Tuesday, March 24, 2015

FDA Medication Guide: Update

US Food and Drug Administration



The following are updated or newly added:
  • YERVOY (ipilimumab), Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
  • XARTEMIS XR (oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen) Extended-Release Tablets, CII
  • VIIBRYD (vilazodone hydrochloride) Tablets, Actavis, Inc.
  • SIGNIFOR [sig-na-for] (pasireotide) Injection,
  • FARXIGA (dapagliflozin) tablets, Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals LP
  • DUETACT (pioglitazone and glimepiride) tablets, Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
  • CIPRO (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) Tablets for oral use, CIPRO® (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) for oral suspension; CIPRO® XR (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) Tablets, for oral use, CIPRO® IV (ciprofloxacin) Injection for intravenous infusion, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • BONIVA (ibandronate), Genentech, Inc.
  • AVANDARYL (rosiglitazone maleate and glimepiride) tablets, GlaxoSmithKline

Global Compliance Seminar (GCS) provides global and FDA regulatory consulting and training services to the FDA-regulated industry in collaboration with the Regulatory Doctor. The US FDA is an Agency under the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Final Recommendation on Screening for Thyroid Dysfunction.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Thyroid Dysfunction: Screening

Release Date: March 2015

http://passfda.com/uspstf-final-recommendation-on-screening-for-thyroid-dysfunction/
 
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released today a final recommendation statement on screening for thyroid dysfunction. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryDraft/thyroid-dysfunction-screening. The final recommendation statement can also be found in the March 24 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.


Live Thyroid Healthy and put an end to: 

Chronic fatigue Constipation Cold hands and feet Brain fog Hair loss Excessive weight Depression and anxiety Are you one of the millions who s fallen through the cracks of the standard medical system? Have you been told your depressed or stressed out but you re really not? It s so unfair that you can tell your doctor about classic symptoms of low thyroid and still get dismissed because conventional tests don t prove how you feel! Did you know some popular thyroid drugs are completely useless until your body converts it? I m blowing the lid off of standard medical treatment for thyroid disease. Inside, you will learn about the best lab tests, how to interpret them, where to buy them, foods that heal your thyroid, and foods that harm it. You'll also learn which medications work best, and which nutrients and supplements authentically work. Reclaim your life, start today

Global Compliance Seminar (GCS) provides global and FDA regulatory consulting and training services to the FDA-regulated industry in collaboration with the Regulatory Doctor. The US FDA is an Agency under the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Friday, March 20, 2015

FDA Sued for Inaction to a Citizen Petition for Wheat Gluten

Michael Weber v. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Gluten)

Michael Weber is suing the FDA.  

In 2008, Michael Weber submitted a citizen petition to the Food and Drug Administration requesting that the FDA exclude the use of wheat gluten as an inactive ingredient in both prescription and over-the-counter drugs or, in the alternative, that the FDA require that drugs containing gluten be labeled to disclose that fact. In March 2015, the FDA had yet to grant or deny the petition. Representing Mr. Weber, Public Citizen brought an action against the FDA for its unreasonable delay in responding to his petition. 

In his Complaint, he is requesting the Court to declare unlawful the FDA’s failure to act on Mr. Weber’s citizen petition and order the FDA to issue a decision on Mr. Weber’s petition within 30 days of the Court’s order, etc. 

In August 5, 2013, FDA issued a final rule, establishing a regulatory definition of the term "gluten-free" for voluntary use and implementing part of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, Title II of Public Law 108-282, enacted on August 2, 2004

In June, 2014, FDA issued a guidance for industry entitled "Gluten-Free Labeling of Food." The final rule states "Firms are not required to label their foods “gluten-free,” but if firms whose foods are regulated by FDA voluntarily choose to make this labeling claim, those products must conform to our definition for a “gluten-free” food."

Living with Celiac Disease

http://wp.me/p5ps8d-xp

Are you seeking global regulatory consulting services?  Please consider a consulting service leader, Regulatory Doctor, which is led by an FDA expert consultant and speaker.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Melting Glacier Could Raise Sea Level 11 Feet Globally

The Potentially Disastrous Melting Situation in Antarctica Just Got Worse?

CNN Posted in the Facebook concerning "Meting Situation in Antarctica."

Watch here for Melting Glaciers in West Antarctica



Post by CNN.




