Category: News

MDR Updated Deadlines

Posted on by Brandon Miller

Click now to listen to RCA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Jordan Elder, in this RCA Radio audio update:

 

 

The European Parliament recently voted for a timeline extension to MDR regulation, including an extended timeline for medical device regulatory submission. The 537-3 vote by members of the official body provides a final approval to extend MDR deadlines for compliance. Included in the legislation is revisions to regulatory submission rules for certifying medical devices. Additionally, the timeline includes new dates for both Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) and Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR).

 

Regulated Companies

 

European officials extended the MDR timeline to include legacy devices with existing certificates under the MDD to stay on the market until 2024. Industry executives have suspected for some time that the EU medical device backlog of submissions would lead to this type of scenario. Equally important, many EU health ministers voiced their opinion during a December 2022 session medical device shortages would occur without a MDR timeline extension.

 

MDR Timeline

 

Manufacturers now have until 2027 or 2028 to have medical devices certified and approved under MDR guidelines. The timeline includes new dates for both high-risk medical device products and low risk medical devices. For medical devices covered by a certificate or a declaration of conformity issued before 26 May 2021, the transition period to the new rules is extended from 26 May 2024 to:

 

  • 31 December 2027 for Class III and IIb;
  • 31 December 2028 for Class IIa and I.
  • 26 May 2026 for Class III implantable custom-made devices

 

The original “sell-off’ date requirement that was required under the MDR has been removed

 

Need help with your MDR or IVDR transition? Talk to our Experts →

 

IVDR Timeline

 

Meanwhile, the EU Commission has previously recommended the IVDR application date be extended due to the EU notified body bottleneck.

 

  • General EU MDR Class 1 Low-risk devices that are non-measuring, non-sterile, non-reusable, non-surgical, and that do not require review from a notified body will still go into effect in 2022.
  • Non-sterile Class A and B Devices (low risk) – May 26, 2022
  • Class D (Highest Risk) – May 26, 2025
  • Class C (Medium Risk) – May 26, 2026
  • Sterile Class A and B Devices (low risk) – May 26, 2027

 

Industry Reaction

 

Life science media outlets have reported extensively on the change since it was proposed at the meeting.

 

Stella Kyriakides, the European health commissioner, first proposed postponing the current MDR deadline dates during the EPSCO council meeting in Brussels. The health commissioner projected around 23,000 devices and 1,500 IVDs are currently approved and certified under MDD, but have not yet transitioned to the new MDR regulation. These medical devices are likely to expire in 2024 and 2025,

 

“The transition to the new rules has been slower than we anticipated,” said Kyriakides. “The pandemic, shortages of raw materials caused by the Russian invasion against Ukraine and low notified body capacity has put a strain on market readiness.”

 

Medical Device Manufacturers

 

Additionally, many unique viewpoints have emerged about the current landscape and the impact of recertification.

 

“If the three-year deadline is truly unattainable, these extensions could prevent devices that are perfectly safe for use from being taken off the market because they were unable to get recertified in time,” said Alexandra Murdoch, a medical analyst at GlobalData.

 

Murdoch added both medical device manufacturers and suppliers must now deliver MDR regulatory documentation for market approval, including data about materials used in medical device manufacturing.

 

Medical Device Safety

 

Both Pinto & Rocha have documented the MDR proposal concerns that “only medical devices considered safe will benefit from the extension”. This includes medical device manufacturers that have begun the process of submission and certification under the MDR.

 

Further, the Commission has recognized the ongoing need for patient safety and proposed a 2023 pilot project for medical device manufacturers. For example, expert panels to advise manufacturers with qualified scientific advice about devices that help treat rare diseases.

 

Medical Device Shortage

 

Ireland’s minister of health, Stephen Donnelly, supported the change based on COVID-19 procurement and preventing future medical device shortage scenarios.

 

“Participation in the EU COVID-19 vaccine strategy has allowed us to conduct the largest immunization program in our country’s history, saving countless lives and enabling the resumption of normal social and economic life.” said Donnelly.

 

“This measure needs to be adopted and take effect without delay to ensure that the devices our citizens and health systems rely on remain available.”

 

Cybersecurity

 

By contrast, it is still unknown how different types of EU legislation will regulate connected medical devices. There is concern across the industry about which legislation may take precedence and the level of postmarket surveillance data needed.

 

The European Commission (EC) published a proposal for a Cyber Resilience Act (“CRA”) to strengthen cybersecurity across medical device interoperability. Both Wright & Wenzel have documented this legislation does not consider MDR to impose as many obligations on medical device manufacturers. Further, the commentary suggests the EC may not require as much documentation about unknown vulnerabilities are not present for medical devices.

 

About RCA’s Medical Device Consulting Services

 

The regulatory compliance process surrounding the medical device industry involves a strict adherence to pre/post market information throughout a device’s life cycle. Even a single compliance issue you have can turn into a significant effect on your business. Regulatory Compliance Associates can help guide you through any stage of the medical device consulting process, with capabilities during product development through the regulatory clearance/approval of your product.

 

Our team of over 500 medical device consulting Experts — including former FDA officials and regulatory compliance leaders in the field of medical device regulation — will work with your company to create a quality assurance and regulatory compliance approach tailored to your products and regulatory needs. Regulatory Compliance Associates works with international Fortune 100 companies, venture capital start ups, and companies of all sizes and shapes. our compliance enforcement solutions for law firms include remediation for warning letters, FDA 483’s, import bans or consent decrees. Very few regulatory compliance services have the same regulatory compliance expertise in a variety of medical fields.

 

Cybersecurity

 

For medical device manufacturers, technology can be a double-edged sword. The innovative technologies that elevate the quality of life for patients can also be used to potentially undermine the organization using the device. The consequences can affect the device itself if Regulatory Compliance Associates medtech consultants do not implement good IoT cybersecurity and FDA cybersecurity protocols.

