Podcast The Life Science Rundown

Browse all episodes of our podcast, The Life Science Rundown.

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Episode #029 The Link Between Quality Culture and QA Communication Pathways with David Marks

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The FDA Group's CEO Nick Capman, sits down with David Marks to discuss the intricacies of Quality culture and QA communication pathways in the life sciences. David is a strategic advisor and experienced executive with a proven track record in establishing global Quality, Operational, Corporate Stewardship, Change Management, and Integration programs across biopharma and CROs.

Discussion points include:

» The crucial role of a Quality culture, especially in biopharma and clinical settings. David discusses how a strong Quality culture leads to proactive organizations, reducing the frequency of audits and audit findings.

» The separation of Quality from Operations to prevent conflicts of interest, and the importance of a partnership between these departments for effective decision-making and communication.

» The responsibility of leaders in cultivating a culture of Quality, and how leaders should actively demonstrate and reinforce Quality values within the organization to build trust and openness.

» The business case for Quality culture, and how it's more efficient and cost-effective to do things right the first time. David advises Operations to approach Quality issues without fear or ego, fostering open discussions.

» How investing in Quality as a crucial preventive measure saves money and avoids future issues, particularly vital in life sciences.

» Encouraging informal, trust-building discussions between QA and Operations. He stresses the importance of QA being approachable and open to discussions, which leads to significant organizational improvements.

» A shift towards more open communication in modern Quality cultures. He highlights the importance of mechanisms for employees to ask questions anonymously in environments where fear or ego might be present.

» The often-overlooked human element in Quality culture, underscoring the need for personal relationships, understanding, and cooperation between Quality and Operations teams.

» The tangible benefits of a strong quality culture, such as improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced organizational maturity.

David is a distinguished executive in the bio-pharma and CRO industries, known for his strategic expertise in global Quality, Operational, Corporate Stewardship, Change Management, and Integration programs. His career spans leading and supporting Cross-Functional Strategic Partnerships, GxP Quality Assurance/Management Operations, and Sustainability/ESG initiatives.

He has a proven track record of hands-on leadership and program oversight across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex international environments. He is adept at managing high-level strategic initiatives and C-suite special assignments across multiple corporate divisions, showcasing his versatile leadership skills.

Additionally, as an Emeritus Registered Quality Assurance Professional in Good Clinical Practice (RQAP-GCP) from the Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), he brings a deep commitment to quality assurance and extensive knowledge in Good Clinical Practice. His contributions have significantly influenced organizational success and set benchmarks in quality and operational excellence in the bio-pharma and CRO sectors.

Episode #028 Mastering Medical Device Supplier Management with Paul Hakamaki

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Paul Hakamaki, Vice President of Quality at Anteris Technologies, to explore the nuances of medical device supplier management in the medical device industry.

Discussion points include:

» Paul's journey from a supplier quality engineer to Vice President of Quality and his experience across various company sizes in the medical device sector.

» The critical importance of supplier management in the medical device industry, highlighting the necessity for clear expectations, risk management, and fostering partnerships beyond mere transactional relationships.

» A spectrum of supplier relationships, ranging from transactional for standard components to deeply involved partnerships for custom components, necessitating rigorous expectations and qualifications.

» The pivotal roles in supplier management, including purchasing professionals who handle business aspects and supplier quality engineers who manage the technical relationship, ensuring suppliers meet the company's stringent expectations.

» The extensive role of supplier quality engineers beyond conducting audits, emphasizing their importance in relationship building and technical liaison with suppliers.

» The Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF) guidance document from 2008, which provides a six-stage process for supplier management, underscoring the significance of continuous improvement and proactive management in mature supplier relationships.

» The human element in supplier relationships, often overlooked in guidance documents, which is essential for building strong partnerships that involve personal relationships, understanding, and cooperation.

» The tangible benefits of strong supplier relationships, such as consistent quality, timely delivery, and reduced production issues, which underscore the importance of the human element in forming cooperative relationships.

Paul is a seasoned Quality Leader renowned for driving significant quality improvements through data-driven projects and the daily application of Six Sigma fundamentals. With a robust track record of achieving challenging results across various business units, Paul's approach to quality leadership is rooted in collaborative problem-solving and the innovative application of Six Sigma principles. His expertise has been pivotal in overseeing complex projects such as post-market product design changes, reorganizations, facility moves, and Quality System software implementations.

