Best Practices in Preparation for an FDA Computer System Audit in 2023

Overview:

FDA requires that all computer systems used to produce, manage and report on “GxP” (GMP, GLP, GCP) related products be validated and maintained in accordance with specific rules. This webinar will help you understand the FDA’s current thinking on computer systems that are validated and subject to inspection and audit. It will also take into account areas where FDA will likely focus their effort, including on the higher-risk systems.

Recent real-world examples highlight the critical importance of compliance with FDA regulations. In one case, a medical device company's computer system did not adequately track changes to product specifications, leading to potential release errors. Another instance found a pharmaceutical company's system failing to properly track the expiration dates of raw materials, risking the use of expired substances in production. Finally, a computer system used by a medical device company to store and transmit patient data was found lacking in protections against unauthorized access, posing a threat to patient confidentiality.

As a “GxP” system, following Good Manufacturing, Laboratory and Clinical Practices, the computer system must be validated in accordance with FDA requirements. If electronic records and/or electronic signatures (ER/ES) are incorporated into the system, FDA’s CFR Part 11 guidance on ER/ES must be ensured.

This webinar will focus on the key areas that are most important, including security and data integrity. Implementing and following the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology is the best approach for computer system validation and maintaining data integrity. The life cycle approach takes all aspects of validation into account throughout the life of the system and the data that it houses. The data is a key asset for any FDA-regulated company and must be protected through its entire retention period.

In preparation for an audit, it is important to assess the documentation that was prepared when each GxP system was validated to identify and remediate any gaps or issues. The FDA contact person(s) should be able to tell the story of how each system came into Production in a validated state and how each system is maintained in that validated state with the data integrity assured.

It’s important to have the right resources and understanding of the process prior to any inspection. Having the validation information available and key resources who can speak to various components of it is critical and should be arranged in advance.

You will learn some tips based on real FDA inspections and lessons learned that will be shared with the audience.

This webinar will cover the following key areas:

• Computer System Validation (CSV) and the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Methodology
• “GxP” – Good Manufacturing, Laboratory and Clinical Practices
• 21 CFR Part 11, Electronic Records/Electronic Signatures (ER/ES)
• Data Archival to ensure security, integrity and compliance
• Validation Strategy that will take into account the system risk assessment and system categorization (GAMP V) processes
• Recent FDA findings for companies in regulated industries
• The resources, documentation and room preparation necessary to adequately prepare for inspection
• Q&A

Why Should you Attend?

FDA requires that all computer systems that handle data regulated by the Agency to be validated in accordance with their guidance on computerized systems.  This guidance was first issued in 1983, and the main points of focus remain consistent today, despite the number of years that have passed and the technology changes that have taken place.

The FDA computer system guidance was revisited for its application to the medical device industry, as the first issuance addressed pharmaceuticals.  In 1997, 21 CFR Part 11 was issued to address electronic records and signatures, as many laboratories and other FDA-regulated organizations began seeking ways to move into a paperless environment.  This guidance has been modified over the years to make it more palatable to industry, and this includes discretionary enforcement measures.  The intent was to avoid creating a huge regulatory compliance cost to industry that was initially preventing companies from embracing the technology.

Additional guidance was provided in late 2018 on Data Integrity to address an increasing trend in industry findings.  We will cover best practices in industry to address these issues and ensure inspection readiness.

This session will provide some insight into current trends in compliance and enforcement.  Some are based on technology changes, and these will continue to have an impact as new innovations and technology come into use in the industry.  Again, we will help you position your company in a state of inspection readiness.

 What industries will benefit from your training

Manufacturing, Testing, Packaging and Distribution companies in the following industries that are regulated by FDA are required to follow GxPs:

• Pharmaceutical (for drug products introduced using a medical device)
• Medical Device
• Biologicals (for biological products introduced using a medical device)
• Tobacco (based on the Tobacco Control Act of 2009)
• E-Liquid/Vapor (based on the “Deeming” Act of 2016)
• E-Cigarette (based on the “Deeming” Act of 2016)
• Cigar (based on the “Deeming” Act of 2016)
• Third-Party companies that support those in the above industries, including Contract Research Organizations (CROs)
• Colleges and Universities offering programs of study in Clinical Trial Management and Regulatory Affairs/Matters related to FDA

Who Will Benefit?

• Information Technology Analysts
• QC/QA Managers
• QC/QA Analysts
• Clinical Data Managers
• Clinical Data Scientists
• Analytical Chemists
• Compliance Managers
• Laboratory Managers
• Automation Analysts
• Manufacturing Managers
• Manufacturing Supervisors
• Supply Chain Specialists
• Computer System Validation Specialists
• GMP Training Specialists
• Business Stakeholders responsible for computer system validation planning, execution, reporting, compliance, maintenance and audit
• Consultants working in the life sciences industry who are involved in computer system implementation, validation and compliance
• Auditors engaged in the internal inspection of labeling records and practices'