The Electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD): Building Comprehensive Functionality for Effective Implementation™

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COURSE DETAILS

Course Description

The guidance on marketing applications for drugs and biologics, known as the Common Technical Document (CTD), was finalized by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) in 2003. Today the CTD format is highly recommended for marketing applications in the United States, and is mandatory in other regions, including Canada, Japan, and Europe.

The eCTD format has become mandatory in key markets for electronic submissions. Since January 2010, the European Medicines Agency has required all applications in the centralized procedure use the eCTD format. Since January 2008, FDA CDER has required all electronic submissions be in the eCTD format. FDA CBER requires the eCTD format for priority review and rolling submissions.

This course is designed as a review of current regulatory guidelines and how they affect strategies in the development, preparation, and successful submission of eCTDs. The foundation of the CTD’s organization, structure, and granularity are explained, along with their applicability on templates and submission-ready sections and reports. The program also explores modularity of submission components, and their applicability to lifecycle management for multi-region submissions.

Through presentations, interactive discussions, and review of real-life scenarios, the program covers the practical elements of building eCTDs, from structural and technical requirements to procedural and tactical planning that have been put into practice on successful applications. Technical elements, such as data formats, checksum function, validation criteria, and metadata requirements, are covered from an end-user perspective, with their practical implications clearly explained. In addition, participants will gain insight on assessing tools used in the preparation and completion of electronic submissions.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for professionals of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries who are currently, or planning to become, involved in the development of regulatory submissions using the electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD). The program is particularly suitable for project team members interested in gaining a practical understanding of regulations, tools, and required submission processes. This includes professionals working in:

  • Regulatory Affairs / Regulatory Operations
  • Submissions Management
  • Authors of CTD Sections
  • Technical and Clinical Writers
  • Documentation Teams
  • Project Management
  • Information Technology and Information Systems

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Develop project plans for the compilation of compliant eCTD submissions, including proper organization and tracking
  • Identify processes employed in preparing CTD/eCTD submissions
  • Understand how to prepare CTD content templates and requirements to generate submission-ready documents
  • Recognize requirements specific to electronic submissions, implications on predicate rules, and differences and similarities across regions
  • Identify tools and technology used in preparation and review of eCTDs

Participants will also learn tips on assembling global CTD dossiers, working on classic and virtual submission teams, and proper resource planning.

Past Participants' Comments

"The size of the class really made a huge difference when it came to the needs of each attendee. It allowed the Course Director to answer questions more thoroughly, to interact with us, and encourage us to interact more. The Course Director was organized and open to discussion, which allowed us to communicate with him in a friendly but professional manner." Rebecca H., Sr. Doc. Coor. Reg. Affairs, Teva Pharmaceuticals
"Very thorough presentation. Excellent handouts" Donna B., Director Medical Writing, Sepracor
"This course was excellent! The Course Director did a nice job of presenting all the material." Michele C., Senior Regulatory Assoc., Par Pharmaceuticals
"The Instructor covered a great deal of material in two days and was very knowledgeable on many aspects of FDA Inspections. I would recommend this course to my colleagues." David M., Director, Bayer
"The Course Director had a wealth of knowledge to share along with a good deal of practical experience." Data Management, Merck
"Course content was excellent! It provided a fundamental understanding of the regulatory process." Tara M., Regulatory & Compliance Supervisor, Pfizer