Before assuming his current role as Vice President of Quality at Anteris Technologies, Paul Hakamaki honed his leadership and quality management skills in several significant roles within the healthcare and medical device industry. As the VP of Quality at Colder Products Company, he led all Quality and Quality System functions, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and overseeing the Six Sigma program across three sites in Minnesota. His strategic vision was further exemplified during his tenure as Director of Global Supplier Quality at 3M's Health Care Business Group, where he developed and implemented a comprehensive supplier quality methodology compliant with FDA and ISO 13485 standards. Prior to 3M, at Medtronic, he led a team of 125 professionals in supplier controls, managing a broad range of quality assurance processes and upholding stringent regulatory requirements. His expertise also extended to American Medical Systems, where he spearheaded supplier quality functions and internal audits, successfully closing FDA-identified compliance gaps and re-engineering the CAPA process through Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

Episode #027 Recent FDA Enforcement Trends with George Toscano

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with George Toscano, President & CEO of Toscano Consulting Group, to explore recent FDA enforcement trends and the nuances of the FDA inspection process, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the industry.

Discussion points include:

» George's extensive background in the pharmaceutical, biologics, and medical device industries, highlighting his transition from an analytical development chemist to a consultant specializing in quality and regulatory work.

» The emergence of new companies in the pharmaceutical space during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those producing hand sanitizers, and the challenges they faced with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

» The FDA's increased scrutiny on the presence of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in components, reflecting on historical issues and the importance of stringent testing for these contaminants.

» The problem of inadequate authority within quality units, especially in Over-The-Counter (OTC) manufacturers, leading to compliance issues and insufficient testing for harmful impurities.

» A shift in the FDA's focus towards ophthalmic products due to recent contamination issues, and the anticipation of this becoming a new wave of enforcement.

» The significant reduction in on-site FDA inspections during the pandemic, the transition to remote evaluations and document requests, and the gradual return to on-site inspections with continued use of remote tools.

» The concept of FDA "waves" of focus, with a recent pre-COVID wave on OTC manufacturers, and the potential for new waves targeting different areas such as ophthalmic products.

» The perennial issues cited by the FDA, such as the failure to conduct adequate investigations and the lack of or failure to follow written procedures, which are expected to continue being focal points in FDA observations.

Episode #026 Growing Your Career in RA/QA with Jessica Smith Beaver, PhD

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Jessica Smith Beaver, PhD, President & CEO of Verinetics, to explore various career trajectories within the quality and regulatory space in the life science industry, the advantages and challenges of different paths, and the crucial role of personal reflection in career development.

Discussion points include:

» Dr. Beaver's journey from a pharmacist to a contributing scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, and her eventual transition into regulatory affairs and quality space.

» The dilemmas faced by professionals in RA/QA roles, such as the decision to specialize or generalize, and the choice between working for large pharmaceutical companies or startups.

» The pros and cons of being a specialist versus a generalist in the industry, highlighting the importance of adaptability and broad experiences.

» The benefits and risks associated with working in large pharma companies compared to startups, including the opportunities for learning, career growth, and the potential for instability.

» The choice between focusing on small molecules, large molecules, pharmaceuticals, biotech, or medical devices, and how this decision ties into the broader specialist versus generalist debate.

» The transition from being an individual contributor to taking on a managerial role, emphasizing the different skill sets required and the significance of leadership in team development.

Dr. Beaver is a skilled pharmaceutical industry executive with experience at all stages of R&D for product candidates in discovery, early and late-stage development, and marketed products. Drug candidates/marketed products have included both small and large (biologic) molecules. Beginning as a product team scientist in the industry, her roles have evolved to include functional area experience in regulatory affairs, healthcare compliance, quality assurance, risk management, corporate investigations, and other business operational functions required for the distribution, marketing, sale, and promotion of pharmaceutical products.

Episode #025 Drug Delivery System Innovation and Leadership with Steve Knowles

 

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Steve Knowles, MB.BS, M.R.C.P., M.F.P.M., Chief Medical Officer at Halozyme, a biopharmaceutical company bringing disruptive solutions to significantly improve patient experiences and outcomes for emerging and established therapies.

They discuss advancements in drug delivery technology and the role of leadership in fostering innovation and addressing challenges in this field.

Discussion points include:

» Dr. Knowles's transition from a physician in the UK to Chief Medical Officer at Halozyme in San Diego.