 

At Regulatory Compliance Associates, we offer a wide variety of services for medical devices security to help ensure that your product is protected from cyber-attacks. With a well-planned design, along with full visibility of product development and the supply chain, Regulatory Compliance Associates medical device consultant Experts can help strengthen your device’s cybersecurity. We partner with medical device companies in each phase of the design cycle, including protecting inputs from threat exposure and hardening outputs for regulatory compliance & FDA submission approval of your medical technology.

 

  • SaMD Consulting
  • Threat Modeling
  • Proof of Concept
  • Quality Assurance Services
  • TIR 57 & TIR 97
  • ISO 62304
  • ISO 27001

 

Regulatory Affairs

 

Regulatory affairs is Regulatory Compliance Associates® backbone, and we handle more submissions in a month than many manufacturers do in a lifetime. Our regulatory compliance consulting Experts have experience working with the FDA, global regulatory bodies and / or agencies, and notified bodies worldwide. Therefore, you can count on us for in-depth and up-to-date insights which increase speed-to-market.

 

As a trusted regulatory affairs consultant, our FDA veterans and industry experts represent Regulatory Compliance Associates® as one of the top medical device consulting firms. We’re here to help you navigate the difficulties associated with new product submissions. Regulatory Compliance Associates® medical device consulting company has expertise in both the approval process and post-approval support. 

 

  • New Product Approval
  • Post-Approval Support
  • Outsourced Staffing
  • EU MDR
  • Combination Products

 

Compliance Assurance

 

Increasingly, life science companies are feeling the pressure of greater scrutiny by regulators, and responding by developing sustainable compliance strategies. Whether it’s preparing for an audit, developing a response to an FDA finding, or remediation to an adverse event, Regulatory Compliance Associates® can help.

 

Our network of over 500 medical device consultant & FDA, MHRA & EMA veterans are industry professionals offers a unique blend of expertise. This allows Regulatory Compliance Associates® to handle both simple and complex regulatory compliance challenges within medical device consulting companies.

 

  • Gap Assessments
  • Internal Audits
  • Employee Training
  • Notified Body Response
  • Data Integrity

 

Quality Assurance

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates® Quality Assurance consulting includes quality system assessments, strategy, implementations, and identification of quality metrics to ensure continuous improvement, aligning with your business needs and goals. Each Regulatory Compliance Associates® medical device consultant is a quality expert with experience spanning major corporations and start-ups. We know firsthand how to achieve, maintain, and improve quality, and we excel in transferring this knowledge to your organization.

 

In the medical devices field, quality assurance (QA) is more than merely ensuring the quality of a finished product. You need the tools to monitor and regulate every process from the design of a new product to continued quality compliance as the device is sent to market. At Regulatory Compliance Associates®, we offer you the quality assurance services you need to monitor these processes and ensure quality compliance every step of the way.

 

With more than 20 years experience working with medical device consulting companies, Regulatory Compliance Associates® trusted medical device quality assurance consultant team is fully equipped to handle your unique QA needs.

 

  • ISO13485 
  • 21 CFR 210
  • 21 CFR 211
  • Outsourced Staffing
  • MDSAP
  • Facility Validation
  • Equipment Validation
  • Quality Metrics

 

Remediation Services

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates® is widely recognized within medical device consulting companies & the life science industry for our remediation services & support. Regulatory Compliance Associates® ability to help companies successfully resolve complex regulatory challenges have a proven track record of success. Our medical device consulting services include significant experience with the development of responses to 483 Observations, Warning Letters, Untitled Letters and Consent Decrees.

 

  • Regulatory Action
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Regulatory Enforcement
  • Warning Letter
  • 483 Observation
  • Oversight Services

 

Our value goes beyond the initial response by helping companies successfully execute their action plans, develop an improved compliance culture tailored to the needs of their business, and ultimately move beyond the regulatory action to emerge as a stronger business. We negotiate difficult demands of remediation with insight and the clear advantage of our medical device consultant expertise and experience that makes partnering with Regulatory Compliance Associates®  a competitive differentiator in the remediation space.

 

  • Quality System
  • Technical File
  • Design History File
  • Data Integrity
  • cGMP

 

Strategic Consulting

 

Whether it’s a strategy, a technical plan, or project, Regulatory Compliance Associates® medical device consultancy can help ensure a successful project. Regulatory Compliance Associates® medical device strategy consulting can deliver your project on time, on budget, and you’re never embroiled in a costly mistake.

 

Our medical device consultant Experts are industry Experts are here to provide the unique insight you need before an M&A deal, through a staffing crisis and in every area of your product’s development and life cycle. As the trusted medical device manufacturing consultants of thousands of companies around the world, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to deliver exceptional results to your business — no matter your size or unique needs.

 

  • Manufacturing Optimization
  • Product Lifecycle Management
  • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
  • Due Diligence
  • Device Vigilance
  • Risk Management Plan
  • Product Complaints
  • Medical Information

 

About Regulatory Compliance Associates

 

mdr consultingRegulatory Compliance Associates® (RCA) provides medical device consulting to the following industries for resolution of life science challenges:

 

 

We understand the complexities of running a life science business and possess areas of expertise that include every facet of R&D, operations, regulatory affairs, quality, and manufacturing. We are used to working on the front lines and thriving in the scrutiny of FDA, Health Canada, MHRA and globally-regulated companies.

 

As your partners, Regulatory Compliance Associates can negotiate the potential minefield of regulatory compliance and regulatory due diligence with insight, hindsight, and the clear advantage of our unique expertise and experience.

 

  • Founded in 2000
  • Headquartered in Wisconsin (USA)
  • Expertise backed by over 500 industry subject matter experts
  • Acquired by Sotera Health in 2021

 

About Sotera Health

 

The name Sotera Health was inspired by Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety, and reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to its mission, Safeguarding Global Health®.

 

Sotera Health Company, along with its three best-in-class businesses – Sterigenics®, Nordion® and Nelson Labs®, is a leading global provider of mission-critical end-to-end sterilization solutions and lab testing and advisory services for the healthcare industry. With a combined tenure across our businesses of nearly 200 years and our industry-recognized scientific and technological expertise, we help to ensure the safety of over 190 million patients and healthcare practitioners around the world every year.

