KAPS Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which FDA guidance document outlines the process analytical technology (PAT) framework for pharmaceutical manufacturing?
- ICH Q8
- FDA PAT Guidance 2004 (Correct answer)
- 21 CFR Part 211
- USP <1058>
Correct answer: FDA PAT Guidance 2004
The FDA issued its PAT guidance in 2004, titled 'PAT — A Framework for Innovative Pharmaceutical Development, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance.'
Question 2: Under 21 CFR Part 314, what is the standard review period for a standard NDA after it is accepted for filing?
- 6 months
- 10 months (Correct answer)
- 12 months
- 18 months
Correct answer: 10 months
The standard FDA review goal for an NDA under PDUFA is 10 months from the date of filing.
Question 3: Which ICH guideline specifically addresses pharmaceutical development and the concept of design space?
- ICH Q9
- ICH Q10
- ICH Q8(R2) (Correct answer)
- ICH Q11
Correct answer: ICH Q8(R2)
ICH Q8(R2) on Pharmaceutical Development introduced the concept of design space as the multidimensional combination of input variables that provides quality assurance.
Question 4: A pharmaceutical company receives an FDA Form 483 after a GMP inspection. What does this form represent?
- A warning letter requiring immediate corrective action
- Inspectional observations of conditions that may be objectionable (Correct answer)
- A consent decree mandating a facility shutdown
- Final approval of the facility's quality systems
Correct answer: Inspectional observations of conditions that may be objectionable
FDA Form 483 lists inspectional observations of conditions the investigator found that may constitute violations of GMP regulations, but it is not a final agency determination.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a Drug Master File (DMF) submitted to the FDA?
- To request marketing approval for a new drug
- To provide confidential detailed information about facilities, processes, or articles used in manufacturing (Correct answer)
- To report adverse events associated with a marketed drug
- To register a foreign drug establishment with the FDA
Correct answer: To provide confidential detailed information about facilities, processes, or articles used in manufacturing
A DMF allows manufacturers to provide confidential supporting information to the FDA without disclosing proprietary data directly to NDA/ANDA applicants.
Question 6: Which regulation requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to investigate any unexplained discrepancy in batch production records, including yield failures?
- 21 CFR 211.68
- 21 CFR 211.192 (Correct answer)
- 21 CFR 211.110
- 21 CFR 211.160
Correct answer: 21 CFR 211.192
21 CFR 211.192 requires a thorough investigation of any unexplained discrepancy or failure of a batch to meet specifications, including yield.
Question 7: In the context of pharmaceutical quality systems, what does CAPA stand for?
- Corrective and Preventive Action (Correct answer)
- Control and Process Assessment
- Compliance Audit and Performance Analysis
- Critical Attribute and Parameter Assessment
Correct answer: Corrective and Preventive Action
CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) is a quality system element used to identify, investigate, and eliminate the causes of actual or potential nonconformances.
Which FDA guidance document outlines the process analytical technology (PAT) framework for pharmaceutical manufacturing?