» The evolution in drug delivery systems, such as the shift from hospital-based treatments to self-administration of drugs at home and the introduction of auto-injectors and on-body devices for efficient, patient-friendly drug administration.

» Addressing human factors and compliance to ensure products are user-friendly—and the importance of human factor studies in product development.

» The advantages of subcutaneous drug delivery, including reduced side effects, improved pharmacokinetic profiles, and patient convenience.

» How Halozyme’s one-team approach fosters a culture of curiosity, flexibility, and feedback.

» Aligning individual and organizational goals to drive innovation.

Dr. Knowles has deep pharmacovigilance and medical affairs experience gained over a career spanning almost 20 years. Dr. Knowles joined Halozyme in January 2018 as Vice President, Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance. He is responsible for the Medical, Regulatory and Drug Safety organizations.

Prior to Halozyme, Dr. Knowles served as Senior Medical Director, Global Patient Safety and Benefit Risk Management at Eli Lilly & Co. where he led the global safety physician/scientist group responsible for overseeing the safety profiles and benefit risk management of medicines across all therapeutic areas and phases of development and supported numerous BLA and MAA submissions. During his 16 years at Lilly, he held positions in Medical Affairs and from 2005 to 2017 he held roles of increasing responsibility within Global Patient Safety. Prior to these roles, Dr. Knowles spent more than 17 years in clinical practice in the UK in both hospital-based and general practice roles.

Dr. Knowles received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degrees (MB.BS) from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and is a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and a Member of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (MFPM).

Episode #024 Motivating Technical Teams in the Life Sciences: A Conversation with Rick Beatty

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Rick Beatty, Chief Science Officer and Senior VP of Quality and Regulatory at Robinson Pharma, the largest industry contract manufacturer in the U.S.

They discuss:

» Leadership philosophy, particularly the importance of focusing on employees’ success as a pathway to organizational achievement.

» Rick's shift in leadership approach after training with Marshall Goldsmith, moving from a self-centered to a people-centered approach.

» The generational gap in leadership styles, with older generations often struggling to understand the mindset of younger employees.

» How scientific and technical teams, often introverted, face challenges in communication and emotional intelligence (EQ)—and the importance of acknowledging and respecting different perceptions and realities to foster effective communication.

» How Rick’s international experience highlights the need for leaders to adapt their communication styles to different cultures and individual preferences.

» Why reflective listening and using various communication styles are essential to ensure messages are effectively received and understood.

Rick currently leads and manages multi-site manufacturing processes and systems for DSHEA, foods, and cosmetics. He manages employees, teams, and technology to pursue corporate goals in R&D, formulation, QC, Laboratory, QA, Regulatory, Audits, Compliance, and Customer Service engagement with National and FMD customers.

Episode #023 Cross-Cultural Pharma: Mike Martin's Experiences from Puerto Rico to China

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with CAI's CEO, Mike Martin, BSME, MBA, PE, whose roles have spanned from designing facilities and systems to CEO, including experiences in device manufacturing, global project management, and regulatory insights.

They discuss:

  • Mike's personal journey from growing up in Southern Indiana with a passion for math and science to leading major pharmaceutical projects around the world.
  • The importance of servant leadership in the pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing the success of team members over personal achievements.
  • The challenges and intricacies of navigating the regulatory landscape in the life sciences industry, especially in device manufacturing.
  • Advocacy for thorough preparation for regulatory inspections, emphasizing the need to start years in advance.
  • The role of mentorship in shaping one's career, with Mike crediting his mentors for providing guidance and feedback throughout his journey.
  • The cultural experiences and challenges Mike faced while working in diverse environments like Puerto Rico, China, and Ireland.
  • The belief that with the right guidance, mentorship, and leadership, it's possible to navigate the complex world of pharmaceuticals and make a significant impact.

Episode #022 Courageous Leadership to Reinvent Our Healthcare System

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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman speaks with Cheryl Blasie, Ph.D., a healthcare consultant and advocate whose roles have spanned from entry-level Ph.D. Research Scientist to Vice President and Head of Quality at biotech and biopharma companies, including Program Management, Business Operations, and Patient Advocacy.