 

We are a trusted partner to more than 5,800 customers in over 50 countries, including 40 of the top 50 medical device companies and 8 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies.

 

Commitment to Quality

 

Our Certificate of Registration demonstrates that our Quality Management System meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, an internationally recognized standard of quality.

 

To begin the Regulatory Compliance Associates® scoping process today, please enter your information in the blue form below and click the submit button at the bottom of the webpage. 

 

Cytotoxicity Testing

Posted on by Brandon Miller

 

In this soundbite from RCA Radio, Dr. Helin Raagel and Dr. Matthew Jorgensen from Nelson Labs explain why the Cytotoxicity test during a biocompatibility evaluation is the most important test you will run.

 

cytotoxicity

What is Cytotoxicity? – Cytotoxicity is the degree to which a substance can cause damage to a cell. A substance or process that causes cell damage or death is referred to as cytotoxic, “cyto” meaning cell and “toxic” meaning poison. (Will the device kill or harm the cells it comes in contact with?)

 

There are three reasons why the cytotoxicity test is the most important test you run during a biocompatibility evaluation.

  1. The test can be run quickly.
  2. It is the most cost-effective test in an evaluation.
  3. Most evaluation concerns come from the cytotoxicity results.

 

Listen to the full episode “What is Cytotoxicity?” now!

 

About RCA’s Medical Device Consulting Services

 

The regulatory compliance process surrounding the medical device industry involves a strict adherence to pre/post market information throughout a device’s life cycle. Even a single compliance issue you have can turn into a significant effect on your business. Regulatory Compliance Associates can help guide you through any stage of the medical device consulting process, with capabilities during product development through the regulatory clearance/approval of your product.

 

Our team of over 500 medical device consulting Experts — including former FDA officials and regulatory compliance leaders in the field of medical device regulation — will work with your company to create a quality assurance and regulatory compliance approach tailored to your products and regulatory needs. Regulatory Compliance Associates works with international Fortune 100 companies, venture capital start ups, and companies of all sizes and shapes. our compliance enforcement solutions for law firms include remediation for warning letters, FDA 483’s, import bans or consent decrees. Very few regulatory compliance services have the same regulatory compliance expertise in a variety of medical fields.

 

Cybersecurity

 

For medical device manufacturers, technology can be a double-edged sword. The innovative technologies that elevate the quality of life for patients can also be used to potentially undermine the organization using the device. The consequences can affect the device itself if Regulatory Compliance Associates medtech consultants do not implement good IoT cybersecurity and FDA cybersecurity protocols.

 

At Regulatory Compliance Associates, we offer a wide variety of services for medical devices security to help ensure that your product is protected from cyber-attacks. With a well-planned design, along with full visibility of product development and the supply chain, Regulatory Compliance Associates medical device consultant Experts can help strengthen your device’s cybersecurity. We partner with medical device companies in each phase of the design cycle, including protecting inputs from threat exposure and hardening outputs for regulatory compliance & FDA submission approval of your medical technology.

 

  • SaMD Consulting
  • Threat Modeling
  • Proof of Concept
  • Quality Assurance Services
  • TIR 57 & TIR 97
  • ISO 62304
  • ISO 27001

 

Regulatory Affairs

 

Regulatory affairs is Regulatory Compliance Associates® backbone, and we handle more submissions in a month than many manufacturers do in a lifetime. Our regulatory compliance consulting Experts have experience working with the FDA, global regulatory bodies and / or agencies, and notified bodies worldwide. Therefore, you can count on us for in-depth and up-to-date insights which increase speed-to-market.

 

As a trusted regulatory affairs consultant, our FDA veterans and industry experts represent Regulatory Compliance Associates® as one of the top medical device consulting firms. We’re here to help you navigate the difficulties associated with new product submissions. Regulatory Compliance Associates® medical device consulting company has expertise in both the approval process and post-approval support. 

 

  • New Product Approval
  • Post-Approval Support
  • Outsourced Staffing
  • EU MDR
  • Combination Products

 

Compliance Assurance

 

Increasingly, life science companies are feeling the pressure of greater scrutiny by regulators, and responding by developing sustainable compliance strategies. Whether it’s preparing for an audit, developing a response to an FDA finding, or remediation to an adverse event, Regulatory Compliance Associates® can help.

 

Our network of over 500 medical device consultant & FDA, MHRA & EMA veterans are industry professionals offers a unique blend of expertise. This allows Regulatory Compliance Associates® to handle both simple and complex regulatory compliance challenges within medical device consulting companies.

 

  • Gap Assessments
  • Internal Audits
  • Employee Training
  • Notified Body Response
  • Data Integrity

 

Quality Assurance

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates® Quality Assurance consulting includes quality system assessments, strategy, implementations, and identification of quality metrics to ensure continuous improvement, aligning with your business needs and goals. Each Regulatory Compliance Associates® medical device consultant is a quality expert with experience spanning major corporations and start-ups. We know firsthand how to achieve, maintain, and improve quality, and we excel in transferring this knowledge to your organization.

 

In the medical devices field, quality assurance (QA) is more than merely ensuring the quality of a finished product. You need the tools to monitor and regulate every process from the design of a new product to continued quality compliance as the device is sent to market. At Regulatory Compliance Associates®, we offer you the quality assurance services you need to monitor these processes and ensure quality compliance every step of the way.

 

With more than 20 years experience working with medical device consulting companies, Regulatory Compliance Associates® trusted medical device quality assurance consultant team is fully equipped to handle your unique QA needs.

 

  • ISO13485 
  • 21 CFR 210
  • 21 CFR 211
  • Outsourced Staffing
  • MDSAP
  • Facility Validation
  • Equipment Validation
  • Quality Metrics

 

Remediation Services

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates® is widely recognized within medical device consulting companies & the life science industry for our remediation services & support. Regulatory Compliance Associates® ability to help companies successfully resolve complex regulatory challenges have a proven track record of success. Our medical device consulting services include significant experience with the development of responses to 483 Observations, Warning Letters, Untitled Letters and Consent Decrees.

