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The FDA Group's Nick Capman sits down with Matt Lowe, Chief Strategy Officer at MasterControl, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI in the life sciences industry.
Discussion points include:
AI Applications in Life Sciences: Matt outlines the broad spectrum of AI applications, from early-stage drug discovery to post-market analysis of customer feedback and adverse events.
Risk-Based Approach to AI: Matt emphasizes the importance of applying a risk-based approach to AI implementation, similar to other processes in the life sciences industry.
Low-Risk, High-Value Use Cases: Matt provides examples of low-risk, high-value AI applications, such as automated exam generation for employee training and document change summarization.
Human Oversight in AI Systems: Matt stresses the critical role of human oversight in AI implementations to catch errors, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain control over critical processes.
The "3% Problem" and AI Hallucinations: Matt explains the challenges of AI errors and "hallucinations," emphasizing the need for strategies to detect and manage these issues.
High-Risk AI Applications: Matt discusses the potential risks of using AI for critical processes like manufacturing recommendations, highlighting the need for thorough understanding and validation.
Gradual AI Implementation: Matt advises on starting with simpler AI applications and gradually progressing to more complex use cases as organizations gain experience.
AI as a Competitive Tool: Matt explores how AI implementation might affect a company's competitive position in the market, balancing potential benefits against adoption risks.
Regulatory Considerations: Matt addresses the importance of aligning AI implementations with regulatory requirements in the life sciences industry.
Future of AI in Life Sciences: Matt shares his perspective on the evolving role of AI in the life sciences industry and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation.
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The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations.
For project or resource needs, visit thefdagroup.com.
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The FDA Group's Nick Capman sits down with Eric Busenburg, President of Euro-American Worldwide Logistics, where he oversees GMP storage and international shipping solutions for life science manufacturers.
They discuss the critical challenges and solutions for storage in the life sciences industry, particularly for manufacturers experiencing rapid growth.
Discussion points include:
Understanding Storage Challenges: Eric explains the common storage issues that arise as life science manufacturers grow, including unexpected large orders and fluctuating production demands.
Evaluating Storage Options: Eric outlines the pros and cons of building additional infrastructure versus outsourcing to third-party providers, including considerations of control, cost, and time.
Quality Considerations: Eric emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality standards when outsourcing, and how third-party providers can align closely with manufacturers' in-house processes.
Time and Cost Implications: Eric discusses the extended timelines for building new infrastructure post-pandemic and how outsourcing can provide more immediate solutions.
Selecting the Right Provider: Eric provides key factors to consider when choosing a third-party storage provider, including proximity, size, expertise, and flexibility.
The Importance of Location: Eric explains the strategic advantage of providers located within a one-hour radius of manufacturing facilities, particularly in biotech hubs like Massachusetts.
Long-term Cost Analysis: Eric shares insights on the long-term cost comparison between building and outsourcing, including the typical 10+ year crossover point.
Flexibility and Risk Management: Eric discusses how outsourcing can provide more flexibility to adapt to market changes and mitigate risks associated with long-term investments.
Leveraging Outsourced Expertise: Eric explains how manufacturers can benefit from the immediate access to expertise that outsourcing provides without the need to hire and train new staff.
Future Outlook: Eric shares his perspective on the future of storage needs in the life science industry, including the role of government initiatives and the importance of support services.
For project or resource needs, visit thefdagroup.com.
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The FDA Group's Nick Capman sits down with Aaron Snyder, the Vice President of Quality Assurance at Allotex, where he oversees the development and implementation of quality systems for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
They discuss the critical elements of building and leading a successful QA team in the life sciences industry.
Discussion points include:
Recognizing the Need for Change: Aaron explains how to identify early signs of strain in the quality system and the importance of transitioning from a small to a larger, more structured QA team to support business growth.
The Interview Process: Aaron emphasizes the importance of vetting potential employers by asking direct questions about management styles, conflict resolution, and organizational support.
First 90 Days in a New Role: Aaron outlines the initial steps for understanding team dynamics, identifying stakeholders, and learning the organization's goals to set a solid foundation for improvements.
Creating a Strategic Plan: Developing a strategic plan with tools like Gantt charts and accountability charts, and engaging team members for feedback to ensure alignment and progress.
Effective Communication and Meeting Cadence: Aaron stresses the need for a structured meeting schedule, including daily stand-ups and weekly reviews, to maintain momentum and accountability.
Building the Right Team: Assessing team members' roles and reallocating based on strengths, while supporting career development to ensure high performance and job satisfaction.
Making the Business Case for Team Expansion: Preparing a comprehensive business case for hiring additional staff, using metrics and workload analysis to justify the need for expansion.
Utilizing Contractors: Leveraging contractors to manage immediate workload increases while recruiting full-time staff, and using their insights to refine job descriptions and onboarding processes.
Continuous Improvement and Adaptability: Implementing continuous improvement initiatives, regularly updating processes, and engaging in feedback sessions to keep the quality system effective and relevant.
Leveraging Experience and Young Talent: Combining experienced leadership with young talent to foster innovation and create a dynamic team environment.