They discuss:

  • Cheryl's personal journey from being a biotech industry veteran to becoming a healthcare advocate, driven by her own health challenges.
  • The need for courageous leadership in the healthcare sector to challenge the status quo and explore alternative treatment options beyond traditional allopathic medicine.
  • The issues affecting the current healthcare system—particularly its one-size-fits-all approach and the lack of individualized solutions.
  • Advocacy for a healthcare system that considers each person as a holistic organism and provides a range of treatment options, including vitamins, supplements, herbals, essential oils, chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture.
  • The role of local offices or advocates in educating patients about these alternative therapies and connecting them with vetted practitioners whose personalities and treatment approaches align with patients' needs.
  • The challenges in integrating these alternative therapies into the current healthcare system, particularly in terms of regulation and insurance coverage.
  • The belief that with courageous leadership, it's possible to create a healthcare system that embraces all treatment options and assists patients in finding the best alternatives for them on an individual level.

Episode #021 The Critical Role of 'Hyper-Targeting' in Rare Disease Drug Development with Dan Donovan

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The FDA Group’s CEO Nick Capman sits down with Dan Donovan, an expert in rare disease drug development, to explore the unique challenges and new opportunities presented in the rare disease space.

Episode #020 A Journey into Life Sciences Investment: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities with Sal Buscemi

 

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The FDA Group’s CEO Nick Capman sits down with seasoned investor Salvatore Buscemi to delve into the intricacies of investment in early-stage life science and device companies.

Episode #019 Navigating Risk Management in Medical Devices with Brian Dense

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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman sits down with Brian Dense, a medical device consultant with over 30 years of experience across several parts of the industry, to discuss risk management for medical devices, emphasizing key points such as:

  • The importance of risk management in the medical device industry as it forms the basis of regulations and ensures safe and cost-effective products.
  • Different markets, including the European Union, Canada, and the United States, and their specific regulatory requirements.
  • The primary standard for risk management, ISO 14971, with the 2019 version designed to align with the EU MDR regulation.
  • The significance of addressing the EU's 15 General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPRs) and including usability in risk management.
  • Risk acceptability determination, using ISO 14971's standard ranking system and evaluating products based on safety rather than cost.
  • The importance of usability in risk management, even for lower-class devices, and its integration with design history and risk management files.
  • The role of FMEA in assessing risk by identifying potential failure modes, their effects, and their probability of occurrence.
  • The value of involving a diverse team with backgrounds in engineering, manufacturing, quality, and marketing when conducting FMEA.
  • The use of process FMEA to evaluate each step in the manufacturing process and identify potential failures impacting the device's performance or safety.
  • The importance of reading and understanding ISO 14971 and ISO/TR 24971, as well as the EU MDR regulation and its GSPRs for those entering the European market.

Brian's medical device experience covers a diverse range of products from dental instruments and diagnostic equipment to orthopedics, spine, contact lenses, and urological products. His extensive background spans various company sizes, including working with two startups and three large conglomerate corporations.

Over the course of his career, Brian has developed expertise in several areas of the medical device sector, such as orthopedics and spine, as well as other specialized fields. In the past 13 years, he has transitioned to consulting, where he has been connected with The FDA group for seven years.

Episode #018 The DEA, FDA & Controlled Substances: An Insider's Perspective with Former DEA Agent Dennis Wichern

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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman sits down with former DEA agent Dennis Wichern to discuss the vital role of compliance for pharmaceutical companies dealing with controlled substances and the significance of adhering to DEA regulations. Key discussion points include:

  • The importance of strong compliance programs, record-keeping, and suspicious order monitoring systems, especially in light of the nationwide opioid lawsuits.
  • Common issues faced by DEA registrants, such as poor record-keeping and security, and the need for adequate security measures and compliant record-keeping systems.
  • The process of determining a buyer's legitimacy and the reasonability of their controlled substance purchases, with suggestions for due diligence, background checks, and evaluating the balance between controlled and non-controlled substances.
  • The focus of DEA inspections on large manufacturers and distributors, and Dennis's work with pain providers, pharmacies, hospitals, and small distributors when problems or fears of DEA intervention arise.
  • Mock inspections and tips for interacting with the DEA to help clients prepare for real inspections.
  • Dennis's experience as an expert witness in opioid lawsuits and the interactions between DEA and FDA, highlighting the different authorities of the two agencies and their collaborative efforts in determining drug schedules.

Dennis is the former Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago, Illinois regional office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He offers clients over three decades of federal law enforcement experience as well as a keen understanding federal agencies and working relationships with all major federal agencies, the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Attorneys, and other Department of Justice officials.

