The importance of a robust human factors engineering program in medical product development, particularly combination products
The FDA's Office of Combination Products recently finalized guidance emphasizing the critical role of human factors engineering (HFE) in the development of combination medical products. Eurofins Human Factors MD highlights the importance of a robust HFE program, stressing its necessity rather than being optional. The guidance recommends considering combination products as parts, conducting a separate Use-Related Risk Analysis, and identifying meaningful critical tasks. It provides clarity on participant training in HFE validation tests based on UI design requirements. The document encourages manufacturers to address unique attributes of combination products and recommends a pre-submission review of the HFE validation protocol with the FDA to mitigate risks in marketing submissions.
Cooperating With Our Customers Across the US
May 13th 2025Highlighting the importance for our clients to prepurchase multi-year maintenance contracts, in order to avoid their machines breaking or stopping to work suddenly and unexpectedly, to minimize the risk of interrupted production and emergency maintenance costs.
Large-Scale LNP Process Conversions: The many hurdles of LNP scale-up and what to consider
May 12th 2025Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation development begins on a small scale, often with homemade or benchtop setups, using syringe pumps and easily accessible micro-mixing systems. Once a promising formulation has been identified, the next step is to transition to standardized large-scale impingement mixing systems, such as the high flow T-mixing pumps that were used to produce the COVID-19 vaccines (Sealy 2021). Formulators need to consider a number of factors when scaling up novel LNP systems. These include flow rates that affect LNP particles, solvent removal, risk factors when changing equipment, and the impact of tangential flow filtration sensitivity. In this technical note, we discuss these factors and what needs to be considered when developing a cost- and time efficient large-scale process.
Adding SYLOID® Mesoporous Silica to Improve Run Time and Yield for Micronization Processes
May 9th 2025A must-read for anyone in the industry looking to enhance their micronization processes. Discover how adding low percentages of SYLOID® mesoporous silica can significantly improve the run time and yield of jet milling processes for hard-to-process Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Imagine achieving a more consistent feed rate and a homogenous final product simply by pre-blending SYLOID® mesoporous silica with your APIs. Grace & Microsize conducted experiments that reveal substantial improvements in both run time and yield, making this paper an essential guide for professionals aiming to optimize their manufacturing processes and boost efficiency and feed rate consistency.