 

  • Regulatory Action
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Regulatory Enforcement
  • Warning Letter
  • 483 Observation
  • Oversight Services

 

Our value goes beyond the initial response by helping companies successfully execute their action plans, develop an improved compliance culture tailored to the needs of their business, and ultimately move beyond the regulatory action to emerge as a stronger business. We negotiate difficult demands of remediation with insight and the clear advantage of our medical device consultant expertise and experience that makes partnering with Regulatory Compliance Associates®  a competitive differentiator in the remediation space.

 

  • Quality System
  • Technical File
  • Design History File
  • Data Integrity
  • cGMP

 

Strategic Consulting

 

Whether it’s a strategy, a technical plan, or project, Regulatory Compliance Associates® medical device consultancy can help ensure a successful project. Regulatory Compliance Associates® medical device strategy consulting can deliver your project on time, on budget, and you’re never embroiled in a costly mistake.

 

Our medical device consultant Experts are industry Experts are here to provide the unique insight you need before an M&A deal, through a staffing crisis and in every area of your product’s development and life cycle. As the trusted medical device manufacturing consultants of thousands of companies around the world, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to deliver exceptional results to your business — no matter your size or unique needs.

 

  • Manufacturing Optimization
  • Product Lifecycle Management
  • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
  • Due Diligence
  • Device Vigilance
  • Risk Management Plan
  • Product Complaints
  • Medical Information

 

About Regulatory Compliance Associates

 

Cytotoxicity testRegulatory Compliance Associates® (RCA) provides medical device consulting to the following industries for resolution of life science challenges:

 

 

We understand the complexities of running a life science business and possess areas of expertise that include every facet of R&D, operations, regulatory affairs, quality, and manufacturing. We are used to working on the front lines and thriving in the scrutiny of FDA, Health Canada, MHRA and globally-regulated companies.

 

As your partners, Regulatory Compliance Associates can negotiate the potential minefield of regulatory compliance and regulatory due diligence with insight, hindsight, and the clear advantage of our unique expertise and experience.

 

  • Founded in 2000
  • Headquartered in Wisconsin (USA)
  • Expertise backed by over 500 industry subject matter experts
  • Acquired by Sotera Health in 2021

 

About Sotera Health

 

The name Sotera Health was inspired by Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety, and reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to its mission, Safeguarding Global Health®.

 

Sotera Health Company, along with its three best-in-class businesses – Sterigenics®, Nordion® and Nelson Labs®, is a leading global provider of mission-critical end-to-end sterilization solutions and lab testing and advisory services for the healthcare industry. With a combined tenure across our businesses of nearly 200 years and our industry-recognized scientific and technological expertise, we help to ensure the safety of over 190 million patients and healthcare practitioners around the world every year.

 

We are a trusted partner to more than 5,800 customers in over 50 countries, including 40 of the top 50 medical device companies and 8 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies.

 

Commitment to Quality

 

Our Certificate of Registration demonstrates that our Quality Management System meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, an internationally recognized standard of quality.

 

To begin the Regulatory Compliance Associates® scoping process today, please enter your information in the blue form below and click the submit button at the bottom of the webpage. 

 

Brownfield vs. Greenfield Facilities in Pharma

Posted on by Brandon Miller

The onset of a global pandemic and other factors are causing many U.S.-based pharmaceutical and medical device companies to evaluate whether to bring back manufacturing facility operations they’ve previously outsourced to other countries. In a time where ensuring quality is paramount, insourcing has the potential to allow these organizations to implement more stringent quality control standards. Deciding between a brownfield and greenfield strategy also optimizes logistics networks and reduces transportation costs, provided raw material suppliers are readily available.

 

A primary consideration when onshoring manufacturing is deciding whether to select a brownfield or greenfield site.

 

What Is a Brownfield Facility?

 

A brownfield manufacturing process utilizes a suitable existing facility and infrastructure. In many cases, the manufacturer will either purchase or lease the structure and perform any modifications required to complete the “fit-out”. In many brownfield projects, production is already occurring and personnel who are familiar with the projects and compatible quality control systems are in place. This may even be an existing facility within the corporate structure of the company. 

 

The most obvious advantage of choosing a brownfield site is a faster implementation. There’s no need to wait for the construction of a new facility, which could take a year or longer. If executed correctly, the transition to a brownfield facility can be quick and seamless, reducing downtime and minimizing disruptions that negatively impact service. Additionally, these sites may have legacy tech systems (ERP, eDoc, CAPA etc.) that can integrate the new operational processes.

 

brownfield greenfield

On the downside, brownfield facilities may have some production limitations due to the nature of the existing infrastructure. Scaling the operation may also pose significant challenges. As these structures are often older, they may have some operational inefficiencies and require more maintenance and upkeep. Some systems may even require replacement or considerable overhaul.

 

If you’re exploring the possibility of moving into a brownfield site when onshoring manufacturing processes, it’s essential to evaluate its current validation status. Transferring a new product into an existing facility often triggers a regulatory inspection and could lead to inspectional observations surrounding existing operations.

 

What Is a Greenfield Facility?

 

A greenfield site entails the construction of a manufacturing facility from the ground up. The manufacturer has more flexibility to customize the structure’s design to the project’s unique requirements. With proper planning, the site can also accommodate future growth more efficiently. Maintenance costs are usually lower than with a brownfield facility, as the building, equipment and machinery are typically brand-new and in peak operating condition. 

 

One drawback to opening a greenfield site is time. It may not be a viable option if the manufacturer must act quickly to keep up with customer demand or bring a new product to market when there is an immediate need. Hiring new staff and onboarding can also introduce a significant learning curve and lengthen the time frame until operations are up to speed. 

 

About RCA’s Pharmaceutical Consulting Services 

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates (RCA) has helped thousands of pharmaceutical companies meet regulatory, compliance, quality assurance, and remediation challenges. With more than 20 years of experience with FDA, Health Canada, EU and global regulatory agencies worldwide, Regulatory Compliance Associates® offers leading pharmaceutical consultants. We’re one of the few pharma consulting companies that can help you navigate the challenges associated with industry regulations.