EPISODE #017 A Deep Dive into Medical Device Regulatory Strategy with Regulatory Attorney Christine P. Bump

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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Regulatory Attorney Christine P. Bump to discuss the current regulatory landscape for medical devices and the importance of developing a thoughtful regulatory strategy. Discussion points include:

  • The three classifications of medical devices and the various regulatory submission types — each with different risk levels, required data, costs, and approval timelines.
  • The costs associated with FDA approval.
  • Why it's important to craft a regulatory strategy early, even at the product concept stage, to determine device functionality and anticipate FDA requirements.
  • The challenges that the rapidly evolving nature of software, algorithms, and AI present for the FDA's traditional device paradigm.
  • The benefits of pre-submission meetings with the FDA, which provide valuable feedback and insights to streamline the submission process.
  • The differences between regulatory attorneys and consultants.
  • The common pitfalls for companies navigating the FDA approval process, such as insufficient budgeting and lack of in-house expertise.
  • The importance of planning well in advance and adjusting operational goals to align with regulatory requirements.
  • The importance of understanding product claims to avoid regulatory complications.

Christine is a regulatory attorney with more than 15 years of experience developing and implementing FDA strategies for cutting-edge technologies. As the founder of Penn Avenue Law & Policy, she focuses on devices, software as a medical device, digital health, diagnostics, wellness, genetics and genomics, and advertising and promotion. She advises CEOs, scientists, and teams of all levels regarding regulatory pathways, clinical investigations, premarket submissions, pre- and postmarket compliance, and promotional issues. She counsels a variety of clients, including start-ups, national and multi-national corporations, venture capital groups, and portfolio companies on navigating the FDA process.

Episode #016 Lessons from a Medtech Entrepreneur: Ram Konduru on Fostering Teamwork and Personal Growth in Leadership

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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman sits down with Ram Konduru, CEO of PrimeSoft Inc (North America & Europe) and Co-Founder of Coherence Health. Ram discusses his experience in leadership and management, highlighting the importance of having a common purpose and goal for a team. Ram and Nick also discuss the need for leaders to create strong bonds within their teams, provide opportunities for team members to bond, and be humble and relatable.

Other discussion points include:

  • Ram’s personal growth journey as a leader, the impact of his mentors on his development, and the importance of self-reflection, practice, and having a genuine belief in the company's mission. 
  • The idea that money is a byproduct of value creation.
  • The challenges of being a modern leader and manager—and the importance of staying curious and maintaining a learning attitude.
  • Life-impacting questions.
  • The importance of personal relationships and reflecting on one’s actions.
  • A few book recommendations.

EPISODE #015 Unlocking Effective Leadership: A Conversation with MetaComet Systems President, David Marlin

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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman sits down with David Marlin, President of MetaComet Systems, a company specializing in royalty automation software. David shares his background, thoughts on leadership and management, and the importance of working towards a common goal. He emphasizes the value of joining peer groups, vulnerability, trust, and using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). He credits the concept of "letting go of the vine" for reducing stress and improving overall business performance.

David also discusses:

  • His transformation from a charismatic leader to a better listener and the pride he takes in his company's software.
  • Various books on leadership and management.
  • Self-awareness, empathy, and creating positive environments as key aspects of effective leadership and management.

MetaComet was founded in 1999 to revolutionize royalties through automation. More than two decades on, it remains steered by founder and President, technologist and publishing expert David Marlin, and continues to strive for the highest levels of efficiency. MetaComet serves many different industries, and more than 140 companies of all sizes and types trust it to make royalties effortless. 

EPISODE #014 Leadership, Management, and Enhancing Quality of Life: A Conversation with Dan Barker, CEO of Wikimotive

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The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman sits down with David Marlin, President of MetaComet Systems, a company specializing in royalty automation software. David shares his background, thoughts on leadership and management, and the importance of working towards a common goal. He emphasizes the value of joining peer groups, vulnerability, trust, and using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). He credits the concept of "letting go of the vine" for reducing stress and improving overall business performance.

David also discusses:

  • His transformation from a charismatic leader to a better listener and the pride he takes in his company's software.
  • Various books on leadership and management.
  • Self-awareness, empathy, and creating positive environments as key aspects of effective leadership and management.

