Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry
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Scooped by Judy Curtis / SIPR
October 11, 2017 2:26 PM
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Pharmaceutical Engineering - Sept-Oct 2017 - 15

Pharmaceutical Engineering - Sept-Oct 2017 - 15 | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
Pharmaceutical Engineering is ISPE's bi-monthly technical magazine published for Members engaged in all aspects of R&D and manufacture of safe and effective medicines covering topics important to the global pharmaceutical industry across all sectors, including traditional pharma, biotech, innovator and generics. PE presents valuable information on the latest scientific and technical developments, regulatory initiatives and innovative solutions to real-life problems and challenges through practical application articles and case studies. Technical articles will demonstrate global best practices in engineering and design; product development; technology transfer; manufacturing process development and scale-up; commercial manufacturing; quality and compliance; and product lifecycle management.
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
A Breakthrough for Industry and Patients - cover story - Pharmaceutical Engineering Sept-Oct 2017
Article by Scott Fotheringham, PhD

On 30 August 2017, The U.S. FDA approved Novartis' Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel, CTL019), the first gene therapy for the treatment of pediatric and young-adult patients with relapsed and refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Kymriah belongs to a class of drugs called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, which constitute a form of immunotherapy that essential takes control of the body's T-cells and directs them to attach tumors in patients with ALL. This is the first FDA-approved gene-transfer therapy among a number of CAR T-cell products that are in development. 

Among the experts interviewed for this story is Mihaela Simianu, PhD, Director of Regulatory Compliance at Pharmatech Associates, who spoke to the complexities of manufacturing CAR-T cell therapies, compared to biologics.

“For biologics, the active ingredient is a nonliving biological modality isolated or produced at large scale using biotechnological methods. In this case, living cells are genetically engineered and used to express at scale the desired active ingredient. With cellular therapy, the starting active ingredient and the product are living cells.” 

The complexities go beyond safety and manufacturing to include the need to maintain stability and chain of identity for product shipped from a medical center to the Novartis facility and back again. “Cell activity and other functional attributes are sensitive to time and conditions used during transit across locations and points in the process; expedited and controlled transit of these living cells is a critical success factor,” said Dr. Simianu. “For example, one may need to ensure that cells arrive at the manufacturing site within an 18- to 48-hour time frame. Specific containers, data loggers to keep track of samples, chain of custody, and carriers that can do this without a flaw are needed. All the details impacting cell-material stability during the closed-loop supply chain must built into the development of the product; it can’t be an afterthought.”


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Scooped by Judy Curtis / SIPR
September 9, 2017 9:15 AM
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Preparing for the New European Medical Device Regulations

Preparing for the New European Medical Device Regulations | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
The new MDR and IVDR are huge departures from the historical directives they are replacing. The changes do not grandfather programs and will become law across all EU member states at the end of the transition period. Currently approved products and new submissions must consider the implications of these new regulations now during the transition period to be ready to align their programs with these new regulations.
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
While it may seem like a long time before the new European MDR and IVDR directives take effect - in 2020, and 2022, respectively - the changes in these new regulations are significant, and include greater traceability requirements and post-market clinical surveillance. Bikash Chatterjee's latest Regulatory Forum column in Controlled Environments outlines the points to watch.


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July 5, 2017 2:12 PM
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Phase-Appropriate Frameworks at the Intersection of CMC and cGMP Pathways

Phase-Appropriate Frameworks at the Intersection of CMC and cGMP Pathways - article by Mihaela Siminiau, Ph.D, Director of Regulatory Compliance at Pharmatech Associates.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
Mihaela Siminau of Pharmatech Associates' article in Pharmaceutical Outsourcing talks about how mapping information flow across multiple service providers requires a paradigm shift in organizational thinking. "There are benefits and also increased complexities caused by business outsourcing models in an industry characterized by a high diversity of therapeutic products and medical technologies. 

Industry continues to search for ways to simplify and streamline development activities while having to incorporate industry best-practice concepts such as quality by design (Qbd) and expectations set up by regulators worldwide. 

