The Chemistry, Manufacturing & Controls (CMC) landscape of biologics is undergoing rapid development and constant change. Manufacturing processes now include transgenic plant cell cultures and transgenic animals. In addition to commercial recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies, there are now commercial cell-based medicines (cellular therapy) and DNA-based medicines (gene therapy). Biosimilars are now on the marketplace in Europe, and under review for commercial approval in the USA. Vaccine manufacturing has resurged due to the concerns of potentially pandemic mutated animal influenzas (e.g., swine flu, bird flu). Strategic international regulatory guidances have been adopted that are driving the entire pharmaceutical industry, including biologics, to a higher standard of performance, including Quality by Design (QbD), Quality Risk Management (QRM) and Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS).

Therefore, it is most important for a biologic company to have an effective CMC regulatory compliance strategy that can meet both FDA and EMA requirements and expectations. At each stage of drug development, from Phase 1 through commercialization, the basic question needs to be addressed: ‘What is absolutely necessary from a CMC regulatory compliance perspective to be successful in getting our biopharmaceutical/biologic through clinical trials and into the market, but without impacting patient safety or creating delays in the program?’ Deficiencies in CMC regulatory compliance have resulted in devastating clinical holds and market approval delays.

This course will help the attendee to develop a CMC regulatory compliance strategy for biologics, addressing the five core elements that comprise an effective strategy: (1) embracing the full spectrum of CMC activities, (2) addressing unique requirements for specific biologic manufacturing processes, (3) addressing unique requirements for specific biologic products, (4) aligning with strategic ICH Q8/Q9/Q10/Q11 guidances, and (5) applying a clinical phase-appropriate approach. The critical importance of communicating CMC regulatory compliance strategy with the regulatory authorities at CMC-focused meetings will be stressed.

Who Should Attend

This two-day CMC regulatory compliance course is designed for senior management, directors, managers, supervisors, project planners and professional staff seeking to develop or implement a Chemistry, Manufacturing & Controls (CMC) regulatory compliant strategy for biopharmaceutical and biologic drug products. Typical attendees include: Project Managers, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, and Quality and Development personnel.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the two-day course attendees will:

Gain a solid understanding of the CMC regulatory compliance requirements and expectations (FDA, EMA, ICH) for biopharmaceuticals and biologics, and understand why regulatory authorities treat biologics different than chemical drugs
Have the tools and understanding to carry out an adequate and appropriate product comparability study after a change in a biologic manufacturing process, and to communicate and defend the study to a regulatory authority
Learn how to avoid major delays in clinical development or market approval due to an ineffective CMC regulatory compliance strategy for biologics

Past Participants' Comments

"This is the most valuable course I have taken in many years. I will be applying what I learned to my current project immediately. The information could not have come at a better time for me. Every section was valuable!" Duane V., Program Director, Hoffmann-LaRoche

"I thought the Course Director did an outstanding job of giving a detailed overview of CMC issues. The course was rich with practical information and his examples made the information more interesting. Thanks!" Dana A., Consultant, The Vaccine Company

"This was the first course that totally deals with all CMC issues from Phase I through to BLA/NDA filing. I would recommend this course to any start-up biotechnology company on how to design your CMC strategy." Warren D., QA Manager, Progen Industries

"Small classroom format is very beneficial to learning. As a result classroom dynamics were excellent. Participants felt free to ask questions during the presentation and the ensuing discussions were beneficial to all attendees. Also, the course director was approachable and answered each question without dismissing seemingly obvious ones. He understood the diverse disciplines from which the attendees came." Maureen M., Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Merck Frosst Canada

"The Course Director was excellent and is extremely knowledgeable in regards to CMC for biopharmaceuticals/biologics. He presented various examples from his experience and answered all questions thoroughly." Nisha P., Associate Manager, QA Compliance, Centocor

"This course provided a thorough broad understanding of the CMC Regulatory process. I would highly recommend this course to any technical person who is involved in preparing CMC documents." Steven M., Senior Program Manager, Bristol-Myers Squibb

"The organization of the course material gave the proper foundation from topic to topic. Emphasis on critical development issues to avoid delays in the approval of the application were well discussed and rationalized. As someone with no prior Biologics regulatory background I found this a very good introduction to the complexity of the requirements for BLA/NDA submissions." David L., Director Regulatory Affairs, Forest Laboratories

"Good in-depth course covering all facets of CMC with biopharmaceutical focus - which is hard to find!" Greg S., QA Manager, GSK

"This course is a precise overview of current CMC regulatory requirements and approaches taken by industry to meet agency regulations. Instructors presentation of the topic under the theme of "CMC continuation" was excellent." Prakash S., Assoc. Director, Enzon Pharmaceuticals

"Excellent course! Everyone involved in CMC regulatory compliance related matters needs to attend." Richard S., Group Director – CMC, Hoffman La Roche

"This course was excellent. The amount of information is incredible and the content was laid out very well. Anyone who wants to learn about CMC Regulatory compliance for biopharma & biologics should take this course." Rodney C., Analytical Validation Specialist, BMS

"The course was very informative and helpful. The only CMC training program I have found that deals with Biologics and Biotech products." Anne G., CMC Associate, Intrexon