For project or resource needs, visit thefdagroup.com.
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The FDA Group's Nick Capman sits down with Tagg McGurrin, who most recently served as the President and Chief Business Officer (COO/CFO) at Neumentum, Inc., where he led corporate strategy, capital markets, corporate financing, accounting, legal, investor relations, and business development.
They discuss the critical elements of planning, governance, and capital access necessary to build a strong foundation for a pharmaceutical startup in today’s economic environment.
Discussion points include:
Access to Capital: Tagg emphasizes the crucial role of securing capital in starting a pharmaceutical company. He shares strategies for identifying and cultivating relationships with high net worth investors and specialized investment groups. Tagg highlights the importance of prioritizing "smart money" – investors who understand the long-term nature of pharmaceutical investments.
Board and Leadership Structure: Tagg discusses the need for a committed board with proper governance and checks and balances. He recommends separating the roles of CEO and executive chairman to ensure accountability and effective oversight. Additionally, Tagg underscores the necessity of having a dedicated full-time team with a long-term vision, avoiding reliance on part-time or fractional roles for key positions.
Clear Mission and Objectives: Establishing clear, dynamic annual goals and objectives aligned with value inflection points is vital. Tagg highlights the importance of setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely (SMART) goals and revisiting them regularly to ensure alignment with the company's progress. He also advocates for a structured meeting schedule with weekly, annual, and substantive quarterly meetings to maintain focus and accountability.
Effective Investor Pitching: When pitching to investors, Tagg advises highlighting the executive team, commercial opportunity, and technical aspects of the asset. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and objectivity to build and maintain trust with investors. Tagg also suggests including a detailed business model in the pitch, outlining expected outcomes and the company's strategy for achieving them.
Due Diligence and Investor Relationships: Tagg stresses the importance of conducting thorough due diligence to avoid nefarious individuals posing as well-connected investors. He recommends asking detailed questions to understand potential investors' past performance and seeking references from other companies they have supported. Transparency and regular communication with investors are key to maintaining trust and support.
Leadership Synergy and Conflict Management: Tagg underscores the importance of a management team that is committed to the company's mission and strategy. He advises proactively addressing potential conflicts of interest to maintain the integrity and performance of the company. Ensuring independence in both fact and appearance is crucial to prevent personal motives from hijacking investor value.
Growth and Communication Strategies: Maintaining efficient communication and growth is essential. Tagg highlights the importance of keeping investors informed with regular updates, even during slow periods, to sustain trust and support. He also emphasizes the need to stay nimble and efficient, avoiding bureaucratic complexities.
Incentivizing Key Players: Tagg advocates for using innovative incentive structures, such as reverse vesting, to retain top talent and ensure their long-term commitment to the company's success. This approach helps align the interests of key players with those of the company and its investors.
Combining Experience with Young Talent: Tagg emphasizes the value of combining experienced leadership with young talent to drive innovation and success. This synergy blends the wisdom of experience with the energy and creativity of younger team members, fostering a dynamic startup environment.
For project or resource needs, visit thefdagroup.com.
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The FDA Group's Nick Capman sits down with Adam Foresman, Head of Quality & Regulatory Affairs at VideaHealth, to explore the intersection of AI, machine learning, and diagnostics within the FDA's regulatory environment. Adam brings over 15 years of experience in medical device design, quality management systems, and regulatory affairs, with a recent focus on AI in the dental diagnostic market.
Discussion points include:
The Regulatory Landscape for AI in Dental Diagnostics: Adam shares his insights on how AI and ML are becoming integral in dental diagnostics, aiding in identifying previously missed detections, enhancing patient education, and streamlining administrative tasks. He highlights that early adopters in healthcare and dental organizations are reporting significant benefits from AI, encouraging broader adoption. FDA Clearance for Pediatric AI Applications: Adam sheds light on VideaHealth's recent 510(k) clearance for a dental AI application for pediatric patients. he offers pointers for successful software as a medical device (SaMD) submissions, emphasizing the importance of Q-submissions, thorough software documentation, and specific considerations for pediatric applications. Predetermined Change Control Plans (PCCPs): Adam explains the concept of PCCPs, allowing manufacturers to include future design changes in pre-market submissions, potentially avoiding re-submissions. While he sees broader applications outside of AI, he notes the challenges AI manufacturers face in predicting future design changes accurately. Comparative Regulatory Approaches — US vs. EU: Adam compares regulatory frameworks between the US and the EU, noting that while both aim to ensure clinical benefits outweigh risks, their methodologies differ. He praises the EU’s focus on post-market surveillance and risk management processes, suggesting the FDA could benefit from similar approaches. AI Transparency and Bias Considerations: With growing concerns about AI transparency and bias, Adman discusses the FDA's recent emphasis on these issues. He advocates for clear communication of AI test results by subgroups and suggests that the FDA might develop more detailed transparency guidelines in the future. Role of Regulatory Affairs Professionals: Adam encourages regulatory professionals to promote AI understandability and transparency within design teams, ensuring that patient and clinician perspectives are considered in AI development. Future Trends and Recommendations: Adam predicts an increase in AI submissions that bundle multiple models, urging adherence to FDA guidelines for such complex submissions. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging with regulatory bodies early in the design process and maintaining robust QMS processes.Adam Foresman is the Head of Quality & Regulatory Affairs at VideaHealth. with over 15 years of experience in the medical device industry, Adam excels in product quality, quality systems, and regulatory compliance. His expertise encompasses design controls, statistical analysis, internal and external auditing, CAPA management, product performance, metrology program management, cGMP practices, and ISO 13485 & 21 CFR 820 quality management activities.
