The FDA has more power to affect regulated companies than almost any other organization, yet many people don’t understand it. Many others ignore it as much as possible. But the FDA affects the job of every person in a medical device or drug company. This course is designed to provide participants with insight into what the regulations are, why they are there, where they fit together, when they apply, and how to interpret them. We will not just discuss Quality Systems and Good Manufacturing Practices, but also submissions, registration, clinical trials, recalls, and adverse event reporting. Each participant will develop a better understanding of the environment in which their company exists and how they can help their company thrive.

Quality Systems (QS) are sometimes viewed as a necessary evil or belonging only to production and QA personnel. However, effective QS can help a business not only comply, but excel. This course focuses on medical device companies and how to create, implement, and improve QS that match your company. Both FDA QS and ISO QS will be discussed. We will also cover: how different departments are impacted by QS, the biggest pitfalls in establishing and maintaining QS, and how to critically evaluate your QS. There will be group exercises and lots of interaction among participants to provide multiple options. In QS, it is definitely true that one size does not fit all!

Many organizations, such as FDA, ISO, OSHA, and EPA, can conduct audits or inspections in a biotech company. Most people view these events as scary, but there are ways to make them less difficult. The first method is compliance with the applicable rules. After that, preparation is the key. We will focus on these preparatory techniques, for example, using internal auditing as a tool, developing an inspection procedure, educating employees, and conducting mock inspections. Participants will roll-play being auditors and auditees.