Phase-adapted development requires deployment of frameworks that bring clarity and simplification from the top of a QMS that drives value in execution for sponsors and service providers alike."
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May 11, 2017 11:05 AM
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More Bacon than the Pan Can Handle

More Bacon than the Pan Can Handle | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
What’s a pharma manufacturer to do with all this hot, sizzling data?
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
“Whether motivated by the FDA’s shift toward a scientific, data-driven definition for quality or a need to innovate to survive and be competitive in the new world marketplace, there is no doubt the push for greater understanding has resulted in a renewed emphasis on the ability to acquire, verify and leverage the power of data,” wrote Pharmatech Associates’ Bikash Chatterjee in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in October 2016. 
“Big data can be broken down into five primary dimensions that describe the challenge: Volume, Variety, Velocity, Veracity and Value. When any one of these characteristics is not controlled, this constitutes a big data problem. Smart data focuses on Veracity and Value and argues more does not necessarily equate with better.”
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March 10, 2017 11:21 AM
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Examining FDA’s New Quality Agreement Guidance

Examining FDA’s New Quality Agreement Guidance | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

The new FDA guidance is a simple one, providing best practices and high-level insight into the components of a quality agreement. T

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
While the FDA has elected to limit the scope of the guidance to commercial programs, we will see that industry still requires clarification on responsibilities that occur for a commercialized product after it comes to market. This is part 2 of the article by Bikash Chatterjee of Pharmatech Associates on the FDA's new guidance on quality agreements, published in Life Science Leader.
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February 27, 2017 1:49 PM
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Understanding Annex 16 Changes for Qualified Persons and Batch Release

Understanding Annex 16 Changes for Qualified Persons and Batch Release | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

In the U.S. and Europe, the approach to ensuring drug quality has many more similarities than differences. But one key difference has always been the additional responsibilities placed upon the role of a Qualified Person or QP in ensuring the quality of a drug product. The European Union (EU) recently put in place new legislation under Annex 16, broadening the role and accountability of the QP with regard to responsibilities for batch release. The new legislation reflects the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) efforts to introduce new quality control strategies that address today’s complex global pharmaceutical supply chain which includes new technologies such as Process Analytical technology (PAT), Real Time Release Testing (RTRT), and the growing problem of falsified medicines. This new directive has been in development since 2011 and replaces the old Annex 16 in effect since 2002. The changes are extensive and went into law in April 2016.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
The role of the "qualified person" (QP) in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicinal products has expanded with the issuance of the European Union's revised Annex 16 directive. This reflects efforts to introduce quality control strategies that work within what has become a complex global pharma supply chain.
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January 4, 2017 1:43 PM
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2016 Wrap-Up: Looking Ahead to 2017 and Beyond

2016 Wrap-Up: Looking Ahead to 2017 and Beyond | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
2016 Wrap-Up: Looking Ahead to 2017 and Beyond
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November 2, 2016 10:16 AM
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Design Space Development — How (And When) To Get Started

Design Space Development — How (And When) To Get Started | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

Design space is a scientific concept used in the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry to support and assure product quality.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
In early-stage product development, the challenge of finding the optimal design space is determining what is important to achieve consistent product quality. A stepwise approach should be taken in the formulation and development process to capture characteristics or attributes that could impact product quality.
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September 15, 2016 12:48 PM
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Controlled Environments - September/October 2016 - 16

Controlled Environments - September/October 2016 - 16 | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
Controlled Environments is a leading source of information on contamination prevention, detection, and control for cleanrooms and critical environments. Controlled Environments provides relevant and timely content on trends, technology, and applications for controlled environments professionals. Controlled Environments covers everything from pure, materials to protective packaging, from state-of-the-art facility construction through day-to-day cleaning and control challenges that affect quality and yield. The print and online Buyer's Guide provides a single-source listing of vendors, products, equipment, services, and supplies for microelectronics, pharmaceutical, and life science industries. Free subscriptions to our comprehensive daily e-newsletter and monthly magazine available at www.cemag.us.
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
An article in Controlled Environments magazine by Richard Aleman of Pharmatech Associates relates how to avoid an FDA warning letter in the lab environment, where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 
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August 1, 2016 12:29 PM
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Managing Cold Chain Distribution Across the Global Supply Chain: Trends and Regulations

Managing Cold Chain Distribution Across the Global Supply Chain: Trends and Regulations | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

Cold chain performance is subject to the same pressures as normal supply chain process to push performance and drive down costs. Many pharma companies have turned to third party logistics (3PLs) firms that are incentivized to make the necessary investments in technology, infrastructure, and systems to drive continuous improvement and gain a competitive market edge.

