Abstract
This BioPhorum peer reviewed paper proposes to unify current industry approaches with a single core standard of test methods and criteria necessary for GMP manufacturing. A common testing standard would have multiple benefits including consistency across suppliers, protection of supplier intellectual property, and facilitation of drug development.
Abstract
This chapter of the First edition biomanufacturing technology roadmap published in 2017, describes the vision, scope and benefits that could be gained in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry from the development and adoption of effective supply partnership management approaches to develop the critical suppliers for the industry. To help the industry achieve this future state it describes the scenarios considered, the future needs, challenges and potential solutions as well as the linkages and dependencies on other parts of the roadmap. It considers the contribution that disruptive and emerging technologies can play and regulatory considerations before finalizing with conclusions and recommendations.
Abstract
The biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry inbound supply chain strategic framework identifies the key five strategic objectives that will help drive operational excellence and improvements to solve some of the most important inbound supply chain issues for the industry over the next 2–5-years.
Abstract
Climate change and global warming resulting from greenhouse gas emissions are widely recognized as the biggest threats to global health. The healthcare sector is responsible for 4–5% of global emissions, more than 70% of which are driven by supply chains.
Abstract
BioPhorum’s in-depth feedback includes 70 line-by-line, detailed comments, including the rationale for the points and any proposed changes/recommendations that are deemed necessary by the team to ensure a harmonized implementation across industry and regulatory agencies.
Abstract
The BioPhorum response to the Annex XV Report on the proposal for universal PFAS restrictions. It is considered by the BioPhorum collaboration that unless ECHA provide the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry with appropriate exemptions or derogations to find, test and validate alternatives and execute a transition out of these materials (where alternatives are available), there will be a real threat to the global availability of critical vaccines and biotherapeutics.
Abstract
BioPhorum member only content. This is detailed consultation response from BioPhorum Supply Partner to USP on draft monograph .
Abstract
This paper and the supporting questionnaire provides best practice guidance for effective business continuity management systems (BCMS) in the biologics supply chain. It can be used in two ways. First, as an introduction to BCMS and second, as guidance to benchmark companies’ current processes. It is based upon the framework in ISO 22301.
Abstract
This paper is intended to be an all-inclusive manual (a one-stop shop) on change notification best practices for single-use biomanufacturing systems. A summary of previous publications is also provided. This includes improvement updates to the decision tree and supporting table based on user feedback. This paper delineates the main attributes of an effective supplier change notification program. The team’s vision for this toolkit is to facilitate adoption of these practices by the majority of end-users and suppliers in the single-use supply chain. In time, it is hoped that these practices will become reflected in quality management practices and in formal business agreements.
Abstract
This article looks at the role of technology in the workplace and specifically how the Senior BioPhorum Connect group is addressing issues such as the use of remote working technologies, cyber security and digitizing the cGMP space.
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the current and near-future bioprocess supply situation and trends. This research provides insights into how the industry has adjusted as the Pandemic begins to abate.
Abstract
This revised extractables protocol for polymeric single-use components in biopharmaceutical manufacturing is based on an extensive scientific review and represents the combined opinion of the biopharmaceutical manufacturers and, crucially, the supply chain. It will reduce costs and focus people on the important data points. The protocol provides guidance on the suggested methods for extractables studies, including sample preparation, extraction conditions, recording test-article sampling conditions, and reporting data from the analysis of extracts. Flexibility is built-in, allowing suppliers to alter many study parameters due to restrictions based on the use of SUS, physical form factor, chemical compatibilities, etc. The new protocol includes significant changes to the 2014 version, including the removal of 5M sodium chloride and 1% Polysorbate 80 as extraction solvents, the elimination of the time-point zero interval, and the elimination of elemental analysis of 50% Ethanol extracts.
Abstract
This toolkit gives users a set of tools to respond to problems and materials to include in their communications and operator training.It will help reduce product losses, investigations, manufacturing disruptions and the number of leaks. It equips industry with tools to help standardize the vocabulary around SUS anatomy and processes and expand its understanding of SUS abnormalities.
Abstract
A benchmark survey which sets out to establish the baseline for electronic data exchange across participating members, to understand: How suppliers and biomanufacturers were working with EDE for raw materials across their inbound supply chain, whether they were using the ASTM standard and, if so, its application and value to their company and to provide Insights for improving EDE across the sector. The results cover utilization, prioritization, ASTM E3077-17 standard utilization and the benefits and challenges in implementing it, EDE maturity, benefits and challenges for EDE in the inbound supply chain, EDE accelerator and other conclusions.
