Steve LoCastro
Steve LoCastro is Senior Director, Head of CMC RA Center of Excellence. He is an experienced CMC Regulatory Affairs professional with expertise in small molecules, biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars, gene therapy agents, and pharmaceutical packaging systems.
JournalBiosimilars CMC development considerations from the sponsor perspective
Sponsors face significant challenges in the development of biosimilars, particularly in the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) aspects. Key areas of biosimilar CMC development include establishing a reliable and consistent manufacturing process, controlling critical quality attributes, and developing analytical methods to assess product quality. Furthermore, sponsors must conduct extensive characterisation studies, encompassing physicochemical and functional assays, to demonstrate biosimilarity between the biosimilar and the reference medicinal product (RMP). This article provides insights from a sponsor’s perspective, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with the biosimilar CMC development process. By adhering to these recommendations, sponsors can navigate the complexities of biosimilar development and enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes.
FocusPractical insights into the recent EU MDR framework
This article focuses on the impact of the new guidance document on drug-device combination (DDC) products, in Article 117 of the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) for pharmaceutical marketing authorisation holders (MAHs). It explores the new role of the notified body (NB) versus the MAH pertaining to the device part of the DDC, some of the pitfalls encountered by pharmaceutical MAHs and potential solutions to efficiently navigate the new framework. It also provides practical insights into key technical requirements for the product-specific quality aspects of a medical device, which are within the quality dossier of a successful EU application. The article also explores efficient global implementation within fast evolving and at times divergent, regional regulations.