 

Our pharmaceutical consulting firm includes over 500 seasoned FDA, Health Canada & EU compliance consultants and regulatory affairs experts who understand industry complexities. It’s a pharma consultancy founded by regulatory compliance executives from the pharmaceutical industry. Every pharmaceutical industry consultant on the Regulatory Compliance Associates team knows the unique inner workings of the regulatory process. 

 

Client Solutions

 

Whether you’re in the product planning, development or pharmaceutical lifecycle management stage or need a remediation strategy for a compliance crisis, Regulatory Compliance Associates will guide you through every pharmaceutical consulting step of the regulatory process. Our pharmaceutical consulting Experts will create a customized approach depending on your product and company’s individual needs. Our regulatory compliance clients include:

 

  • Companies new to FDA, Health Canada or EU regulations and regulatory compliance
  • Start-up organizations with novel submissions to 510(k) submissions from multi-national corporations
  • Investment firms seeking private equity due diligence for pre-acquisition and post-deal research
  • Law firms seeking pharmaceutical consulting firm expertise in the remediation of warning letters, consent decrees, 483’s or import bans

 

Regulatory Affairs

 

Regulatory affairs is Regulatory Compliance Associates backbone. We exceed other pharma consulting companies with industry experts experienced in complexities of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Our pharma consulting expertise spans all facets and levels of Regulatory Affairs. Additionally, we specialize in Regulatory Support for New Products to Life Cycle Management, Outsourced Regulatory Affairs, Submissions, Training, and more.

 

As your partner, we can negotiate the potential assessment minefield of regulatory compliance services with insight, hindsight, and the clear advantage of our breadth and depth of knowledge and regulatory compliance consulting. We offer the following pharma consulting regulatory affairs services for pharmaceutical companies.

 

  • New Product Support
  • Product Lifecycle
  • Other Regulatory Services
  • Combination Products

 

Compliance Assurance

 

The regulations process surrounding pharmaceutical companies can be tricky for even the most experienced industry veteran to understand. Just one misstep could mean significant and lasting consequences for your business. At Regulatory Compliance Associates, we offer the pharma consulting experience and pharma consultants necessary to guide you through the quality compliance process.

 

  • Assessments
  • Audits
  • Regulatory Agency Response
  • Preparation and Training
  • Inspection Readiness
  • Data Integrity

 

Quality Assurance

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates Quality consulting includes assessments, strategy, implementations, staff augmentations, and identification of quality metrics to ensure continuous improvement. Our pharma consultants understand the strategic thinking needed to align your business needs and goals. Regulatory Compliance Associates quality assurance services include quality experts with experience spanning major corporations and start-ups. Our pharmaceutical consulting firm knows firsthand how to achieve, maintain, and improve quality. Finally, our regulatory compliance services team excels in transferring continuous improvement knowledge to your organization.

 

  • 21 CFR Part 11
  • Data Integrity
  • Manufacturing Support
  • Facility Support
  • Quality Metrics

 

Remediation Services 

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates has a proven remediation services approach to managing FDA Warning Letters, Consent Decrees, Remediation and other serious regulatory situations. Our pharma consultants know how to partner with executive, legal, and communication teams. Each RCA pharma consulting Expert will develop a response that will be accepted by the regulatory agency and be realistic to execute.

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates pharma regulatory consultants will develop a comprehensive proof book of documented evidence demonstrating the corrective action taken to remediate non-compliant issues. In addition, each Regulatory Compliance Associates pharma consulting Expert understands compliance enforcement. We’ll prepare a comprehensive pharma consulting strategy to assist in your remediation efforts, drive continuous improvement, and maintain regulatory compliance with the regulations.

 

  • Regulatory Action
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Regulatory Enforcement
  • Warning Letter
  • 483 Observation
  • Oversight Services
  • Risk Management Plan

 

About Regulatory Compliance Associates

 

brownfield greenfieldRegulatory Compliance Associates® (RCA) provides pharmaceutical consulting to the following industries for resolution of life science challenges:

 

 

We understand the complexities of running a life science business and possess areas of expertise that include every facet of R&D, operations, regulatory affairs, quality, and manufacturing. We are used to working on the front lines and thriving in the scrutiny of FDA, Health Canada, MHRA and globally-regulated companies.

 

As your partners, Regulatory Compliance Associates can negotiate the potential minefield of regulatory compliance and regulatory due diligence with insight, hindsight, and the clear advantage of our unique expertise and experience.

 

  • Founded in 2000
  • Headquartered in Wisconsin (USA)
  • Expertise backed by over 500 industry subject matter experts
  • Acquired by Sotera Health in 2021

 

About Sotera Health

 

The name Sotera Health was inspired by Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety, and reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to its mission, Safeguarding Global Health®.

 

Sotera Health Company, along with its three best-in-class businesses – Sterigenics®, Nordion® and Nelson Labs®, is a leading global provider of mission-critical end-to-end sterilization solutions and lab testing and advisory services for the healthcare industry. With a combined tenure across our businesses of nearly 200 years and our industry-recognized scientific and technological expertise, we help to ensure the safety of over 190 million patients and healthcare practitioners around the world every year.

 

We are a trusted partner to 5,800+ customers in over 50 countries, including 40 of the top 50 medical device companies and 9 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies.

 

Commitment to Quality

 

Our Certificate of Registration demonstrates that our Quality Management System meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, an internationally recognized standard of quality.

 

To begin the Regulatory Compliance Associates scoping process today, please enter your information in the blue form below and click the submit button at the bottom of the webpage. 

Addressing Troublesome Design Protocols

Posted on by Brandon Miller

What should you do if you are having trouble executing your design protocols? 

Listen to this highlight from RCA Radio where Walter Mason explains what needs to be done if you have troubles executing your design protocols even after training.

 

 

Listen to the entire episode where we take an in-depth look at protocols for biologics and their importance. RCA Radio Episode 13.

 

What can you do?