Abstract
Consistent reporting and presentation of extractable data by suppliers is critical to the fast and reliable assessment of single use systems by users for new solutions. The BioPhorum approach to reporting and presenting extractable data is now the industry standard and adoption of this approach enables all single use suppliers to fit together in an industry ecosystem that effectively supports the continued growth of adoption of single use technologies in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. This pack contains a guide and documents to help single use suppliers and integrators set up their webpages papers and present their extractable data in a way that aligns with the industry standard and extends the ecosystem. Once implemented this approach enables integrators and biomanufacturers to build an extractables profile for a system without needing to transcribe the data, saving time on new designs and minimising the need for expensive custom extractable studies.
Abstract
Suite of deliverables to support the forecast and demand planning process and complement the FDP Toolkit. They include an optimal process, RACI and template. These areas are where there is potential for the greatest benefit and will create value for industry when used correctly.
Abstract
The checklist is a best practice checklist to define the recommended minimum required steps to generate a useful forecast. It is for companies moving towards mature demand forecasting practices, and biomanufacturers and suppliers with regular demand forecasting meetings. It should be used each time a new forecast is generated to ensure the key steps are carried out. The communications pack explains the recommended forecast and demand planning cycle of events, i.e. when you should sit down and talk, what you should talk about, what should be in the discussions, etc. This will help guide and structure the regular meetings between biomanufacturers and critical suppliers. Having a comprehensive framework for those meetings is essential, especially when discussing key materials. It includes everything from the minimum required agenda items and an action log template, to a forecast confidence ‘traffic light’ indicator and ‘hints and tips’ to get the most out of the pack.
Abstract
When biomanufacturers and their suppliers discuss future demand for materials, a robust forecast is crucial to provide a structure for a transparent and open conversation between both parties. It is the simplest, least expensive risk mitigation tool they have, and forecasts are often crucial in executed supply agreements. This template can be used to define the recommended minimum data required in a forecast and will help improve the maturity of industry-wide forecasting practices.
Abstract
Forecasting and demand planning are not well develop or effective integrated between biopharma manufacturers and suppliers in comparison with other industries with complex supply chains. This inhibits the ability of the sector to develop effective and agile supply chains to support rapid growth of products and is a major cause of shortages and the remedial work needed to keep supply chains functioning and products available. Leading end users and suppliers have undertaken considerable work to find solutions to enable biomanufacturers and their suppliers to plan commercial biologic drug manufacturing more effectively. This Forecasting and supply planning: a best practice industry guide, and the companion assessment tool defines the participating biomanufacturers’ and suppliers’ perspectives of the current state of the industry, the roadblocks to success and takes a ‘blue sky vision’ of best practices and the business case for changing the current situation. In order to define, prioritize and measure improvement opportunities across the industry, the Forecasting and Supply Planning maturity assessment enables organizations to assess their status in relation to industry norms and best practice. More importantly, an assessment’s results provide a blueprint for the strengths and weaknesses that an organization needs to address to elevate its forecasting and supply planning processes.
Abstract
The standardized extractables testing protocol provides suppliers with a set of procedures agreed upon as representative of a comprehensive range of conditions by a broad group of companies. Suppliers can use this to prepare standardized extractables test reports for single-use systems (SUS) components including, but not limited to, films, tubing, tubing connectors and disconnectors, aseptic connectors and disconnectors, sterilizing-grade and process filters, tangential-flow filter cassettes, sensors, valves, chromatography columns, impellers, and filling needles. This template supports the completion of the extractables test report.
Abstract
A standard process map providing industry with a set of simple tools containing a structured approach for materials introduction across the supply chain. This paper summarizes a stepwise process that can be used as a guideline for introducing a material to support new drug substance manufacture and can be used in conjunction with detailed, company-specific NPI procedures. In addition it is relevant best practice for cell and gene therapy manufacturers.
Abstract
This paper proposes a solution, applicable to all innovative and complex raw materials, to the challenges the biopharmaceutical industry faces with the registration of complex and innovative raw materials in Europe. The biopharmaceutical industry has designed a direct solution to the issue and identified a way to higher quality regulatory submissions, enhanced knowledge, understanding, control and robustness of its products and processes.
Abstract
The BioPhorum Alternative to Gamma Sterilization workstream is focused, in partnership with the Bio-Process Systems Alliance, on raising awareness of the need for sterilization alternatives for single-use systems. As part of this work the team discovered a need to understand some of the first principles. This paper is to provide a lay person’s introduction to the need for change, the basic physics involved and a high-level comparison between x-ray and gamma
Abstract
Independent industry surveys have shown that concerns about extractables and leachables are the number one barrier to implementing disposables technologies.There is clear regulatory guidance around what is required by regulatory authorities such as the EMA, yet to date there has been limited or no information (consensus or best practice) on how companies should do this.