At VideaHealth, Adam has co-developed and executed business strategies, globalization, and the clinical roadmap. He leads efforts in product quality, quality systems, pre-market approvals, and regulatory compliance for cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning diagnostics. Adam is also a champion of cybersecurity and HIPAA activities, ensuring robust protection and privacy for sensitive health data.
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The FDA Group's Nick Capman sits down with Carlos Yuraszeck, an accomplished leader in biopharmaceutical compliance, operations, and quality assurance, with a specialized focus on driving innovation and efficiency in cell therapy manufacturing.
With over two decades of dedicated service in the biopharmaceutical industry, most recently serving as the Head of GMP Manufacturing at the Astellas Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Carlos provided profound insights into the pivotal role of phase-appropriate quality systems in managing drug development from research to commercialization. Our discussion focused on how these systems facilitate the rapid delivery of treatments to patients in urgent need.
Discussion points include:
Defining Phase-Appropriate Quality Systems: Carlos detailed these systems as strategic frameworks designed to adapt to the requirements of different stages of drug development, emphasizing their critical role in accelerating the development process. Regulatory Framework and Impact: Insights into how FDA guidelines are tailored to expedite the transition from laboratory research to market, highlighting the regulatory nuances that allow for such flexibility. Handling Variability in Drug Development: Strategies for managing the inherent variability in early development phases were discussed. Carlos emphasized the necessity of flexible, responsive quality systems that facilitate quick adaptations. Analytical Testing and Development Oversight: Carlos explored the significant role of analytical testing in early phases, focusing on controlling and understanding variability to improve assay development continuously. Challenges in Preclinical to Clinical Transition: He underscored the importance of maintaining consistency in the quality of preclinical materials to ensure seamless progression into clinical trials. Importance of Effective Change Control Systems: The conversation covered how early-stage quality systems should anticipate and manage frequent changes to support rapid learning and adaptation. Strategic Approach to Quality System Design: Carlos discussed designing quality systems that reflect the company's risk tolerance and the urgency of patient needs, effectively balancing speed, cost, and compliance. Future Trends in the Life Sciences Sector: Carlos provided predictions on the evolution of quality systems to meet the dynamic needs of ongoing and future drug development projects.
Carlos Yuraszeck is a distinguished leader in biopharmaceutical compliance, operations, and quality assurance, specializing in cell therapy manufacturing. Over his extensive career spanning more than two decades, Carlos has significantly impacted the biopharmaceutical industry through his leadership in various pivotal roles. As the Executive Director of GMP Operations at Astellas Pharma US, he led the transformation of research groups into fully operational GMP manufacturing facilities. Earlier, as Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Talaris Therapeutics, he managed operations focused on groundbreaking organ transplantation therapies. At Celgene, Carlos directed clinical production and supply, where he scaled up manufacturing operations to support the delivery of life-saving CAR T-cell therapies. His tenure in the industry is marked by a commitment to excellence, deep regulatory knowledge, and strategic oversight, which have driven the successful development and commercialization of novel therapies. Carlos's leadership style emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning, aiming always to enhance patient outcomes and advance the field of biopharmaceuticals through innovative and efficient manufacturing practices. -
The FDA Group's Nick Capman sits down with Stephen Poor, a physician-scientist with over 20 years of experience in the industry, mainly with Novartis — currently serving as Novartis's Global Program Clinical Head (Executive Director).
They delve into the psychological and professional impacts of organizational changes, particularly focusing on identity and adaptation during times of transition, such as layoffs or department closures.
Discussion points include:
» Stephen's transition due to organizational shutdown and his journey through change.
» Stephen's experiences and thought processes from realizing Novartis's exit from ophthalmology to starting a new job, focusing on identity in times of change.
» The importance of maintaining a positive outlook, using visualization techniques, and combating self-limiting beliefs during periods of professional uncertainty.
» Predictions for 2024 and 2025.
» Nick's upcoming book, "The Passionate Workforce," is based on 15 pillars aimed at creating a motivated and high-performing organizational culture.
» Insights into managing layoffs thoughtfully, ensuring those who leave feel respected and valued.The FDA Group's strategic plans include potential acquisitions to leverage anticipated economic growth.
» The need for positive thinking, proactive planning, and readiness to capitalize on upcoming opportunities in the life sciences industry.