Wednesday, March 18, 2015

David Lim Seminar on FDA 510ks and PMAs

How to Format Succinct and Comprehensive 510(k)s and PMAs | 2 Day Seminar | Research Triangle, NC | April 9, 2015 and April 10, 2015 

Overview 

 This seminar will discuss the 510(k) and PMA submissions and will walk you through how to format a succinct and comprehensive 510(k) and premarket approval (PMA) application to increase submission quality and to proactively facilitate the review process in a streamlined manner. 

Detailed Information 

Background: 

A premarket notification [510(k)] is the most common pathway to market for medical devices. Premarket approval (PMA) is the FDA’s most stringent, scientific and regulatory review process to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Class III medical devices. The 510(k) premarket submission is made to demonstrate that the subject device (to be marketed) is substantially equivalent (as least as safe and effective) to a legally marketed device (predicate device) as described in 21 CFR 807.92(a)(3). A recent FDA draft guidance document suggests that more 510(k) submissions be required to meet the regulatory requirements. In addition, FDA issued a draft guidance document, proposing significant changes in the 510(k) program to be implemented in the near future. Class III devices requiring PMA approval under section 515 of the FD&C Act in order to obtain marketing clearance are those that support or sustain human life, are of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, or which present a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Due to the level of risk associated with Class III devices, FDA has determined that general and special controls alone are insufficient to assure the safety and effectiveness of class III devices. Under the PMA process per 21 CFR 860.7(d)(1), each manufacturer must independently demonstrate reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of its device for its intended use. 

Why Should You Attend: 

It is imperative that medical device industry quickly recognize the recent changes in the 510(k) process, and understand and adapt to the recent changes/requirements discussed in recent guidance documents including those (e.g., clinical trials) pertaining to premarket approval (PMA) so that the review process can be facilitated in a proactive and streamlined manner. 

This seminar will discuss the 510(k) and PMA submissions and will walk you through how to format a succinct and comprehensive 510(k) and premarket approval (PMA) application to increase submission quality and to proactively facilitate the review process in a streamlined manner. You will leave the workshop empowered in preparing for medical device submissions. 

This seminar will discuss: 
  • The recent changes in the 510(k) program and guidance documents relating to both 510(k)s and PMAs. 
  • How to identify and assess the regulatory requirements. 
  • How to meet the regulatory requirements in a systematic, integrative manner. 
  • How to increase a 510(k) and PMA submission quality. 
  • How to format succinct and comprehensive 510(k) and PMA submissions. 
Areas Covered In The Session: 

This seminar will discuss: 
  • The recent changes in the 510(k) program and guidance documents relating to both 510(k)s and PMAs. 
  • How to identify and assess the regulatory requirements. How to meet the regulatory requirements in a systematic, integrative manner. 
  • How to increase a 510(k) and PMA submission quality. How to format succinct and comprehensive 510(k) and PMA submissions. 
Learning Objectives:
  • This seminar will discuss the 510(k) and PMA submissions and will walk you through how to format a succinct and comprehensive 510(k) and premarket approval (PMA) application to increase submission quality and to proactively facilitate the review process in a streamlined manner. 
Target Audience: 

This seminar will be valuable for anyone in the FDA-regulated industry including, but not limited to, medical device, drugs, biologics, in vitro diagnostic devices or any combination products thereof. It is particularly useful for those who are engaged in the design and development of medical devices, combinations products (e.g., drug and devices, biologics and devices), and in vitro diagnostic devices including companion medical products. 

This Seminar is a must for those who are directly or indirectly involved in handling regulatory submissions, 510(k)s and PMAs, to the FDA. 

The following employees who will benefit include: Regulatory affairs (associates, specialists, managers, and directors) Clinical affairs (associates, specialists, coordinators, managers, directors and VPs) Quality assurance, quality control, and quality systems (associates, specialists, engineers, managers, directors and VPs) Research and development (associates, scientists, managers, directors and VPs) Product and development (associates, scientists, managers, directors and VPs) Marketing (associates, specialists, managers, directors and VPs) Site managers, and consultants Contract manufacturing organization (associates, scientists, managers, directors and VPs) Contract research organization (associates, scientists, managers, directors and VPs) Senior and executive management (VPs, SVPs, Presidents and CEOs) Contractors and subcontractors 

 To inquire, please contact Global Compliance Seminar or email to info@regulatorydoctor.com to get an additional 10% discount.


Monday, March 16, 2015

Blood-Filled Syringes, Other Medical Waste Found in River

Private Company Suspected of Dumping Biohazards Into Oklahoma River
Hundreds of used syringes and blood vials in biohazard containers ended up in the Arkansas River after a private company was hired to dispose of them, Oklahoma investigators said Monday.




