A Comprehensive Study on the Global Regulatory Requirements for the submission of a Post-Approval Change, specifically a Change in Manufacturing Site

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Date

2017

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University of the Western Cape

Abstract

Regulatory requirements for post-approval changes vary for different countries around the world. It is a challenging and costly process for pharmaceutical companies to manage changes to the approved regulatory dossier over the lifecycle of the product when it is registered in many countries. In practice the process can be complex, unpredictable and time consuming because of regional differences and frequent changes in regulatory procedures, requirements and timelines. The global regulatory requirements for the submission of a post-approval change, specifically a change in manufacturing site, were reviewed for six jurisdictions for this study. These include United States of America (US), Europe (EU), South Africa, Brazil, Russia and China. The study centred on the differences in the documentation required when submitting a post-approval change for a change in manufacturing site in these countries. The study compared and contrasted the differences and similarities between the jurisdictions. An analysis of the challenges for implementation of the change was performed. The study also examined what resources a company may need in order to meet the requirements. Some notable similarities but also many differences in the post-approval submission requirements between the countries were identified. Some of the similarities included classification of the type of variation, the submission application process, and the requirement to provide supportive stability data and updates to the common technical dossier (CTD). Differences highlighted were the types of application forms required, the amount of stability data required to support the change and the time lines for review of post-approval changes in each jurisdiction. The challenge for pharmaceutical companies arises in the effective management of these differences. Investment in a robust regulatory change management team is an essential resource requirement for pharmaceutical companies. Adoption of a QbD approach and careful consideration of the global requirements during the product development phase could potentially be of use in strategic planning within a company in order to ensure continued product access globally.

Description

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Pharmacy Administration and Policy Regulation)

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