Abstract
Industry needs a common language and consistent understanding to reduce risk and ensure that both parties fully understand the requirements of a transaction. This paper contains industry-agreed definitions for terms such as total lead time, inventory days, and economic order quantity.
Abstract
This paper summarizes the industry position and aims to start a strategic discussion on this situation. It will help ensure we have a common language and understanding across industry. Looking ahead, we will emphasize shared learning, best practices, and retrospective investigations to improve long-range planning processes
Abstract
This paper provides an introduction and a high-level view of on time in full (OTIF) so that when we use the acronym, we know how it is calculated and are all using it in the same way. It examines detail on the components of ‘Actual orders delivered’ and ‘Expected orders to be delivered’ and talks about the information included, actions to take and gives tips on how to best use each component.Â
Abstract
Historically, the biopharmaceutical industry has relied on traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing practices to make and release products. This publication examines the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing by presenting the vision of fully implemented in-line monitoring (ILM) and real-time release. This aspirational vision includes full ILM, predictive analytics and advanced process controls (APC) enabling release of product in real time, with concomitant predictive and preventative alerts and resolution of process, equipment and other production issues.
Abstract
Drawing on their real-world experiences, a group of experts drawn from 28 BioPhorum member companies has provided guidance on the detailed working methods that support a successful remote inspection or audit; for example, how to manage information flows between the inspectors and the site subject matter experts’ team. With the impact of Covid-19 likely to be seen for the foreseeable future, virtual inspections may be required for some time. This guidance will help all stakeholders prepare and to avoid the potential problems of remote inspections and audits.
Abstract
It is impossible to define the raw materials used in the biopharmaceutical industry with a single set of regulatory or compliance criteria. What is considered fit-for-function changes depending on the product attributes and the intended customer. This tool standardizes and structures the risk assessment process, addressing three fundamental questions when determining raw material fit-for-function: What user requirement is the raw material designated to perform? What material attributes are essential to the designated function and what might have unintended consequences? This paper helps improve communication between – and within – manufacturers and suppliers and enables users to make uniform, evidence-based decisions on risks and priorities concerning raw materials. An industry-wide methodology for the resolution of high-impact raw material variability issues.
Abstract
The purpose of this best practice guide is to provide key information and best practices for media supplier partners and companies in the biopharmaceutical industry on the design, development and controls for manufacturing of media and medium solutions to minimize potential variation that may impact product quality, process performance and operational efficiency and costs. It is intended that it can be used to support a proactive approach to evaluation and self-audit of internal processes.
Abstract
Raw material variability and control in the supply chain are important matters for the biopharmaceutical industry. The industry is still working to align the supply performance with biopharma's needs. More still needs to be done to understand, monitor and control of raw materials. Patient well-being is best assured by reducing or eliminating variability of the finished drug product, and this can be achieved, in part by targeted reduction and/or elimination of variation in raw materials. This paper identifies ten areas of practice endorsed by leading global biopharmaceutical manufacturers to start to address and reduce raw material variation through our supply chains.
Abstract
This guidance document identifies the relevant change areas, and for each area, exemplifies the type of changes which the biopharmaceutical industry needs to be informed about. It also lists the required information, in terms of supporting data and documentation, to support notification of changes. This guidance is relevant to all raw materials used to produce biopharmaceutical products, including but not limited to cell culture media, fermentation broth components, column resin, buffers, solvents, and excipients. By highlighting the changes biopharmaceutical industry end-users need to know about and specifying the information required, the intention of this industry-aligned guidance is to reduce the quantity of rework required and the time taken to process change requests. In turn, this will reduce variability in demand patterns as end-users refrain from building extensive inventories to mitigate against the perceived risks which arise from proposed changes. While complete alignment and standardization on the information which should be provided for changes is not possible, a more robust alignment on the typical information required, as set on in this guidance, will significantly improve the current state.
Abstract
It is important for biomanufacturers to understand trace element variation within soy hydrolysates (by knowing the minimum, maximum and average concentrations), so they can determine if the degree of variation has an impact on their process. The knowledge gained through process characterization across the maximum variation found in soy hydrolysates can be evaluated to determine if it has an impact on the biomanufacturers’ process or product on a product-byproduct basis. This is the first in a series of proposed hydrolysate white papers. The purpose is to educate users of hydrolysates of the various characteristics that they should be aware of to manage their processes. There are many parameters to consider within a hydrolysate. The intention is to start with data that can be collected on as many different hydrolysates used in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Abstract
This best practice guide to risk management in the biologics industry supply chain is based on the premise that adoption and implementation of the principles and framework reflected in ISO 31000 (Risk Management: 2018) provide an effective and efficient way to support biologics industry growth while maintaining, and potentially increasing, benefit to patients and companies, in addition to satisfying the demands of regulatory agencies and meeting legislative requirements. It is designed to encourage the industry to review their approach to risk management to validate, or refine and improve, current company practice, in terms of principles and risk management processes in this vitally important business function.