  • Go to the developer and let them know that it is not working for you
  • Talk through the design protocols in general
  • Procede step-by-step through the design protocols process
  • Look back at the FDA guidance documents
  • Get feedback on your design protocols
  • Implement changes in your training or to the protocol itself

 

About RCA’s Biotech Consulting Services

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates® can assist you in ensuring the quality of your biologics or biosimilar product during its entire lifecycle. From pre-market to post-market reviews, inspection, and compliance, our Biotech consulting experts can shepherd your biologics through design, labeling, promotion, production, and testing. Our Biologics consultants & consulting services include:

 

Regulatory Affairs

 

Regulatory affairs is Regulatory Compliance Associates®  backbone and we fully understand the complexities of the biologics industry. Our biotech consulting expertise spans all facets and levels of Regulatory Affairs, from early phase & bioanalytical sciences through late phase and post approval.

 

  • Preclinical & CMC Consulting
    • FDA Meetings & Briefing Package Assistance
    • Clinical Trial Applications
    • Marketing Applications
    • Medical Writing
  • Lifecycle Management
    • Combination Products
  • Submission Planning & Strategic Support
    • eCTD Publishing & Submissions
  • Strategic Consulting & Intelligence
    • Risk Management Plan
  • US Agent
  • Project Management Support
    • Data Integrity
  • Clinical Development Support
    • Clinical Research Organization (CRO) Sourcing
  • Analytical Development Support
    • Bioassay Design & Validation
    • Immunoassay Support
    • Statistical Analysis & Specification Setting

 

Compliance Assurance

 

Increasingly, life science companies are feeling the pressure of greater scrutiny by regulators, and responding by developing sustainable compliance strategies. Whether it’s biologics consultants preparing for an audit, developing a response to an FDA finding, or remediation to an adverse event, Regulatory Compliance Associates® biotech consulting global team can help.

 

  • Assessments
    • Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)
    • Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA), Investigations & Deviations
    • Facility & Maintenance 
    • Data Integrity
    • Quality System Gap Assessment
    • Quality Metrics
  • Audits
    • Supplier Audits
    • CRO Audits
    • cGMP Compliance Audits: Manufacturing, Pilot Plant, Laboratory
    • cGLP Audits
    • Good Clinical Practices
  • Preparation, Training & Inspection Readiness
    • cGMP Fundamentals (Annual Training Required by Regulations)
    • Quality System Regulation
    • Risk Management
    • Investigations, Deviations & CAPA & Root Cause Analysis
    • Validation & Technology Transfer
    • Purchasing Controls & Supplier Management
    • Document Management & Change Control
    • Audit Readiness
    • Quality Culture & Management Responsibility
    • Data Integrity & Good Documentation Practices (GDP) Centered on How the Data is Recorded, How to Correct an Error, and How to Document the Reason(s) for the Error

 

Quality Assurance

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates® Quality consulting services include assessments, strategy, implementations, staff augmentations, and identification of quality metrics. Our biologics consultants goal is to ensure continuous improvement, aligning with your business needs and goals. Our biotech consulting subject matter experts have experience spanning major corporations and start-ups.

 

We know firsthand how to achieve, maintain, and improve quality, and we excel in transferring this knowledge to your organization.

 

  • Quality Management System Implementation
  • SOP Development
  • Document Control Systems
  • Change Control
  • Laboratory Operations & Control

 

Remediation Services

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates® is widely recognized within the life science industry and global regulatory agencies for its ability to help companies successfully resolve complex regulatory services regulatory challenges. With a proven track record of success, Regulatory Compliance Associates® biologics consultants have significant experience with the development of responses to 483 Observations, Warning Letters, Untitled Letters and Consent Decrees.

 

  • Regulatory Action
    • 483 Response & Remediation
    • Warning Letter Response & Remediation
    • Consent Decree Response & Remediation
    • Oversight Services
  • Consulting
    • Comprehensive Audits
    • Remediation Plan Development & Implementation
  • Manufacturing Support
    • Re-validation of Existing Equipment & Processes
    • Remediation of System Deficiencies Related to, Manufacturing Process, Equipment, or Facility 
    • Facility Improvements (Aging Facilities) 

 

Strategic Consulting

 

Whether it’s a corporate needs analysis, corporate growth / transformation strategy or due diligence / acquisition, Regulatory Compliance Associates®  worldwide biotech consulting experience can help ensure a successful mix of top-notch advice and people so your engagement is on time, on budget, and you’re never embroiled in a costly mistake.

 

  • Portfolio Management
  • Mergers & Acquisitions / Due Diligence
  • Staffing Support

 

Biostatistics

 

At Regulatory Compliance Associates, we recognize that biostatistics continues to change life science consulting one project at a time. Our biostatistics consultant Experts can help with both your internal or external clinical study and medical research needs.

 

RCA biostatisticians will create a custom scope of work based on the applicable statistical tests and predictive techniques that increase regulatory compliance. In fact, our statistical consulting team approach to clinical study design and clinical research provides Regulatory Compliance Associates clients a true competitive advantage during product development and commercialization. 

 

Our biostatistics consulting services include:

 

  • Clinical research
  • Medical research
  • Epidemiological research
  • Disease occurrence research
  • Disorder prevalence research
  • Data safety monitoring
  • Adverse event research

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates healthcare consulting Experts can provide quantitative analysis that propels your commercialization projects faster and more accurately. Our statistical consulting Experts can provide deep insights into the regulatory compliance process of what can help you with your regulatory submission.