Stephen Poor is the Global Program Clinical Head at Novartis, bringing over 20 years of experience in ophthalmology biotech-pharma and a strong medical background to his role. He is at the forefront of developing innovative therapies for retinal diseases, focusing on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy (GA), the leading causes of blindness in the elderly. Poor leads the clinical team for PPY998 (GT005), a Phase 2b subretinal complement factor I gene therapy for GA, a significant acquisition from Gyroscope in 2021. His responsibilities extend beyond PPY998 to overseeing undisclosed gene therapy programs and novel drug delivery devices.
In his leadership role, Stephen is pivotal in bridging the gap between Novartis's research, development, and commercial sectors through strategic collaboration and advisory duties. He plays a key role in external strategy, asset and technology review to enhance the department's portfolio, and coordination of scientific support for the portfolio.
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The FDA Group's Nick Capman sits down with Nick Klingensmith, a four-time cancer survivor, motivational speaker, and mindset coach. They discuss the challenges of remote work, especially the disconnect between leadership, management, and frontline employees, and how it affects company culture and employee engagement.
Key points discussed include:
Klingensmith's journey from sales in the telecom and logistics industries to becoming a motivational speaker and coach, emphasizing resilience and overcoming obstacles. The fundamental disconnect in remote work environments, where leaders fail to engage effectively with their teams, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection among employees. The perception gap between managers and employees regarding communication and engagement, with many employees feeling overlooked unless there's a problem. The need for leaders to adapt to remote work by overcommunicating, setting clear expectations, and fostering genuine connections with their teams. Klingensmith’s critique of the lack of training for managers on how to lead remote teams effectively, emphasizing the need for mentorship, accountability, and proactive communication. The importance of understanding the distinction between micromanagement and accountability, and the role of empathy and vulnerability in leadership.Klingensmith provides actionable advice for building a resilient remote workforce, such as staying present, focusing on what can be controlled, and being authentic and vulnerable as a leader. He also highlights his upcoming book, "Selling Inspired," aimed at sales professionals, and shares where he can be found online for speaking engagements.
Nick helps remote sales teams and leaders develop a warrior mindset and overcome self-sabotage, fears, and excuses to achieve success. With 20 years of sales experience and 10 years of executive leadership, he's passionate about driving revenue growth and developing people. He collaborates cross-functionally to identify opportunities, author unique value propositions, and analyze gaps to drive stronger performance.
The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations.
www.thefdagroup.com
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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman sits down with Divya Gowdar, Founder and CEO of NubGenix to discuss the pitfalls and lessons learned on the frontlines of audit and inspection readiness throughout the FDA-regulated industries.
Discussion points include:
The need for a formalized inspection readiness program, especially highlighted by challenges in accessing critical documents like quality manuals or SOPs in a timely manner. The complexities and confusion surrounding QMS integration post-merger or acquisition, emphasizing the importance of clear SOP adherence and SME identification. The strategic development of an inspection readiness playbook outlining detailed procedural actions for audits, including preparation of SMEs and document management. Common gaps in the QMS, such as inadequate design controls and insufficient risk management, and the critical area of supplier management, where many organizations struggle to maintain quality audits and qualification programs. The distinction between R&D and commercial suppliers, underscoring the need for early and comprehensive qualification processes to mitigate commercialization risks.Divya's top 5 takeaways:
Implement an Inspection Readiness Playbook: Develop a comprehensive playbook that details all aspects of audit preparation, from SME preparation to document retrieval, to streamline the inspection process. Address Post-Merger QMS Integration: Carefully plan and execute the integration of disparate QMSs following mergers or acquisitions to ensure clarity in SOP adherence and effective SME role allocation. Conduct Mock Inspections Regularly: Utilize mock inspections to test the effectiveness of the inspection readiness playbook, identifying and rectifying any gaps in readiness. Focus on Supplier Management: Establish rigorous qualification and ongoing monitoring programs for suppliers, differentiating between R&D and commercial suppliers to ensure quality and compliance. Adopt the PDCA Cycle for Continuous Improvement: Implement the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology to manage QMS elements, ensuring robust inspection readiness and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.Divya is a performance-driven and hands-on Quality leader and professional with extensive experience in the medical device and combination product industry. She has contributed significantly to quality management systems, product development lifecycle, risk management, quality compliance, quality management review, inspection management, training, change controls, supplier management, complaint management, and technical operations.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Donna Dorozinsky, founder and CEO of Just in Time GCP, to discuss key considerations for Trial Master File (TMF) management and GCP compliance.