Abstract
The single-use audit guide has been designed to help the auditor and auditee understand the areas of focus in SUS audits, referencing relevant requirements and SUS manufacturing ‘elements’. It is also designed to assist the auditor in reporting their assessment of SUS manufacturers to the end-user. It includes sections on general quality management system areas and products and production processes to consider. It is designed to be applicable to audits of single-use system manufacturers.
Abstract
Single-use technology is growing fast in the biopharmaceutical industry, but designing new single-use systems involves a long, iterative process between end-user and supplier to ensure quality, regulatory, and technical requirements are met. Wouldn’t it be convenient if all these requirements were captured in a toolkit? BioPhorum and BPSA have created templates aligned with industry standards (i.e. ASTM E3051) which will simplify the single-use design process. The Single-Use User Requirement (SUUR) Template helps end users to communicate process/application details and SU requirements to suppliers, who in return can affirm or describe their capabilities to meet these requirements. The Technical Diligence Templates are pre-populated with end-user requests for detailed information that describes how suppliers may fulfil specific user requirements. Supplier responses allow end users and suppliers to make informed decisions and reduce gaps in understanding. The Supply Chain Template allows end users to request supply chain-related information and gives suppliers with a dedicated document to respond to this request. These templates combine to provide the industry with a set of common user requirements, clarity on criteria for fulfilling these requirements, and a mechanism for transmitting supply chain-related information. Adoption of these templates will yield distinct advantages to both end-users and suppliers in terms of compliance, time, and efficiency. Quality and compliance is improved by documenting and aligning expectations. Further, the tools enable clear and consistent communication, fostering a right-first-time approach to the design of single-use components.
Abstract
The biopharmaceutical industry is increasingly dependent on the use of single use systems to enable manufacturing. These systems are often customised and built from many parts, from a range of component suppliers. Change notification and change management in this complex ecosystem is very difficult unless all suppliers, integrators and users follow the same system and standards for change notification. This guide provides guidance on the classification of changes, helping those implement the best practice establish consistency in their teams and thereby helping them adopt the change notification practices more effectively. Adoption of these practices enables your company to connect more effectively with the global supply chain and avoid the impact and delay from misunderstood change notifications
Abstract
The biopharmaceutical industry is increasing dependant on the use of single use systems to enable manufacturing. These systems are often customized and built from many parts, from a range of component suppliers. Change notification and change management it this complex ecosystem is very difficult unless all suppliers, integrators and users follow the same system and standards for change notification. This guide provides a definition of best practices that once adopted across the ecosystem will deliver an effective and harmonized change notification system between companies. Specifically it provides an understanding that all companies should categorize changes,standardizes content of a pre-notification and a notification and provides a reporting template, and workflow
Abstract
The complexity of the support networks needed to deliver biopharma products, makes good supply chain mapping (SCM) essential to ensure reliable drug product supply. This is especially the case given the impact that natural disasters, adverse weather and politics can have on supply chain security. This guide from the Supply Chain Mapping workstream can be tailored to the needs of both suppliers and manufacturers and helps them map and master supply chain risk.  The guide details reasons why companies should adopt the approach, an implementation model, a standardized questionnaire to collate and manage basic supplier data and a maturity model against which a company can assess its own level of supply chain mapping and understanding.
Abstract
These tools support sharing the optimal high-level steps to simplify a process and invite people into the discussion using a common language. The optimal process outlines the essential process steps and for each one lists the ‘who’ (i.e., which role) and the ‘how’ (i.e., what medium). The RACI supports people to understand where accountabilities and responsibilities lie.
Abstract
Over the course of 14 months, eight site audits were carried out on BioPhorum’s Supply Partner supplier member company sites and these were made available for industry to license via the Rx-360 website. The audits were conducted through the Rx-360 Joint Audit Program and its audit partner BSI. This report details the methodology of the approach, the feedback and the findings of all the stakeholder groups involved and the reviewer panel involved in the pilot program.
Abstract
This template allows suppliers and customers to exchange the right information at the right time and helpa standardize this function and ensure that the ‘minimal required information’ is created and shared.
Abstract
This paper proposes that shared and electronic data exchange (EDE) is a cornerstone of collaboration and innovation in the supply chain. The paper aims to demystify EDE, set out its importance for supply chain effectiveness, capture its benefits and help people understand the practical enablers.