-- Article by Bikash Chatterjee, featured in July/ August 2016 issue of Pharmaceutical Outsourcing.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
To be effective, cold chain strategy requires the thoughtful integration of cold chain requirements starting with product design and extending to environmental control during transit. Integrating Quality Risk Management (QRM) principles at strategic points within product development is the best way to anticipate downstream cold chain challenges.
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June 8, 2016 6:43 PM
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Effective Risk Management: A Catalyst For Quality Performance

Effective Risk Management: A Catalyst For Quality Performance | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

When we think of risk in the context of drug development and manufacturing, it is human nature to associate any risk-based approach with adding risk...instead of managing it.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
Article by Bikash Chatterjee in Pharmaceutical Online - June 2016

Today’s model for drug development and commercial manufacturing leverages external expertise, capabilities, and geography. Integrating strategies for each of these elements can significantly impact an organization’s quality management system (QMS) effectiveness. Structuring a quality risk management (QRM) framework as part of the core systems (deviation management, change control, and audits/supplier management) brings a consistent methodology that guides quality decision-making and a sound means for evaluating technical and financial risks during drug development. 

World-class organizations already know that QRM can be the catalyst for organizational performance across the product development lifecycle because it eases development collaboration between technical and quality functions all the way up through commercial execution.
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June 3, 2016 10:15 AM
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Professional Profile: Richard Aleman

Professional Profile: Richard Aleman | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
Richard Aleman of Pharmatech Associates, profiled in Controlled Environments magazine - June 2016
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
Richard Aleman of Pharmatech Associates shares some career advice in a profile published in Controlled Environments magazine. Aleman is VP of Regulatory Compliance for the Bay Area life sciences consultancy. He has 28 years of FDA experience in both the field and headquarters organizations, specializing in biopharmaceuticals, drugs and medical devices, including serving as the Biologics Specialist at the FDA’s Miami Resident Post.
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May 10, 2016 3:08 PM
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The Promise and Challenge of Next Generation Gene Sequencing

The Promise and Challenge of Next Generation Gene Sequencing | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
Since the first complete human genome sequence was mapped in 2003, pharma and biotech  investigators have been looking for new and innovative ways to gain insight into the genetic drivers of the
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September 26, 2017 4:40 PM
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How Should I Respond To This FDA Warning Letter (And Other Compliance Questions Answered)

How Should I Respond To This FDA Warning Letter (And Other Compliance Questions Answered) | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

Success in developing a drug product, medical device, or drug substance requires navigating the tradeoffs and decisions of today's complex global regulatory environment.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
Richard Aleman, VP of regulatory compliance at Pharmatech Associates, has an insider’s view on global regulatory issues having spent almost three decades at the FDA, specializing in biopharmaceuticals, drugs, and medical devices.

He answers some important questions about warning letter responses and remediation  and other important regulatory issues — in a guest column published in Pharmaceutical Online, in September 2017. 

Some of the most common questions about compliance concern dealing with the FDA 483 list of inspection observations, warning letters, and consent decrees following FDA regulatory action.  
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August 30, 2017 4:07 PM
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Process Design Risk Management — A Proactive Approach

Process Design Risk Management — A Proactive Approach | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

"The FDA has given us the green light to assess and manage risk earlier in the drug development cycle."

