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Press Release: Data Integrity To Be Included In MHRA Pre-Inspection Compliance

May 19, 2015 / by Paul Moran

 

data integrity regulations mhraA LIMS can help businesses meet regulations.

Yorkshire, UK (May 19, 2015) - On 17th of March, 2015, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) released the newly revised and updated GMP pre-inspection compliance report templates and guidance. The newest format of the report includes guidelines for the inclusion of data integrity policies that will now be added in order for compliance to be met.

Prior to any inspection, entities that fall under the pre-inspection compliance are required to include the following data integrity measures for inspection purposes:

  • Confirmation that a data integrity / data governance policy is in place.

  • Confirmation that computerised system owners / personnel with administrative-level permissions are available during the GMP inspection.

  • Information on the computerised systems that are used for storage, control and processing is available. The MHRA specifically mentions Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) used within Quality Control laboratories in the report in addition to manufacturing execution systems.

  • A list of all principal computerised systems such as LIMS, ERP and CDS in addition to information on any stand-alone systems and qualification dates.

Entities that deal with manufacturing or distribution of pharmaceuticals will be required to comply with the guidelines for data integrity that have been added to the GMP and GDP process. They will also be required to provide this information if they are a manufacturer that plans to import pharmaceuticals and new entities that are applying for a manufacturing or wholesaler license.

Additional information on the MHRA publication can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/good-manufacturing-practice-and-good-distribution-practice

The initial publication by the MHRA outlining the pre-inspection compliance requirements garnered a great deal of interest from stakeholders who had questions regarding what data integrity encompassed. The MHRA released the March report in answer to the question, adding clarification to the text in hopes that the industry will take proactive measures to protect and secure their data instead of reacting or defending their data processes in the event they are audited. By providing industry entities with this information ahead of time, the MHRA is hoping manufacturers and wholesalers will design and operate systems that adhere to the guidelines and product pharmaceuticals that meet the necessary consistency and accountability regulations.

Regulatory requirements are constantly changing, especially when it comes to data integrity. Without accurate information to support a business’ quality practices, the business itself could face fraud charges because of quality violations. Already the FDA and the Department of Justice are investigating numerous international drug maker investigators and clinical trial coordinators because they did not have proper data integrity procedures in place. The MHRA’s push to include data integrity elements in its inspections will help reduce the time and effort that is being put into these investigations.

Pharmaceutical companies, whether wholesalers or manufacturers, are expected to create a Culture of Quality which shows continuous improvement in order to meet the recent changes that have been put into effect in the new regulatory requirement. Data integrity is a fundamental component of any corporation, but especially in a pharmaceutical setting. It helps ensure that the medicines being manufactured and sold are safe and effective for public consumption. A Laboratory Information Management System is one way companies can ensure they are creating a culture of quality and that their data integrity requirements are being met.

LabHQ, a LIMS system developed and maintained by Broughton Software, is currently in version 4 and meets the MHRA requirements. “LabHQ is versatile software that will help businesses keep track of their audit trails during inspections. We’ve designed it make it user friendly and assist in data administration from user accounts that meet the data integrity requirements that are now being implemented by the MHRA,” said Paul Moran, CEO of Broughton Software, developer of LIMS software systems for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

With the push towards valid and trustworthy data being emphasized across the globe, the MHRA and the FDA have been attempting to devise a way to oversee a global network of suppliers and manufacturers that support pharmaceutical companies. LIMS systems, such as LabHQ by Broughton Software, are being encouraged to help inspection officials remain free from unreliable industry data.

About Broughton Software

Broughton Software is a development company specialising in the regulated pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Broughton Software provides innovative software solutions, enabling clients to increase business efficiency. For more information contact Broughton Software at phone +44 1756 630 530 or e-mail info@broughtonsoftware.com.

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data integrity, LIMS, MHRA, pharmaceutical manufacturing, FDA, Broughton Software, Culture of Quality, LabHQ, data processing, data accuracy

creating a culture of quality for data integrity in a business

Topics: LIMS, Data Management, News, Data Integrity

Paul Moran

Written by Paul Moran

Dr. Paul Moran is the founder of Broughton Laboratories Ltd and Broughton Software Ltd who serves as their Chief Executive. As a chemistry graduate with a PhD in Biotechnology, Paul began his career at the US pharmaceutical manufacturer Johnson and Johnson. In his role as QC Laboratories Manager, Paul obtained Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Paul entered the world of contract QC testing in 2003 supporting the successful growth of a contract laboratory leading to its merger in 2005. Paul started his first venture in 2006, establishing Broughton Laboratories as one of the leading UK MHRA and US FDA GMP licensed contract laboratories with its own dedicated stability storage facility which opened in 2011. The spin-off company, Broughton Software, was established in 2012 to provide a LIMS solution for regulated QC Laboratories. LabHQ LIMS launched its 4th release in September 2015.