Discussion points include:
The TMF's significance in capturing a study's complete story, including its challenges and achievements and its pivotal role in GCP compliance. The evolution of TMF structuring, the development of the TMF Reference Model for standardization, and its benefits for simplifying content integration across different organizations and vendors. Donna’s three components of a quality TMF: record quality, timeliness of filing, and completeness, explaining how these factors contribute to maintaining a compliant and effective TMF. Considerations for companies that outsource TMF management to CROs. The adoption of eTMF systems, especially for smaller companies, and the balance between investment in technology and maintaining compliant TMF practices. The challenges and considerations of TMF management during mergers and acquisitions (highlighting the importance of a complete and accessible TMF in these transitions). How the TMF is utilized during regulatory inspections, the recent focus of regulatory authorities on TMF compliance, and the importance of a well-managed TMF in demonstrating the quality and integrity of a study.Donna's top 5 takeaways:
Adopt the TMF Reference Model to standardize the structuring of TMFs across organizations. This makes integrating content from different vendors easier and simplifies regulatory inspections by providing a uniform structure that regulators have come to expect. Focus on the record quality, timeliness, and completeness of the TMF. High-quality records without missing or draft pages, timely filing of documents to reflect an up-to-date story of the study, and ensuring that the TMF is complete with all necessary documents are crucial for a compliant TMF. Maintain tight sponsor oversight on CRO-managed TMFs. Even if a Contract CRO manages the TMF, the sponsor retains ultimate responsibility for its completeness and quality. Sponsors should perform regular oversight activities, such as routine completeness checks and applying a risk-based approach to ensure the CRO's TMF meets regulatory standards. Organizations, especially smaller ones, need to weigh the decision to adopt an eTMF system carefully. It's essential to align the investment in eTMF technology with the company's long-term goals and ensure it is supported by appropriate business processes and quality oversight. When involved in mergers or acquisitions, ensure thorough due diligence on the TMF to fully understand the study's story. For regulatory inspections, having a complete, well-organized, and accessible TMF can significantly influence the outcome. A well-managed TMF supports compliance and serves as a critical tool in demonstrating the quality and integrity of clinical research to regulatory authorities.Donna is a Registered Nurse and business consultant who has spent over 30 years in drug development with extensive experience in study operations, including clinical operations, safety, data management, biostatistics, clinical supply management, and TMF management.
Donna is a TMF Reference Model Steering Committee member and is a member of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs. She’s a founding member of the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, & Leaders. She serves on the Board of Trustees at Gwynedd Mercy University, where she received her BSN, and also has an MSN from Widener University.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group's CEO Nick Capman sits down with Mukesh Kumar, PhD, RAC, for a deep dive into the challenges of setting up GMP facilities for cell therapy startups.
Discussion points include:
» Common questions startups have around engaging with the FDA and determining costs and timelines for GMP facility setup and clinical trials.
» Recommendations for engaging regulatory experts early and doing first-in-human manufacturing in-house rather than through a CMO to reduce costs and time.
» The importance of educating oneself on regulations before meetings with experts or the FDA to get the most benefit from those interactions.
» Best practices for GMP facility setup and clinical trials in a cost-effective manner to advance cell therapies to patients.
Dr. Mukesh Kumar is CEO and Founder of FDAMap, a Washington DC-based firm helping manufacturers and developers of FDA-regulated products in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, clinical trials, and smart development strategies. His key expertise is in global regulatory project management, regulatory submissions, compliance inspections, operational management, supply management, clinical operations, and multi-national project management for medicinal and diagnostic products. He has led the clinical development of over 100 products over the last 20 years.
He has been a leader in more than 150 clinical trials in about 34 countries, including countries in the EU, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, China, Canada, countries in South America, Australia, and India. He has led more than 100 GCP, GLP, GMP, and GACP audits in the US and several countries in Europe, North and South Americas, and Asia in the last 15 years. He has conducted numerous training workshops on FDA compliance-related issues and has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.
His weekly blog, FDA Puran, is subscribed by over 80,000 readers globally. He is also the Professor (Adjunct), Regulatory Sciences, at the School of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC. Dr. Kumar is a PhD in Biochemistry and a certified regulatory professional by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society, USA.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group's CEO Nick Capman, sits down with Vincent Cafiso for a deep dive into the nuances of quality culture within the life sciences sector. Vincent is a former FDA Investigator and industry expert who now helps firms with inspection readiness, compliance, quality assurance, and quality systems consulting expertise.
Discussion points include:
» The essence of quality culture being more than just adherence to procedures. It encompasses the actions, mindsets, and execution methods of employees—areas that are pivotal for inspection readiness and regulatory compliance.
» The integral components of quality culture, including an emphasis on resolving issues constructively rather than avoiding them, the crucial role of trust, a shared commitment to quality, and holding each other accountable for outcomes.
» How leadership should exemplify and consistently reinforce quality values, impacting trust and openness within the organization.
» The challenges in sustaining a quality culture, which underscore the need for ongoing employee engagement and assimilating new staff into the existing culture.
» The fact that quality culture isn't static and must evolve with changing internal and external business environments.
Vincent is a distinguished expert in quality assurance and regulatory compliance with over 30 years of extensive experience in the life sciences industry. As the Founder and Managing Consultant of Practical Compliance Results, LLC, he specializes in inspection readiness, compliance, and quality systems, focusing particularly on medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVD).
His expertise includes the development, management, and auditing of quality systems to ensure adherence to both domestic and international regulatory standards. Vincent is known for his skill in building and leading effective quality and regulatory compliance teams, ensuring their operational excellence and sustained inspection preparedness.
