Standard operating procedures (SOPs) have become the documentation backbone of our industry and, yes, at times, a major pain in the neck. Those of us who were around during the 80s may be able to recall fuzzy memories of SOPs being a thing . Fast forward to 2019, past the birth of ICH, the evolution of outsourcing, the techno explosion and the FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11, the EU obsession with quality systems, and the more recent rise of the big vendor. Today, we’re buried in mountains of SOPs.

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When it comes to GCP audits and inspections, low-hanging fruit says a lot about the tree. Welcome to the mind of an auditor/inspector. I’m going to share the thought process auditors and inspectors commonly use while reviewing job descriptions, CVs, and organizational (org) charts. Ensuring these documents are in tip-top shape is a no-brainer given the high odds they will be requested and reviewed. While establishing excellent processes for SOP and training documentation and maintenance can be complex, updating job descriptions, CVs, and org charts is perhaps one of the simplest processes within the quality system.

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In an interview with PerceptivX, Penelope shares exclusive insight on her background and why it’s high time to revolutionize regulatory compliance strategy in the pharmaceutical industry. She also spoke about the importance of leading authentically, overcoming fears to achieve goals and things she’d like most to change about the world.

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Developing storyboards for regulatory inspection readiness and facilitation is a growing trend, yet the tool is shrouded in mystery for many pharma industry professionals. Storyboarding is a powerful approach for boiling down your company’s unique drug development journey into compartmentalized, positive short stories or messages that clarify pivotal points in time or scenarios. They provide a framework for creating clear messaging that can be consistently communicated by the inspection team. This is particularly needed for situations when opportunities for company growth, mitigation of existing gaps, and/or other unique compliance scenarios were self-identified and action was taken to ensure compliance and enable forward movement. They ultimately serve to remove confusion, contradiction, and on-the-spot decision-making when addressing inspection questions about the most difficult, convoluted aspects of your product’s drug development story. All companies have those; you are not alone.

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