 

Biostatistics is more than just getting your white paper published – it’s about saving lives and getting the right products to market. RCA’s epidemiological consulting team will provide a custom scope of work based on your clinical research studies. For over 20 years we’ve partnered with clinicians, PhD’s, MD’s, and epidemiologists to increase the success of their initiatives, including clients from:

 

  • Hospitals and healthcare systems
  • Government agencies and departments
  • Academic and university research programs
  • Life science manufacturers and organizations
  • Private equity and venture capital

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates biostatistics consulting team provides a diverse set of healthcare consulting services during the clinical research trials process, including:

 

  • Biostatistics
    • Clinical trials
      • Phase 1 clinical trial
      • Phase 2 clinical trial
      • Phase 3 clinical trial
      • Phase 4 clinical trial
    • Medical trials
      • Clinical trial oversight
        • World wide clinical trials
        • Decentralized clinical trial
        • Randomized clinical trial
        • Clinical test oversight
        • Pragmatic trial
        • Open label studies

About Regulatory Compliance Associates

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates (RCA) provides biologics consulting & biotech consulting to the following industries for resolution of life science challenges:

 

 

We understand the complexities of running a life science business and possess areas of expertise that include every facet of R&D, operations, regulatory affairs, quality, and manufacturing. We are used to working on the front lines and thriving in the scrutiny of FDA, Health Canada, MHRA and globally-regulated companies.

 

As your partners, we can negotiate the potential minefield of regulatory compliance and regulatory due diligence with insight, hindsight, and the clear advantage of our unique expertise and experience.

 

  • Founded in 2000
  • Headquartered in Wisconsin (USA)
  • Expertise backed by over 500 industry subject matter experts
  • Acquired by Sotera Health in 2021

 

About Sotera Health

 

The name Sotera Health was inspired by Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety, and reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to its mission, Safeguarding Global Health®.

 

Sotera Health Company, along with its three best-in-class businesses – Sterigenics®, Nordion® and Nelson Labs®, is a leading global provider of mission-critical end-to-end sterilization solutions and lab testing and advisory services for the healthcare industry. With a combined tenure across our businesses of nearly 200 years and our industry-recognized scientific and technological expertise, we help to ensure the safety of over 190 million patients and healthcare practitioners around the world every year.

 

We are a trusted partner to more than 5,800 customers in over 50 countries, including 40 of the top 50 medical device companies and 8 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies.

 

 

To begin the Regulatory Compliance Associates scoping process today, please enter your information in the blue form below and click the submit button at the bottom of the webpage. 

 

How Brexit is Impacting Medical Device Companies

Posted on by Brandon Miller

Medical Device Regulations Changes coming with Brexit.

Listen to this highlight from RCA Radio where Seyed Khorashahi breaks down the UK’s Medical Device Regulations resulting from Brexit and choosing not to join the EU MDR.

 

 

Listen to the entire episode where we go over Brexit and all of the important things happening in the Medical Device industry here.

Looking for help adhering to the New Brexit Regulations? Contact Us Now →

Changes with Brexit

The UK will not be transitioning to the EU MDR or IVDR and will be staying with MDD, AIMD, and IVDD. They plan on making changes in the future as necessary for the UK market.

 

CE Marking

The MHRA will recognize the CE Mark for devices until June 30th, 2023. This applies to products CE marked under the

  • MDD, IVDD, AIMDD, and as well as MDR and IVDR.
  • Class I and General IVD manufacturers can continue to self declare.

 

Conformity Assessment Marking (UK CA)

  • UK Notified Bodies will become UK approved bodies starting January 1st, 2021
  • Device Manufactures can use UK approved bodies for UK CA marking starting on January 1st, 2021
  • UK CA marking will be mandatory on July 1st, 2023

 

MHRA Registration Requirement Dates

 

  • May 1st, 2021
    • Class III medical devices & IVD list A devices
    • Class II b implantable devices
  • September 1st, 2021
    • Class II b non-implantable and II a & IVD list b products
  • September 1st, 2022
    • Class I medical devices and general IVDs

 

UK Responsible Person

Manufactures without a presence in the UK will need a UK responsible person which can be an individual or company similar to EU authorized representative.

 

 

To begin the Regulatory Compliance Associates scoping process today, please enter your information in the blue form below and click the submit button at the bottom of the webpage. You may also email us at [email protected].

 

Audit & Internal Control

Posted on by Brandon Miller

While audits are not being conducted in the same way they were before the global pandemic, they continue to take place. New procedures adopted to deal with the coronavirus outbreak may have the unintended consequence of creating compliance gaps. An audit will identify these gaps so that you can address the issue. Understanding how the audit process has changed and what you may need to do differently can help your company navigate more smoothly.

 

Internal Control: What Processes Will Change?

 

Advance planning and proactive execution of your plan will put your company on track to conduct and complete internal, supplier and due diligence audits. Many of the processes you’re used to will change. Here’s how to prepare.

 

Auditboard: Did you Complete Advance Work?

 

You can complete some tasks off-site and in advance, such as reviewing standard operating procedures and the auditboard. You can also conduct teleconferences in advance to discuss any questions that will come up, or email ahead of time to find answers.

 

Certified Internal Auditor: Did you Hire an Expert?

 

Apply social distancing to the audit process by using video to substitute for certified internal auditor in-person visits when you can. Live streaming allows the certified internal auditor to view a facility instead of going there and possibly introducing new germs into the environment. Whenever possible, avoid walking around your employees during this process.

 

Acknowledge that the situation is not ideal. Giving auditors firsthand experience in your plant is preferable, but for the time being, it’s not always practical. Discuss what will happen to the tapes after the audit is over too so that your management team stays on the same page regarding disposal or preservation.

 

Audit Office: Are you Prepared for Virtual Interviews?

 

Interviews play a critical role in the audit process, and they will continue to serve auditors’ interests. Migrate audit office interviews to a virtual platform, and use teleconferencing apps to schedule and conduct them.

 

Audit Report: Increase the Transparency

 

The world has changed in a very short time due to the pandemic. This has led companies like yours to adopt new policies to curb the potential spread of COVID-19 or other infectious conditions. An audit offers the perfect opportunity to reexamine the audit report and increase the transparency of results. More departments and individuals should receive leeway to report deviations they see in the production process. Clarify your expectations for reporting in all aspects of production, including:

 

  • Manufacturing operations
  • Quality control
  • Compliance assurance
  • Supplier quality

 

Internal Control: Are you Building Trust?

 

Building trust with employees within a new internal control structure will put you on the path toward solving any audit issues uncovered. The goal of giving the public a reliable supply of needed products will become an achievable aim as a result. Continuing the audit process and running it smoothly is critical to public health. Companies must continue to uphold the supply chain for essential resources so that people receive the provisions they need.