With a background as an internal and supplier auditor, Vincent brings practical insights into FDA inspection techniques and a comprehensive understanding of quality system standards such as ISO 13485 and ISO 9001. His experience is extensive in the European and Global regulatory landscape, including the EU Medical Device Regulations. He also offers valuable expertise in collaborating with contract design and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), ensuring products are designed and manufactured in compliance with global quality system requirements. His proficiency covers a wide range of areas, including FDA Regulations, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, Change Control, and FDA Readiness and Remediation.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Jonathan Wacks to discuss ways to minimize the stress associated with FDA inspections.
Jonathan is an experienced healthcare industry executive with a proven track record in startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has a strong background in international QA/RA, engineering, and project management, specifically with medical devices, electronic assemblies, and supply chain management.
Discussion points include:
» The importance of a robust QMS and the role of third-party audits in ensuring unbiased compliance assessments, and preemptively identifying compliance issues, underlining the need for thorough and honest internal evaluations.
» The need for leadership teams to understand audit findings in depth and use them to enhance internal processes.
» The importance of having well-calibrated and maintained test equipment, alongside well-crafted SOPs and trained personnel.
» The need for independent reviews of batch records, focusing on the clarity of lot status and data integrity.
» The need for regular reviews and updates of QMS processes, especially validation and verification procedures.
» The importance of re-evaluating product and process validation, including considerations for stability data, human factors, and the impact of significant changes.
» The critical role of software validation in the QMS.
» How to effectively handle questions from FDA investigators and the importance of clear, honest communication during audits.
Jonathan is a medical device and pharmaceutical Consultant specializing in QA/RA and Product/Process Control. His services include M&A due diligence support, conducting site quality and regulatory compliance audits, and leading employee training programs focused on FDA QSR/cGMP and validation.
He also works in project management and operations improvement, particularly in research use diagnostics and API manufacturing. He's a regular and highly-valued contributor to our Insider Newsletter.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group's CEO Nick Capman, sits down with Sunil Gupta, a seasoned expert in pharmaceutical data, to shed light on the nuances of SDTM (Study Data Tabulation Model) compliance and its pivotal role in clinical trial processes.
Sunil brings a wealth of experience from his three decades in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on areas like SAS programming, submissions, and leveraging new technologies for clinical trials.
Discussion points include:
» The transition from manual processes to technology-enhanced procedures in clinical trials — specifically the shift towards automation and standardization.
» An in-depth look at SDTM compliance, its critical importance in FDA submissions, and the need for uniform data standardization.
» The many challenges associated with ensuring compliance in clinical data management, including those related to documentation, security, and proactive monitoring.
» Navigating the common pitfalls in SDTM compliance, such as misinterpretations in compliance reports and the importance of granular data verification.
» Sunil’s recommended resources for mastering compliance, including websites like cdisc.org and phuse.global, and the value of attending relevant webinars and workshops.
» Predictions for the future of clinical data tools and applications, and the growing integration of compliance tools in the SDTM generation process.
» The crucial role of collaboration and resource utilization in achieving effective SDTM compliance. Sunil shares his involvement in mentoring and open-source initiatives.
» The importance of automation, technology, and standardization in enhancing the quality and efficacy of clinical trial data.
Sunil Gupta is an expert in CDISC and SAS programming, offering specialized teaching and mentoring services. He emphasizes real-world examples and utilizes a CDISC reference file to ensure compliance with CDISC and FDA guidelines.
Sunil is also the founder of SASSavvy.com, a pioneering SAS® Blog membership subscription service. This platform simplifies the search and application process for SAS® programming challenges.
Sunil's extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries has proven his skills as a hands-on CDISC/SAS programmer and project lead. His unique methods have resulted in substantial time and cost savings, demonstrating his exceptional ability to innovate in the field of CDISC and SAS programming.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group's CEO Nick Capman, sits down with David Marks to discuss the intricacies of Quality culture and QA communication pathways in the life sciences. David is a strategic advisor and experienced executive with a proven track record in establishing global Quality, Operational, Corporate Stewardship, Change Management, and Integration programs across biopharma and CROs.
Discussion points include:
» The crucial role of a Quality culture, especially in biopharma and clinical settings. David discusses how a strong Quality culture leads to proactive organizations, reducing the frequency of audits and audit findings.
» The separation of Quality from Operations to prevent conflicts of interest, and the importance of a partnership between these departments for effective decision-making and communication.
» The responsibility of leaders in cultivating a culture of Quality, and how leaders should actively demonstrate and reinforce Quality values within the organization to build trust and openness.
» The business case for Quality culture, and how it's more efficient and cost-effective to do things right the first time. David advises Operations to approach Quality issues without fear or ego, fostering open discussions.
» How investing in Quality as a crucial preventive measure saves money and avoids future issues, particularly vital in life sciences.
» Encouraging informal, trust-building discussions between QA and Operations. He stresses the importance of QA being approachable and open to discussions, which leads to significant organizational improvements.
» A shift towards more open communication in modern Quality cultures. He highlights the importance of mechanisms for employees to ask questions anonymously in environments where fear or ego might be present.
» The often-overlooked human element in Quality culture, underscoring the need for personal relationships, understanding, and cooperation between Quality and Operations teams.
