Articles by Tim Sandle
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Designing Facility Monitoring Systems For Cleanrooms
12/4/2023
Let's examine the features and advantages of facility monitoring systems, system architecture considerations, and overall system considerations.
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Using Automation For Antimicrobial Screening
10/5/2023
A major challenge with antimicrobial drug development is the necessity to test millions of drug compounds in the hope of finding one that will kill a given microbial pathogen. Laboratories are using robotic machines and automated solutions to try growing previously unculturable organisms that might be sources of antimicrobial compounds — and these efforts are finding success.
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New ISO 14644-21:2023 Addresses Reducing Sampling Errors With Airborne Particle Counters
9/11/2023
The new ISO 14644 Part 21 addresses optimizing particle counter accuracy in cleanrooms, focusing on reducing sampling error and particle loss. Discussion includes the use of airborne particle counters, tubing, and isokinetic probes.
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CGMP Requirements For Automated Facility Monitoring Systems
8/15/2023
To assess facility control, most organizations use facility monitoring systems to monitor the manufacturing workspaces continuously. Let's take a deeper look at current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) requirements for the design and operation of such automated systems, including a look at total particle counting.
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FDA Finalizes Guidance On Nonclinical Evaluation Of Pharmaceutical Immunotoxicity
7/18/2023
The FDA has now finalized a guidance document on the immunotoxic potential of pharmaceuticals. The FDA builds on current ICH guidance and proposes a two-stage approach. Central to the guidance is using a risk framework.
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Key Considerations In Selecting A Robotic Solution For Endotoxin Testing
7/6/2023
The U.S., European, and Japanese Pharmacopoeias require testing for bacterial endotoxin in pharmaceutical products, water, intermediates, and medical devices. This article shares key criteria for those of us who are looking to select an automated/robotic endotoxin detection system.
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FDA Adopts ICH Guidance On Assessing Nonclinical Biodistribution Of Gene Therapy Viral Vectors
5/23/2023
An important step in the gene therapy development process is assembling biodistribution data in suitable animals in relation to the intended clinical population. Developing an accurate biodistribution profile is influenced by factors such as the route of administration, dose level(s), dosing regimen, and the animal immune response to the gene therapy product. The FDA adopted this ICH guidance in May 2023, and the EMA plans to adopt it in September 2023.
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Not All Plate Counting Technologies Are The Same
5/18/2023
While rapid microbiological methods have advanced, most microbiology lab tests remain reliant upon assessing microbial growth on agar plates. Discrepancies with plate counting, together with the limitations of human vision, have led to regulatory concerns. This article shares the advantages of automated colony counters. Keep in mind that not all automated plate counters are the same, though — you'll want to look for important functionality.
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5 Characteristics Of The Automated Microbiology Lab Of The Future
4/24/2023
The modern microbiology laboratory is starting to look very different from the laboratory of 10 years ago, and it will continue to evolve in the next few years. There are a number of innovations being implemented now or are in progress that can signal the path that many microbiology laboratories will follow.
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Tackling Safety Issues Of Adjuvanted Vaccines
3/8/2023
An adjuvant is a substance added to some vaccines to enhance the immune response and/or to reduce the number of doses required to achieve a protective effect. This article discusses the emerging use of adjuvants and assessing safety issues.