Biopharmaceutical products represent up to 20 percent of the total pharmaceutical market and are growing at a rate of nearly eight percent annually. To keep up with this impressive growth rate, many contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) are making strategic investments in equipment and expertise to support analytical development and structural characterization of biopharmaceuticals in more economical and efficient ways.^[1]

Unlike small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that exist as a single chemical entity, biologics nearly always exist as a mixture of molecules. Different molecules can arise from numerous sources including N-terminal variants, post-translation modifications (PTMs), glycoforms, and degradation products. Due to the potentially high amount of heterogeneity in the biologic, it is critical to demonstrate control over the drug substance (DS) manufacturing process from fermentation to purification and protein re-folding. Characterization of the various molecules is the first step in demonstrating process control. High-resolution mass spectrometry is a key component in the characterization of novel biologics and biosimilars.

The US Pharmacopeia (USP) retired the existing wet chemistry heavy metals methods outlined in USP General Chapter <231> with an instrument-based approach on January 1, 2018. Though the existing wet chemistry methods have been in effect for nearly 100 years, the methods were non-specific and frequently failed to detect or underestimate the presence of some toxic elements that are potentially present in pharmaceutical ingredients. 

Throughout this guidebook, Alcami scientists will discuss heavy metal regulations, moving to a risk-based approach, the role of risk assessment in the manufacturing process, goals and accountability, and agency-accepted testing and filing strategy for elemental impurities. 

The US Orphan Drug Act of 1983 characterizes an orphan disease as a rare medical condition that affects a population of fewer than 200,000 people. Rare diseases have various causes— most notably, genetics. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states, “many rare diseases, including infections, some rare cancers, and some autoimmune diseases, are not inherited. While researchers are learning more each year, the exact cause of many rare diseases is still unknown” (NIH, 2017).

The term “orphan disease” resulted from pharmaceutical companies not having the resources to design and scale up formulations to treat these diseases, due to the lack of financial support for such highly specialized programs. The Orphan Drug Act (ODA) allows for the necessary financial backing of pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for rare diseases (NIH, 2017), giving special status to a drug or biological product (drug) upon request of a sponsor. This status is referred to as orphan designation or orphan status.

Outsourcing highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredient (HPAPI) development and manufacturing is reaching an all-time high thanks to an increased demand of highly-targeted new drugs with greater efficacy at lower doses and the price of investment to handle internally. Several factors will dictate the performance of a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) when handling HPAPIs. It is not merely a question of having the physical assets for high containment; outsourcing of a specialized and potentially challenging piece of the supply chain requires partnership and collaboration between the CDMO and sponsor.

Any relationship is reliant upon transparency, team cohesion, and a level of experience that ensures a collaborative understanding with effective communication. Ultimately, success relies upon the equipment, experience, and a right-first-time ethos. Consider the factors discussed in this white paper when evaluating a potential CDMO partner.

The study of extractables and leachables is among the fastest-evolving disciplines in the pharmaceutical industry. Until recently, the primary focus of these studies has been components in direct contact with the drug product for extended periods, such as the primary packaging, or those that contact the formulation during administration, known as in-use componentry. However, the components used in manufacturing are of increasing interest as sources of potential leachables. Many components are single-use systems (SUS), polymeric in construction, and pre-treated prior to use. Each of these factors increase the potential for leachable compounds. In order to evaluate materials for potential leachable compounds, one must leverage a scientifically rigorous study design against the specific potential for drug product and packaging/surface interaction. 

Stability is an integral part of the drug development process. With every stability study, it is essential to focus on the quality attributes of the product— most importantly safety.

Throughout this guidebook, Alcami scientists will discuss stability testing procedures, the “how” and “what” of degradation in the measurement of shelf life, the importance of storage conditions, and the necessity of following a medication’s recommended guidelines.

Alcami has recently authored a white paper discussing 4 factors that are critical to the financial success of an emerging pharmaceutical company.

This paper will address company structure decision making, funding approaches, perfecting the investor pitch and hitting key milestones – the exciting and challenging journey of a growing pharmaceutical company.

As required by the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA) signed into law by President Obama on November 27, 2013, serialization will be required by pharmaceutical manufacturers on all commercially distributed prescription human drug products effective November 27, 2017. 

This guide is designed to serve as a reference for the core information, issues, and questions pharmaceutical companies must address as they work with their CDMO and other members of their supply chain.

Alcami has recently authored a white paper on extractables and leachables testing in the pharmaceutical industry.

The initiative to reduce abuse of prescription drugs has gained significant momentum impacting compliance issues, medical community education, and market opportunities for opioid drug manufacturers.

This paper addresses:

• Overview of the prescription drug crisis
• Government Action Directed at the Opioid Drug Abuse Epidemic
• Medical Community Response—Where Do Doctors Stand?
• FDA Position on Abuse-Deterrent Opioid Drug Products
• Three Benefits of Abuse-Deterrent Determination for Opioid Manufacturers
• Factors Contributing to Opioid Abuse-Deterrence
• Abuse-Deterrence Determination
• In Vitro Manipulation and Extraction Studies Approaches