MetaComet was founded in 1999 to revolutionize royalties through automation. More than two decades on, it remains steered by founder and President, technologist and publishing expert David Marlin, and continues to strive for the highest levels of efficiency. MetaComet serves many different industries, and more than 140 companies of all sizes and types trust it to make royalties effortless.

EPISODE #013 Navigating the 510(k) Process: A Q&A with Regulatory Consultant Trey Thorsen, MS, RAC

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Regulatory Consultant Trey Thorsen, MS, RAC, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about navigating the 510(k) premarket notification process.

Trey brings experience in Class I, II, and III devices, such as active implantables with MRI functionality, external therapeutic devices indicated for pain, devices that have software functionality, transvaginal catheter systems that evaluate fallopian tube patency, sterile and non-sterile wound care devices, compression devices, surgical booms, surgical lights and devices indicated for incontinence. He also has experience with 513(g)s, Pre-Subs and CFGs, UDI/GUDID implementation, as well as EU MDR technical file development and remediation.

Some of the questions Trey tackles include:

  • "I would like to distribute a manufacturer's product under my own company name. Do I need to submit a 510(k)?"
  • "Can foreign companies submit a 510(k)?
  • "Besides the fees for paying a consultant to help me put this together, are there any other fees I should be aware of?
  • "How much does a U.S. Agent typically cost?"
  • "Do I need to register my facility before I submit a 510(k)?"
  • "Do I need to provide documentation that my facility complies with the quality system in my 510(k)?"
  • "Do I need to have my facility inspected to the Quality System Regulations before I submit a 510(k)?"

Need expert 510(k) assistance? At The FDA Group, we help you move through the 510(k) submission process quickly and efficiently. Our regulatory affairs consultants, many of whom are former FDA personnel, have years of experience working with and within the agency.

EPISODE #012 The Future of Life Science Talent Acquisition: Securing In-Demand Skills in a Competitive Market

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Earlier this year, Deloitte released its Global Life Sciences Outlook report, featuring a section devoted to "transforming the talent experience."

The FDA Group's CEO, Nick Capman, sat down with Larry Stevens, RAC, to unpack some of Deloitte's findings and what they might mean for life science teams looking to innovate their workforce strategies and navigate a hyper-competitive specialized labor market.

Read Deloitte's full report here (PDF).

Some key excerpts:

Page 29:

"Life sciences companies are still optimizing virtual ways of working, and other issues of concern for life science leaders in 2022 include:

  • What is our talent acquisition strategy? How do we secure in-demand skills and capabilities in a competitive market?
  • What are the “Great Resignation” effects on our company? How can we create a more meaningful talent experience?
  • How can we become a more agile and adaptable organization?"

"Life sciences companies that want to succeed in the future of work will need to be flexible in how work is done and how talent is sourced, trained, and managed. Human resources is also undergoing a massive transformation. Instead of trying to predict the future, leaders might consider how they can develop an open culture of experimentation, learning, and iteration."

Page 30:

"Throughout the next year, many life sciences companies will continue to grapple with how to solve these issues, and each will land in a different place on the spectrum. The 'Great Resignation' is calling for a 'Great Re-imagination', and a winning strategy includes creating value for workers as whole human beings and key stakeholders—including internal and external workers."

"Successful companies are no longer concentrating on just hiring the smartest people, but rather on having access to the smartest people. New workforce ecosystems include in-house employees combined with a diverse mix of external contributors—e.g., contractors, app developers, other gig workers, external partners and suppliers, and even software bots. According to recent research from MIT Sloan Management Review and Deloitte, only 28% of global managers feel they are sufficiently preparing to manage a workforce that will rely more on external participants."

"One agile strategy is to shift from a hierarchical structure to a more team- and networked-based approach that may combine internal and external workers into specialized or cross-functional teams."

Page 35:

"According to a recent Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey, attracting and retaining talent in a tight labor market has ascended to the top of CEOs’ list of strategic priorities. Companies should reimagine work as a landscape of tasks and skills that dynamically evolves with business priorities."

EPISODE #011 FDA Revives Its Proposed Quality Metrics Program for Pharma


The FDA Group's Nick Capman discusses the recent news that the FDA is once again returning to its quality metrics program for pharma manufacturers.

EPISODE #010 Inspection Alternatives Are Driving More FDA Enforcement Actions: What It Means for Industry

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Product sampling and remote records requests accounted for most import alerts and drug GMP warning letters over FDA's fiscal year 2021. They may play a key role post-pandemic.  
 