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
The latest article by Sandra Wassink of Pharmatech Associates in Pharmaceutical Online discusses a strategy to implement risk management during the process design stage of process validation for quality product, and to use as a proactive means of addressing quality controls during the subsequent stages of development. Managing risk from the outset helps prioritize what efforts need to be made during process design.
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June 1, 2017 1:21 PM
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Electronic Transfer of Regulatory Information

Regulatory Forum column, by Bikash Chatterjee in May/June 2017 issue of Controlled Environments magazine.

As the deadline looms for drug master files, the FDA moves toward e-filing.
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
The FDA is moving toward electronic filing because electronic documents greatly simplify the update, receipt, processing, and evaluation process within the agency.
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April 13, 2017 2:27 PM
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4 Key Considerations When Engaging A New GMP Contract Service Provider

4 Key Considerations When Engaging A New GMP Contract Service Provider | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

Integrating a contract service provider (CSP) as part of a supply chain to bring a product to market is a critical decision that impacts many aspects of bringing a pharmaceutical product to market, safely and effectively.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
This article by Bikash Chatterjee of Pharmatech Associates explores what is important when establishing an effective relationship with a contract service provider as the drug development program moves from product and process design to commercial manufacturing.
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February 27, 2017 2:44 PM
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FDA’s New Quality Agreement Guidance — What It Says (And What It Fails To Say)

FDA’s New Quality Agreement Guidance — What It Says (And What It Fails To Say) | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

In November 2016, the FDA issued new guidance for industry titled Contract Manufacturing Arrangements for Drugs: Quality Agreements. 

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
The new guidance highlights the need to define who is responsible for facility and equipment activities that impact manufacturing operations. This includes defining who will handle facility and equipment qualification and process validation. It also should extend to systems that support the manufacturing operation, including information technology and automated control systems, environmental monitoring and room classification, utilities, and any other equipment and facilities that must be maintained to perform the contracted manufacturing operations in compliance with cGMP. 

 However, it would have been beneficial for the agency to also provide some insight as to how a drug sponsor should handle facility and equipment changes after commercial introduction. Establishing a practical and manageable process that will clearly define when and how the drug sponsor will be notified of material changes to the facility and equipment would minimize unexpected excursions downstream. In addition, clearly understanding how the CMO will administer continuous monitoring for Stage 3 process validation is a good framework for the discussion.
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February 1, 2017 12:09 PM
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FDA’s New Quality Agreement Guidance — What It Says (And What It Fails To Say)

FDA’s New Quality Agreement Guidance — What It Says (And What It Fails To Say) | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

In November 2016, the FDA issued new guidance for industry titled Contract Manufacturing Arrangements for Drugs: Quality Agreements. 

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
As CMOs assume a much greater share of the development responsibility — evolving into CDMOs — many questions have been raised regarding the content and timing of quality agreements. In fact, the very merit of highly tailored quality agreements has been a point of debate. Let’s examine the new FDA guidance with this backdrop in mind. This is the first part of a two-part article by Bikash Chatterjee of Pharmatech Associates.
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December 1, 2016 3:07 PM
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Controlled Environments - November/December 2016 - 18

Controlled Environments - November/December 2016 - 18 | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
Controlled Environments is a leading source of information on contamination prevention, detection, and control for cleanrooms and critical environments. Controlled Environments provides relevant and timely content on trends, technology, and applications for controlled environments professionals. Controlled Environments covers everything from pure, materials to protective packaging, from state-of-the-art facility construction through day-to-day cleaning and control challenges that affect quality and yield. The print and online Buyer's Guide provides a single-source listing of vendors, products, equipment, services, and supplies for microelectronics, pharmaceutical, and life science industries. Free subscriptions to our comprehensive daily e-newsletter and monthly magazine available at www.cemag.us.
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
In the therapeutic drug landscape, combination products are one of the bright spots, with new and innovative drugs and effective delivery systems joining to bring improved medicines to a wide public. “Combo products” are composed of any blend of a drug and device. Bikash Chatterjee of Pharmatech Associates describes several areas that commonly impact combination product development and represent regulatory risk.Share your insight
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September 29, 2016 5:12 PM
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Best Practices For Measuring System Quality For Drug-Device Combination Products

Best Practices For Measuring System Quality For Drug-Device Combination Products | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