» The tangible benefits of a strong quality culture, such as improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced organizational maturity.
David is a distinguished executive in the bio-pharma and CRO industries, known for his strategic expertise in global Quality, Operational, Corporate Stewardship, Change Management, and Integration programs. His career spans leading and supporting Cross-Functional Strategic Partnerships, GxP Quality Assurance/Management Operations, and Sustainability/ESG initiatives.
He has a proven track record of hands-on leadership and program oversight across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex international environments. He is adept at managing high-level strategic initiatives and C-suite special assignments across multiple corporate divisions, showcasing his versatile leadership skills.
Additionally, as an Emeritus Registered Quality Assurance Professional in Good Clinical Practice (RQAP-GCP) from the Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), he brings a deep commitment to quality assurance and extensive knowledge in Good Clinical Practice. His contributions have significantly influenced organizational success and set benchmarks in quality and operational excellence in the bio-pharma and CRO sectors.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Paul Hakamaki, Vice President of Quality at Anteris Technologies, to explore the nuances of supplier management in the medical device industry.
Discussion points include:
» Paul's journey from a supplier quality engineer to Vice President of Quality and his experience across various company sizes in the medical device sector.
» The critical importance of supplier management in the medical device industry, highlighting the necessity for clear expectations, risk management, and fostering partnerships beyond mere transactional relationships.
» A spectrum of supplier relationships, ranging from transactional for standard components to deeply involved partnerships for custom components, necessitating rigorous expectations and qualifications.
» The pivotal roles in supplier management, including purchasing professionals who handle business aspects and supplier quality engineers who manage the technical relationship, ensuring suppliers meet the company's stringent expectations.
» The extensive role of supplier quality engineers beyond conducting audits, emphasizing their importance in relationship building and technical liaison with suppliers.
» The Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF) guidance document from 2008, which provides a six-stage process for supplier management, underscoring the significance of continuous improvement and proactive management in mature supplier relationships.
» The human element in supplier relationships, often overlooked in guidance documents, which is essential for building strong partnerships that involve personal relationships, understanding, and cooperation.
» The tangible benefits of strong supplier relationships, such as consistent quality, timely delivery, and reduced production issues, which underscore the importance of the human element in forming cooperative relationships.
Paul is a seasoned Quality Leader renowned for driving significant quality improvements through data-driven projects and the daily application of Six Sigma fundamentals. With a robust track record of achieving challenging results across various business units, Paul's approach to quality leadership is rooted in collaborative problem-solving and the innovative application of Six Sigma principles. His expertise has been pivotal in overseeing complex projects such as post-market product design changes, reorganizations, facility moves, and Quality System software implementations.
Before assuming his current role as Vice President of Quality at Anteris Technologies, Paul Hakamaki honed his leadership and quality management skills in several significant roles within the healthcare and medical device industry. As the VP of Quality at Colder Products Company, he led all Quality and Quality System functions, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and overseeing the Six Sigma program across three sites in Minnesota. His strategic vision was further exemplified during his tenure as Director of Global Supplier Quality at 3M's Health Care Business Group, where he developed and implemented a comprehensive supplier quality methodology compliant with FDA and ISO 13485 standards. Prior to 3M, at Medtronic, he led a team of 125 professionals in supplier controls, managing a broad range of quality assurance processes and upholding stringent regulatory requirements. His expertise also extended to American Medical Systems, where he spearheaded supplier quality functions and internal audits, successfully closing FDA-identified compliance gaps and re-engineering the CAPA process through Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with George Toscano, President & CEO of Toscano Consulting Group, to explore recent FDA enforcement trends and the nuances of the FDA inspection process, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the industry.
Discussion points include:
» George's extensive background in the pharmaceutical, biologics, and medical device industries, highlighting his transition from an analytical development chemist to a consultant specializing in quality and regulatory work.
» The emergence of new companies in the pharmaceutical space during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those producing hand sanitizers, and the challenges they faced with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
» The FDA's increased scrutiny on the presence of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in components, reflecting on historical issues and the importance of stringent testing for these contaminants.
» The problem of inadequate authority within quality units, especially in Over-The-Counter (OTC) manufacturers, leading to compliance issues and insufficient testing for harmful impurities.
» A shift in the FDA's focus towards ophthalmic products due to recent contamination issues, and the anticipation of this becoming a new wave of enforcement.
» The significant reduction in on-site FDA inspections during the pandemic, the transition to remote evaluations and document requests, and the gradual return to on-site inspections with continued use of remote tools.
» The concept of FDA "waves" of focus, with a recent pre-COVID wave on OTC manufacturers, and the potential for new waves targeting different areas such as ophthalmic products.
» The perennial issues cited by the FDA, such as the failure to conduct adequate investigations and the lack of or failure to follow written procedures, which are expected to continue being focal points in FDA observations.
