Critical Environments Columns

  1. Cleaning Process Development: Using Design Of Experiments To Determine Critical Process Parameters 6/28/2023

    ASTM E3106 emphasizes that cleaning agents and cleaning processes should not be adopted randomly, nor should they be chosen simply based on what has been used in the past. In this article, part of the Cleaning Validation For The 21st Century series, let's look at which cleaning parameters are critical and what are the optimal cleaning parameter settings, through the lens of design of experiments (DoE).

  2. All You Need To Know About Contamination Control Strategies, Part 2 5/22/2023

    In the second of this two-part series, microbiology and contamination control specialists Vanessa Figueroa and Greg Gibb continue discussing best practices in contamination control strategies through the lens of the newly formalized provisions in the EU GMP Annex I. Discussion includes the elements typically found in a CCS, who in your company is responsible for developing the CCS, how often it needs to be evaluated, and more.

  3. Let's Explore Packaging For Aseptic Manufacturing 5/19/2023

    When terminal sterilization is not an option, primary packaging materials have a fundamental role in preventing contamination. This article describes how packaging, including containers and closure systems, helps maintain sterility in aseptic manufacturing.

  4. All You Need To Know About Contamination Control Strategies, Part 1 5/12/2023

    In the first of this two-part series, microbiology and contamination control specialists Vanessa Figueroa, Rebecca Brewer, and Greg Gibb, Ph.D., discuss best practices in developing contamination control strategies through the lens of the newly formalized provisions in the EU GMP Annex I, Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products.

  5. 5 Characteristics Of The Automated Microbiology Lab Of The Future 4/24/2023

    The modern microbiology laboratory is starting to look very different from the laboratory of 10 years ago, and it will continue to evolve in the next few years. There are a number of innovations being implemented now or are in progress that can signal the path that many microbiology laboratories will follow.

  6. 4 Focus Areas To Modernize Your Cleaning Validation Strategy 1/30/2023

    The traditional outlook on cleaning validation might look inexpensive and safe, but it can lead to serious problems in the long run. To modernize your cleaning validation strategy for 2023, here are four areas to focus on.

  7. EMA's Revised GMP Annex 1 Addresses Common Global Challenges For Sterile Products 1/18/2023

    The new EMA GMP Annex 1, “Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products," is in line with other international regulations, e.g., ICH and PIC/S. FDA involvement in its writing is a clear indication that the contents will be the FDA position in general terms. Fortunately, the annex contains many checklists to help you assess and remedy your systems.

  8. What's Behind The ASTM E3263 Standard Revision? 1/17/2023

    ASTM has published the revision of ASTM E3263 Standard Practice For Qualification Of Visual Inspection Of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment And Medical Devices For Residues. This article, written by the ASTM revision team, explains the reasons behind the revision and delves into the key updates.

  9. FDA Adopts ICH Final Guidance On Bioanalytical Method Validation 1/11/2023

    The FDA has issued final guidance on the validation of biological assays, titled M10 Bioanalytical Method Validation and Study Sample Analysis. ICH approved the final guidance in May 2022, so this FDA adoption completes international acceptance of a unified approach. It extends to both full and partial validation for clinical and nonclinical studies.

  10. CDMOs And Contamination Control Strategy: The Span Of Oversight In EU GMP Annex 1 Compliance 12/21/2022

    While the concept of contamination control is not new, the EU's revised GMP Annex 1 requires a formally documented strategy specific to a facility. Under the new set of requirements, the “span of oversight” has shifted, and CDMOs are finding their sterility assurance programs in a position that will require a new level of transparency with sponsors.