Thursday, March 12, 2015

UL Rebuilt Equipment Certification Programs

UL Rebuilt Equipment Certification Programs: Supporting green construction initiatives

Interest in green construction practices continues to increase, spurred by concerns about the environment and current economic conditions. One aspect of green construction practices involves recycling used equipment, including various degrees of rebuilding, remanufacturing, refurbishing, repairing or reconditioning of equipment.

The result is commonly referred to as a “rebuilt” product. To be viable, green construction practices need to be sustainable, but they cannot undermine the fundamental levels established for public safety.


Safety considerations 

The UL Listing Mark on a newly manufactured piece of equipment is an indication that the product complies with nationally recognized safety requirements when the product was shipped from the factory, and that it is suitable for installation and use in accordance with specific model codes. However, if a product is rebuilt, UL cannot confirm that it continues to comply with appropriate safety requirements without additional investigation.



Information on How to Effectively Manage Others

The Following Provides Helpful Information to Learn So That Professionals Can Better Manage Others.




  • Be aware of the "Puzzle of Motivation."


  • Learn how to "deal with difficult people: overview."

  • Learn about "our loss of wisdom."



Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Science: Ultrasound Therapies May Overcome Blood Brain Barrier

Ultrasound therapies target brain cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. 
"The blood-brain barrier, a tightly packed layer of cells that lines the brain's blood vessels, protects it from infections, toxins, and other threats but makes the organ frustratingly hard to treat. A strategy that combines ultrasound with microscopic blood-borne bubbles can briefly open the barrier, in theory giving drugs or the immune system access to the brain. In the clinic and the lab, that promise is being evaluated."






How We See Color Demystified

TED Talk: There are three types of color receptors in your eye: red, green and blue. But how do we see the amazing kaleidoscope of other colors that make up our world? 

Colm Kelleher explains how humans can see everything from auburn to aquamarine.




Friday, March 6, 2015

iPhones Could Be Waterproof Soon

Apple Is Working on a Way to Make iPhones Waterproof


Post by CNN.




Thursday, March 5, 2015

Alzheimer Disease: Plaques May Begin To Grow As Early As 20 Years Old







Mars Training Program: Would You Book a One-Way Ticket to Mars?






NIBIB launches Game App "Want to Be a Bioengineer?"





Thursday, February 26, 2015

Coordinated Chaos in the Cell’s Cytosol


The American Society of Cell Biology Presents the Following Educational Video

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Watch Penguins of the Antarctic

Nature Documentary

NATURE braves the extreme conditions of Earth's southernmost continent for a close-up look at the varied Penguins of the Antarctic. As night falls in Antarctica, biting winds cast horizontal snow across the dark backs of a mass of huddled emperor penguins. The temperature is 50 below zero, the gales are 90 miles per hour, and the sun won't rise again for more than two months. 

NATURE captures these amazing — and well-dressed — flightless birds shivering on the ice as well as gliding through their most comfortable element, the water — a balmy bath compared to the air temperature above — where the emperors can hold their breath up to 20 minutes and dive a mile deep. Meanwhile, on the shores of Zavodovski Island, an active volcano, two million chinstrap penguins breed and travel on their own "superhighway" between the sea and their colonies on higher ground — taking care to evade the occasional 12-foot long leopard seal, which can consume six penguins in an hour.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Compiled Resources Helpful for the RAC Exam Preparation Offered by RAPS

The following provides compiled resources helpful for those preparing for Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) exam offered by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS).

Learn about the Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) from RAPS.

What’s in it for you (and your employer)

Obtaining and maintaining your RAC demonstrates the core knowledge and applied critical thinking skills of the most accomplished professionals in the regulatory field. The rigorous exam puts your regulatory knowledge to the test.

If you have more than three years of regulatory affairs experience, it may be time to invest in yourself and earn this coveted credential. With it, you can do more for your employer… and earn more along the way.

See more >>

1). Facebook Study Group 

The Facebook study group has been launched for professionals to share useful information and tackle questions and answers in the US and global reulatory affairs, intending to help those professionals prepare easier and better for Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) exams for US, EU, Canada and Global.

2). Quizlet 

3). USC Information 

4). LIVE Seminar: How to Most Effectively Prepare for the US RAC Exam

Having a credential for Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) can add a great value to one’s professional experience and achievement. Significant benefits of how to effectively study and prepare for the RAC examination may have been frequently neglected or considered less important, leading to spending a lot more than what is reasonably necessary to pass the exam and in many cases, professionals re-take the exam more than once. This seminar ($49) provides a great overview of what and how to most effectively prepare for the RAC exam.