As remote records reviews conducted during the pandemic accounted for a growing share of warning letters, experts have advised the industry to prepare for remote FDA oversight to continue even after routine site inspections resume and the pandemic recedes.  
 
The FDA, which historically relied solely on on-site inspections as a basis for drug adulteration warning letters, only based 28% of warning letters issued in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2021 on-site inspections, with 62% based on sample testing and 10% on remote records reviews.  
In this episode, we sit down with former FDA professional, Larry Stevens, RAC, to talk about how inspection alternatives may become a permanent facet of FDA's oversight program and what companies may want to consider doing to prepare accordingly.  
 
FDA official: Growing number of enforcement actions stem from inspection alternatives: https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2021/11/fda-official-says-increasing-number-of-enforcement (RAPS)   
 
About Larry Stevens, RAC:
Larry has held almost every field position within FDA during his 21-year career with the Agency. He has over 18 years of experience in the medical device industry, rising from an RA Manager to Vice President of RA/QA/Clinical for major class III device manufacturers. He specializes in planning, creating, and auditing quality systems as well as creating clinical plans, including protocol development, case report form development, and implementing and managing clinical trials. He also assists in design control to meet FDA requirements. Larry is a professional speaker who regularly trains on all aspects of FDA requirements while offering practical, successful solutions to FDA problems.  

EPISODE #009 FDA's Domestic Biopharma Inspections Return to Normal

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From Endpoints News:

For the first time since March 2020, the FDA’s inspections of US-based biopharma sites have returned to normal, according to FDA acting commissioner Janet Woodcock.

“I’m pleased to say that as of this month, we’ve begun transitioning back to standard operations for domestic inspections while continuing to prioritize mission-critical work for foreign inspections,” Woodcock said. The return to normalcy will be welcomed by industry, which has grappled with a growing backlog of mostly surveillance inspections, although some of those delayed inspections have also delayed the approval of new drugs.

According to a report from FDA in May, an estimated 68 applications (including 48 for human drugs) have been delayed due to FDA’s inability to conduct pre-approval, pre-market, or pre-license inspections as of March. The agency said it postponed nearly 8,000 non-mission-critical surveillance inspections in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Surveillance inspections are routine inspections that monitor conformance to FDA requirements to identify quality problems and adverse trends, but unlike others, they’re planned in advance by applying established risk factors and statutory inspection frequency mandates.

Read the full article here.

EPISODE #008 Quality Management Review: Benchmarking Quantitatively!

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Tobias Kuners of Koenders, Managing Consultant at Tob Management, to discuss his integrated approach to implementing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative metrics in the GMP and non-GMP sides of a life science business.

Tobias has worked with Biogen, Ipsen, Thermo Fisher, Kite Pharma, and Danone, among other companies, gaining hands-on experience in engineering services, equipment qualification, maintenance, supply chain, warehousing, and distribution. He has led the design, engineering, and construction of multiple facilities to meet cGMP requirements. He performs audits, identifies gaps, and develops remediation plans, working within organizations to assist with deviation investigations and CAPA implementation and to develop scientific, risk-based solutions. 

EPISODE #007 Addressing FDA's Inspection Backlog with Mary Denigan-Macauley, Director of Health Care, GAO

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Mary Denigan-Macauley, Director of Health Care in the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to understand the situation the FDA finds itself in with respect to a formidable pandemic-induced inspection backlog, and what measures the agency may take to address it.

Mary joined GAO in 2001, managing a diverse portfolio related to science and animal health for GAO’s Natural Resource and Environment team. This work covered cross-cutting topics such as foreign animal diseases, antibiotic resistance, food safety, and emergency preparedness. Prior to joining GAO, Mary taught various courses in public policy and public affairs at Sam Houston State University, Troy University, and the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs.

Over the past year, Mary and her team at the GAO have published two FDA-focused reports:

EPISODE #006 FDA's Fraudulent Products Task Force and Operation Quack Hack Battle COVID Vaccine Scams

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, discusses the federal effort to thwart COVID-19 vaccine scams.