Combination product development is a complex matter governed by different areas of regulatory oversight. Part 2 of Bikash Chatterjee's article discussing QMS in combination products, the challenges and their resolution.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
When it comes to combo devices, the problems of integrating device and drug quality management systems (QMS) and development requirements are of a practical nature. The regulatory pathway is clearer, thanks to 21 CFR 4, but combo products require careful preparation. Many companies find themselves scrambling for the necessary documentation to support a combination drug filing, only to realize that cost and time required are high. This article lays out the common pitfalls and the primary technical and program questions to lower your program risk on the road to a successful regulatory and commercial outcome.
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August 15, 2016 12:03 PM
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Managing QMS Disparities Between Drugs And Devices For Combination Products

Managing QMS Disparities Between Drugs And Devices For Combination Products | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

Combination products represent a remarkable opportunity to extend the potential patient population for biologics and improve the delivery of drug therapies. This is one of the most dynamic segments in the life sciences, projected to grow to $115 billion by 2019. Article by Bikash Chatterjee, Pharmatech Associates - Part 1.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
A combination product is defined as a product composed of any combination of a drug and a device. This could be a biological product and a device; a drug and a biological product; a drug and a device; or a drug, device, and biological product. Each component of a combination product is regulated by different chapters of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which adds a layer of complexity for many organizations developing them. 

 Here is the regulatory dilemma: Drugs are regulated by 21 CFR 210/211, medical devices by 21 CFR 820, HCT/Ps (human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products) by 21 CFR 1271, etc. An organization’s ability to harmonize its product development and quality management systems (QMS) to accommodate these differences is central to the successful commercialization of a combination product. 
 
In the first of this two-part series, Bikash Chatterjee of Pharmatch Associates examines some of the common pitfalls drug companies face when they pursue the development of a combination product.
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June 10, 2016 12:07 PM
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Professional Profile: Bikash Chatterjee

Professional Profile: Bikash Chatterjee | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
Controlled Environments spoke with Bikash Chatterjee, the author of the CE column “Regulatory Forum.” Bikash is President and Chief Science Officer of Pharmatech Associates, a Hayward, Calif.-based company that provides consulting and services to the regulated life science industry.
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
In an interview in Controlled Environments magazine, Bikash Chatterjee of Pharmatech Associates shares his enthusiasm for the life-long learning opportunity offered by a career serving the regulated life sciences industries.
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Scooped by Judy Curtis / SIPR
June 7, 2016 10:59 AM
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DSCSA Support: The Benefits of Leveraging EPCIS

DSCSA Support: The Benefits  of Leveraging EPCIS | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it
The pharma industry is exploring the use of the Electronic Product Code Information Service to help meet the immediate and long-term requirements of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act
Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
In Pharmaceutical Manufacturing magazine, Bikash Chatterjee of Pharmatech Associates contributed information on the three-phased Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA), underway until 2019. DQSA creates a single unified federal framework to address supply chain integrity: The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) outlines the steps to build an electronic interoperable system to track and trace prescription drug distribution. 
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Scooped by Judy Curtis / SIPR
May 24, 2016 8:32 PM
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Held Hostage!

Held Hostage! | Pharmatech Associates articles: technical expertise for the regulated life science industry | Scoop.it

"Ransomware’s threat to healthcare," by Bikash Chatterjee, Pharmatech Associates. From laptops to smartphones to intelligent car consoles, securing proprietary or sensitive data has never been more difficult. With systems designed to promote connectivity, the threat profile today is changing as fast as the sophistication of our electronic devices. The rising tide of ransomware attacks targeting hospitals reveals a threat that goes beyond protecting data from theft, as crypto-extortion can affect data in place. Hackers already exploit inherent vulnerabilities in health IT systems and medical devices, many of which run outdated and vulnerable software.

Judy Curtis / SIPR's insight:
The threat to intelligent medical devices is compounded by the now-frequent ransomware attacks on healthcare and research organization networks. Bikash Chatterjee's article in Controlled Environments magazine details the problem and remedies suggested by recent FDA guidance.
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