5). LinkedIn Group for US RAC 


Friday, February 13, 2015

FDA issues new draft documents related to compounding of human drugs


Documents include draft guidances on outsourcing facility registration; outsourcing facility adverse event reporting; drug repackaging; mixing, diluting, and repackaging biological products; and a draft Memorandum of Understanding with the states.

February 13, 2015

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued five draft documents related to drug compounding and repackaging that will help entities comply with important public health provisions.

The draft documents are applicable to:
  • pharmacies
  • federal facilities
  • outsourcing facilities
  • physicians.

The new category of outsourcing facilities was created under the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA), enacted by Congress in November 2013 in response to a deadly fungal meningitis outbreak that was linked to contaminated sterile compounded drug products.

Drugs compounded in an outsourcing facility that meet certain conditions may be entitled to exemptions from certain provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), including the new drug approval requirements and the requirement to label drug products with adequate directions for use.

Outsourcing facilities are subject to current good manufacturing practice requirements and inspections by the FDA according to a risk-based schedule.

Drugs produced by compounders that are not registered as outsourcing facilities must meet certain other conditions described in the FD&C Act, or they will be subject to all of the requirements applicable to drugs produced by conventional drug manufacturers.

“The draft guidance documents provide information to pharmacies, outsourcing facilities, health care entities, and others about these FDA-proposed policies, which are critical to protecting the public health,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Download Free Here >>



Dr. David Lim provides regulatory consulting and training services for medical products regulated by the US FDA, an Agency under the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

FDA Guidance for Medical Food


Guidance for Industry Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Foods; Second Edition Draft Guidance

August 2013

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Foods 

This guidance is intended to provide industry with a convenient place to find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about medical foods.

This draft guidance, when finalized, will represent the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) current thinking on this topic. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public. You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. If you want to discuss an alternative approach, contact the FDA staff responsible for implementing this guidance. If you cannot identify the appropriate FDA staff, call the telephone number listed on the title page of this guidance. 

Dr. David Lim provides regulatory consulting services for medical products regulated by the US FDA, an Agency under the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).




How to Most Effectively Prepare for the US RAC Exam

LIVE Online Seminar: How to Most Effectively Prepare for the US RAC Exam

  • Date: February 9, 2015 and March 9, 2015
  • Time: 11:00 AM PST | 02:00 PM EST
  • Duration: 90 Minutes

About the Seminar

The keys of successHaving a credential for Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) can add a great value to one’s professional experience and achievement. Significant benefits of how to effectively study and prepare for the RAC examination may have been frequently neglected or considered less important, leading to spending a lot more than what is reasonably necessary to pass the exam and in many cases, professionals re-take the exam more than once. 
*: RAC stands for Regulatory Affairs Certification. In this case, it refers to the US RAC examination.  
Understanding what and how to study the relevant subjects is one of the first steps and is considered to be the most effective strategy.  An effective preparation of the RAC examination can save a significant amount of your resources (time, energy and money) and beyond (sometimes, saving some level of embarrassment).
This  seminar is intended to help you effectively prepare for the US RAC examination using a CAC-SI method.  CAC-SI in this case refers to a Current, Accurate, and Comprehensive study and understanding in a Systematic, Integrated Manner.
In this 90-min presentation, the speaker will guide you through the details of the contents for you to study (namely, WHAT and HOW) and grasp so that you can be well-prepared for the RAC exam.  
At the end of the presentation, you should be able to come up with your customized, well-guided, actionable strategy to most effectively prepare for and pass the US RAC examination. 

About the Areas to Be Discussed

  • 1st 45 Minutes
    • Overview of the US RAC Exam
    • Subject Areas
    • Applicable Laws and Regulations
    • Areas in Pharmaceuticals
    • Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
    • Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
    • Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
    • Investigational New Drug Application (IND)
    • New Drug Application (NDA)
    • FDA Guidance Documents
    • Review of Practice Questions
  • 2nd 45 Minutes
    • Subject Areas for Biologics and Medical Devices
    • Applicable Laws and Regulations for Biologics and Medical Devices
    • Biological Products
    • Licensing Biologics 
      General Biological Products Standards
    • Investigational Device Exemption
    • Premarket Notification (510(k))
    • Premarket Approval (PMA)
    • Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) for Medical Devices
    • FDA Guidance Documents
    • Review of Practice Questions

NOTE:  Your attendance of this seminar will save your enormous amount of time, energy and efforts while preparing for your successful RAC examination.  

About the Intended Attendee(s)

  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Consultants
  • Anyone interested in the topic