From FDA.gov:

"The FDA’s dedicated COVID-19 Fraudulent Products Task Force continues to monitor the market, including online, for fraudulent COVID-19 products, and the Operation Quack Hack initiative continues to leverage agency expertise and advanced analytics, resulting in the removal of hundreds of unlawful products from the marketplace. To date, the agency has uncovered nearly 1,300 fraudulent products, sent more than 160 warning letters, issued more than 270 abuse complaints to domain registrars, and sent more than 290 requests to various marketplaces to remove listings for fraudulent COVID-19 products.

The FDA will continue working with its state and federal partners to take appropriate action against bad actors who prey upon people seeking a COVID-19 vaccine in the midst of this global pandemic. The agency has gone to great lengths to ensure that the authorized vaccines available to the public are safe and effective."

Read the full article here.

EPISODE #005 What to Expect for the FDA's Regulation of Medical Devices & Digital Health Under the Biden Administration

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, breaks down the key points in a recent Morgan Lewis article laying out what to expect for the FDA's regulation of medical devices and digital health under the Biden administration.
 
Read the full Morgan Lewis piece here.
 
Need RA/QA/Clinical project or resourcing support? The FDA Group helps thousands of life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. Learn more and get the conversation started.

EPISODE #004 Clinical Outsourcing & Insourcing: Selecting the Right Model or Mix

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Mark Shapiro, a Partner with biopharmaceutical consulting firm Pharma Initiatives, to discuss outsourcing and insourcing models in the current clinical R&D environment, and what to consider when selecting the right model or mix of models for a project.

Download the corresponding white paper and put these insights into practice: A Modern Guide to Clinical Operations Resourcing.

Mark is widely recognized as an expert on the business of clinical research and is frequently quoted in the press, including Outsourcing Pharma, PharmaVoice, and CenterWatch. His comments have also been featured in the New York Times and Raleigh News & Observer on topics pertaining to the business of drug development. His focus at Pharma Initiatives is growth and innovation strategies in clinical research, development, and medical affairs. He has led strategic planning, growth, and change management initiatives at many pharmaceutical, biotech, and clinical research organizations. 

Prior to joining Pharma Initiatives, Mark was SVP, Operations at a global CRO, where he was responsible for an operations team of about 500 drug development professionals in more than 30 countries, and a portfolio of more than 100 active clinical trials. He was previously a management consultant at Campbell Alliance in the Clinical Development and Medical Affairs Practice, where he worked with many global CROs and biopharma companies on R&D innovation strategy. Mark is a pharmacologist, holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, and has received numerous certifications in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and healthcare management.

Need RA/QA/Clinical project or resourcing support? The FDA Group helps thousands of life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. Learn more and get the conversation started.

Episode #003 What RA/QA/Clinical Leaders Should Expect From the FDA in 2021

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Ben Locwin, Senior Consultant for Public Health Outreach at the CDC, and Executive Advisor for Valeocon Management Consulting, to discuss what life science leaders should expect from the FDA in 2021 as it pertains to quality system management, regulatory approvals, GxP compliance, and more.

Ben has extensive experience working with the FDA and international regulatory officials. His project work includes Pre-IND, NDA, Ph1-3, and marketed/post-market drug products, as well as PMA and 510(k) medical devices. Ben has trained FDA inspectors within their headquarters and has participated in the design of the FDA's Global Quality Metrics Initiative.

Need RA/QA/Clinical project or resourcing support? The FDA Group helps thousands of life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. Learn more and get the conversation started.

EPISODE #002 Inside FDA Pre-Approval Inspections with Former FDA Investigator, Christopher Smith

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, sits down with Former FDA Investigator, Christopher Smith to dive deep into FDA Pre-Approval Inspections (PAIs). Chris has more than 40 years of experience having held senior positions at the FDA, large and small pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations. 

Learn how PAIs are planned and conducted, how to prepare for them, and where to go to find helpful resources your team can utilize.

Need expert help with PAI preparation? Contact us to schedule a mock PAI or discuss other quality and compliance support. Learn more about our GMP Auditing services here.

Resources:

EPISODE #001 A Look at FDA's Pandemic Inspections Q&A Guidance

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The FDA Group’s CEO, Nick Capman, breaks down the FDA’s Q&A guidance on drug and biologic inspections during the pandemic, pointing out the important takeaways manufacturers should consider and prepare for. Read our blog post for a written breakdown of the key takeaways. We've also written on FDA's more recent guidance outlining its expectations for resuming normal manufacturing operations during the pandemic. Read that post here. Need expert quality system remediation assistance? Learn more and get in touch.

Resources:

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