 

About RCA’s Pharmaceutical Consulting Services 

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates (RCA) has helped thousands of pharmaceutical companies meet regulatory, compliance, quality assurance, and remediation challenges. With more than 20 years of experience with FDA, Health Canada, EU and global regulatory agencies worldwide, Regulatory Compliance Associates® offers leading pharmaceutical consultants. We’re one of the few pharma consulting companies that can help you navigate the challenges associated with industry regulations.

 

Our pharmaceutical consulting firm includes over 500 seasoned FDA, Health Canada & EU compliance consultants and regulatory affairs experts who understand industry complexities. It’s a pharma consultancy founded by regulatory compliance executives from the pharmaceutical industry. Every pharmaceutical industry consultant on the Regulatory Compliance Associates team knows the unique inner workings of the regulatory process. 

 

Client Solutions

 

Whether you’re in the product planning, development or pharmaceutical lifecycle management stage or need a remediation strategy for a compliance crisis, Regulatory Compliance Associates will guide you through every pharmaceutical consulting step of the regulatory process. Our pharmaceutical consulting Experts will create a customized approach depending on your product and company’s individual needs. Our regulatory compliance clients include:

 

  • Companies new to FDA, Health Canada or EU regulations and regulatory compliance
  • Start-up organizations with novel submissions to 510(k) submissions from multi-national corporations
  • Investment firms seeking private equity due diligence for pre-acquisition and post-deal research
  • Law firms seeking pharmaceutical consulting firm expertise in the remediation of warning letters, consent decrees, 483’s or import bans

 

Regulatory Affairs

 

Regulatory affairs is Regulatory Compliance Associates backbone. We exceed other pharma consulting companies with industry experts experienced in complexities of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Our pharma consulting expertise spans all facets and levels of Regulatory Affairs. Additionally, we specialize in Regulatory Support for New Products to Life Cycle Management, Outsourced Regulatory Affairs, Submissions, Training, and more.

 

As your partner, we can negotiate the potential assessment minefield of regulatory compliance services with insight, hindsight, and the clear advantage of our breadth and depth of knowledge and regulatory compliance consulting. We offer the following pharma consulting regulatory affairs services for pharmaceutical companies.

 

  • New Product Support
  • Product Lifecycle
  • Other Regulatory Services
  • Combination Products

 

Compliance Assurance

 

The regulations process surrounding pharmaceutical companies can be tricky for even the most experienced industry veteran to understand. Just one misstep could mean significant and lasting consequences for your business. At Regulatory Compliance Associates, we offer the pharma consulting experience and pharma consultants necessary to guide you through the quality compliance process.

 

  • Assessments
  • Audits
  • Regulatory Agency Response
  • Preparation and Training
  • Inspection Readiness
  • Data Integrity

 

Quality Assurance

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates Quality consulting includes assessments, strategy, implementations, staff augmentations, and identification of quality metrics to ensure continuous improvement. Our pharma consultants understand the strategic thinking needed to align your business needs and goals. Regulatory Compliance Associates quality assurance services include quality experts with experience spanning major corporations and start-ups. Our pharmaceutical consulting firm knows firsthand how to achieve, maintain, and improve quality. Finally, our regulatory compliance services team excels in transferring continuous improvement knowledge to your organization.

 

  • 21 CFR Part 11
  • Data Integrity
  • Manufacturing Support
  • Facility Support
  • Quality Metrics

 

Remediation Services 

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates has a proven remediation services approach to managing FDA Warning Letters, Consent Decrees, Remediation and other serious regulatory situations. Our pharma consultants know how to partner with executive, legal, and communication teams. Each RCA pharma consulting Expert will develop a response that will be accepted by the regulatory agency and be realistic to execute.

 

Regulatory Compliance Associates pharma regulatory consultants will develop a comprehensive proof book of documented evidence demonstrating the corrective action taken to remediate non-compliant issues. In addition, each Regulatory Compliance Associates pharma consulting Expert understands compliance enforcement. We’ll prepare a comprehensive pharma consulting strategy to assist in your remediation efforts, drive continuous improvement, and maintain regulatory compliance with the regulations.

 

  • Regulatory Action
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Regulatory Enforcement
  • Warning Letter
  • 483 Observation
  • Oversight Services
  • Risk Management Plan

 

About Regulatory Compliance Associates

 

auditRegulatory Compliance Associates® (RCA) provides pharmaceutical consulting to the following industries for resolution of life science challenges:

 

 

We understand the complexities of running a life science business and possess areas of expertise that include every facet of R&D, operations, regulatory affairs, quality, and manufacturing. We are used to working on the front lines and thriving in the scrutiny of FDA, Health Canada, MHRA and globally-regulated companies.

 

As your partners, Regulatory Compliance Associates can negotiate the potential minefield of regulatory compliance and regulatory due diligence with insight, hindsight, and the clear advantage of our unique expertise and experience.

 

  • Founded in 2000
  • Headquartered in Wisconsin (USA)
  • Expertise backed by over 500 industry subject matter experts
  • Acquired by Sotera Health in 2021

 

About Sotera Health

 

The name Sotera Health was inspired by Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety, and reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to its mission, Safeguarding Global Health®.

 

Sotera Health Company, along with its three best-in-class businesses – Sterigenics®, Nordion® and Nelson Labs®, is a leading global provider of mission-critical end-to-end sterilization solutions and lab testing and advisory services for the healthcare industry. With a combined tenure across our businesses of nearly 200 years and our industry-recognized scientific and technological expertise, we help to ensure the safety of over 190 million patients and healthcare practitioners around the world every year.

 

We are a trusted partner to 5,800+ customers in over 50 countries, including 40 of the top 50 medical device companies and 9 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies.

 

Commitment to Quality

 

Our Certificate of Registration demonstrates that our Quality Management System meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, an internationally recognized standard of quality.

 

To begin the Regulatory Compliance Associates scoping process today, please enter your information in the blue form below and click the submit button at the bottom of the webpage.