Mr. Toscano is an experienced consultant with over 25 years in the industry, specializing in international compliance, Data Integrity, and quality systems. He has successfully managed projects addressing FDA enforcement actions, such as 483 responses, Warning Letters, and Consent Decrees. His expertise extends to laboratory and manufacturing investigations, CAPA, change control, and stability programs. He has also led analytical R&D labs, overseeing product development and regulatory submissions, including ANDA, NDA, and 505(b)2 applications. Recently, he spearheaded a multi-year expansion and remediation for a biologics manufacturer under a consent decree. His comprehensive knowledge in quality assurance, data integrity, validation, and cGMP training has been pivotal in helping clients develop and fix quality systems to meet FDA standards.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Jessica Smith Beaver, PhD, President & CEO of Verinetics, to explore various career trajectories within the quality and regulatory space in the life science industry, the advantages and challenges of different paths, and the crucial role of personal reflection in career development.
Discussion points include:
» Dr. Beaver's journey from a pharmacist to a contributing scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, and her eventual transition into regulatory affairs and quality space.
» The dilemmas faced by professionals in RA/QA roles, such as the decision to specialize or generalize, and the choice between working for large pharmaceutical companies or startups.
» The pros and cons of being a specialist versus a generalist in the industry, highlighting the importance of adaptability and broad experiences.
» The benefits and risks associated with working in large pharma companies compared to startups, including the opportunities for learning, career growth, and the potential for instability.
» The choice between focusing on small molecules, large molecules, pharmaceuticals, biotech, or medical devices, and how this decision ties into the broader specialist versus generalist debate.
» The transition from being an individual contributor to taking on a managerial role, emphasizing the different skill sets required and the significance of leadership in team development.
Dr. Beaver is a skilled pharmaceutical industry executive with experience at all stages of R&D for product candidates in discovery, early and late-stage development, and marketed products. Drug candidates/marketed products have included both small and large (biologic) molecules. Beginning as a product team scientist in the industry, her roles have evolved to include functional area experience in regulatory affairs, healthcare compliance, quality assurance, risk management, corporate investigations, and other business operational functions required for the distribution, marketing, sale, and promotion of pharmaceutical products.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Steve Knowles, MB.BS, M.R.C.P., M.F.P.M., Chief Medical Officer at Halozyme, a biopharmaceutical company bringing disruptive solutions to significantly improve patient experiences and outcomes for emerging and established therapies.
They discuss advancements in drug delivery technology and the role of leadership in fostering innovation and addressing challenges in this field.
Discussion points include:
» Dr. Knowles's transition from a physician in the UK to Chief Medical Officer at Halozyme in San Diego.
» The evolution in drug delivery systems, such as the shift from hospital-based treatments to self-administration of drugs at home and the introduction of auto-injectors and on-body devices for efficient, patient-friendly drug administration.
» Addressing human factors and compliance to ensure products are user-friendly—and the importance of human factor studies in product development.
» The advantages of subcutaneous drug delivery, including reduced side effects, improved pharmacokinetic profiles, and patient convenience.
» How Halozyme’s one-team approach fosters a culture of curiosity, flexibility, and feedback.
» Aligning individual and organizational goals to drive innovation.
Dr. Knowles has deep pharmacovigilance and medical affairs experience gained over a career spanning almost 20 years. Dr. Knowles joined Halozyme in January 2018 as Vice President, Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance. He is responsible for the Medical, Regulatory and Drug Safety organizations.
Prior to Halozyme, Dr. Knowles served as Senior Medical Director, Global Patient Safety and Benefit Risk Management at Eli Lilly & Co. where he led the global safety physician/scientist group responsible for overseeing the safety profiles and benefit risk management of medicines across all therapeutic areas and phases of development and supported numerous BLA and MAA submissions. During his 16 years at Lilly, he held positions in Medical Affairs and from 2005 to 2017 he held roles of increasing responsibility within Global Patient Safety. Prior to these roles, Dr. Knowles spent more than 17 years in clinical practice in the UK in both hospital-based and general practice roles.
Dr. Knowles received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degrees (MB.BS) from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and is a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and a Member of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (MFPM).
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Rick Beatty, Chief Science Officer and Senior VP of Quality and Regulatory at Robinson Pharma, the largest industry contract manufacturer in the U.S.
They discuss:
» Leadership philosophy, particularly the importance of focusing on employees’ success as a pathway to organizational achievement.
» Rick's shift in leadership approach after training with Marshall Goldsmith, moving from a self-centered to a people-centered approach.
» The generational gap in leadership styles, with older generations often struggling to understand the mindset of younger employees.
» How scientific and technical teams, often introverted, face challenges in communication and emotional intelligence (EQ)—and the importance of acknowledging and respecting different perceptions and realities to foster effective communication.
» How Rick’s international experience highlights the need for leaders to adapt their communication styles to different cultures and individual preferences.
» Why reflective listening and using various communication styles are essential to ensure messages are effectively received and understood.
Rick currently leads and manages multi-site manufacturing processes and systems for DSHEA, foods, and cosmetics. He manages employees, teams, and technology to pursue corporate goals in R&D, formulation, QC, Laboratory, QA, Regulatory, Audits, Compliance, and Customer Service engagement with National and FMD customers.
Who is The FDA Group? The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. https://www.thefdagroup.com/
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