, AmerisourceBergen, and McKesson are providing pharma user requirements for a new project that will evaluate blockchain‘s potential in meeting requirements of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, and preventing pharmaceutical counterfeiting.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, one of UK’s centers of excellence, has partnered with Japan’s Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine to boost their respective stances in the global cell and gene therapy landscape.

The US Department of Justice reports that AmerisourceBergen has pled guilty to illegally distributing misbranded oncology drugs and will pay a $260-million penalty.

FDA sent a warning letter to Shandong Vianor Biotech Co., Ltd. that claimed the company failed to follow proper data integrity and quality control procedures.

The draft guidance gives recommendations for reproductive toxicity testing and labeling.

The agency will require training for healthcare providers who prescribe immediate-release opioids.

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) has revealed the results of its 2017–2018 International Board of Directors election.

Staff survey on the relocation of EMA indicates that the future of public health in Europe is at stake.

Keynote speakers for ISPE’s 2017 Annual Meeting & Expo include representatives from AstraZeneca and GSK.

Biopharmaceutical companies developing new competitive biotech therapies have pressed hard for clarity on the testing and data required by FDA to gain market approval of biosimilars that can be filled by a pharmacist without prescriber preapproval.

FDA participated in a global operation to combat the sale and distribution of unapproved and illegal drugs.