Quality Systems Implementation
Quality Management Systems for the pharmaceutical industry stem from key regulations that the FDA enforces such as 21 CFR Part 211. Under this regulation, a quality management systems definition would necessarily cover the concept of a quality control unit, which is responsible for overall quality management systems.
What is Quality System Implementation?
The quality control unit is primarily responsible for documentation (procedures, SOPs, policies, etc.) and control of all documents that impact product quality and safety.
In addition to 21 CFR Part 211, the FDA guidance called “Pharmaceutical cGMPs for 21st Century–A Risk-Based Approach” provides principles and standards that will help pharmaceutical companies establish an organizational QMS definition. This guidance offers a quality systems model and shows how manufacturers can comply fully with 21 CFR Part 211. The ICH Q10, a harmonized guidance for the pharmaceutical industry offers a model QMS based on ISO concepts and principles on Good Manufacturing Practices.
For medical device companies, the Quality System Regulation (21 CFR 820) offers a solid basis for a quality management systems. It is the primary FDA regulation for medical device companies. In as much as it helps manufacturers create their own organizational QMS definition, the regulation offers enough leeway for individual companies to define their priorities based on the device they are manufacturing. Most medical manufacturers also adhere to ISO 13485, which similarly provides a quality management systems definition. The FDA has harmonized QSR with ISO standards, making them complementary. Both QSR and ISO 13485 require the establishment of a quality management system that encompasses many quality processes, such as document control, training control, corrective action and preventive action (CAPA), and audit management processes.
Example Projects
IT Quality System Development
A pharmaceutical company dedicated to creating small-molecule anti-cancer treatments that target cancer cell metabolism through the growth factor pathway sought help with their IT infrastructure. The company enlisted MEDVACON to assess their current IT policies and procedures, and to develop a comprehensive IT Quality System, including the necessary documentation. As a result, MEDVACON crafted sixty-four IT policies, procedures, and work instructions that now underpin their IT Quality System.
Pharmaceutical IT QMS
MEDVACON was engaged by a pharmaceutical company focused on oncology drug research and development to implement an IT Quality Management System for their clinical activities. MEDVACON developed the IT Quality Policy and assessed all clinical systems for compliance.
Quality Management Systems
MEDVACON was contracted by a leading provider of Quality Management Systems software to perform ongoing software quality assurance testing and validation of their QMS.