80_FR_45117 80 FR 44973 - Request for Quality Metrics; Notice of Draft Guidance Availability and Public Meeting; Request for Comments

80 FR 44973 - Request for Quality Metrics; Notice of Draft Guidance Availability and Public Meeting; Request for Comments

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 144 (July 28, 2015)

Page Range44973-44977
FR Document2015-18448

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Request for Quality Metrics'' and a public meeting regarding the Agency's plans associated with a quality metrics reporting program. The draft guidance and public meeting are intended to gain stakeholders' perspectives on various aspects of the development and planned implementation of a quality metrics program launched under the authority of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act). The guidance includes an explanation of how FDA intends to use quality metrics data to further develop the FDA's risk-based inspection scheduling, to identify situations in which there may be a risk for drug supply disruption, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of establishment inspections, and to improve FDA's evaluation of drug manufacturing and control operations. FDA expects that the initial use of the metrics will be to consider a decreased surveillance inspection frequency for certain establishments. For example, establishments that have highly controlled manufacturing processes have the potential to be inspected less often (as a lower priority for inspection) than similar establishments that demonstrate uncontrolled processes (as a higher priority for inspection). In addition, FDA intends to consider whether these metrics may provide a basis for FDA to use improved risk-based principles to determine the appropriate reporting category for postapproval manufacturing changes. FDA intends to consider the input from this public meeting as we finalize this guidance and the planned implementation of this program, including FDA's initial set of requests for quality metrics data.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 144 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 144 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44973-44977]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18448]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

[Docket No. FDA-2014-D-2537]


Request for Quality Metrics; Notice of Draft Guidance 
Availability and Public Meeting; Request for Comments

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of meeting; notice of draft guidance availability, 
request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug 
Evaluation and Research (CDER) and Center for Biologics Evaluation and 
Research (CBER), is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for 
industry entitled ``Request for Quality Metrics'' and a public meeting 
regarding the Agency's plans associated with a quality metrics 
reporting program. The draft guidance and public meeting are intended 
to gain stakeholders' perspectives on various aspects of the 
development and planned implementation of a quality metrics program 
launched under the authority of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the 
FD&C Act). The guidance includes an explanation of how FDA intends to 
use quality metrics data to further develop the FDA's risk-based 
inspection scheduling, to identify situations in which there may be a 
risk for drug supply disruption, to improve the efficiency and 
effectiveness of establishment inspections, and to improve FDA's 
evaluation of drug manufacturing and control operations. FDA expects 
that the initial use of the metrics will be to consider a decreased 
surveillance inspection frequency for certain establishments. For 
example, establishments that have highly controlled manufacturing 
processes have the potential to be inspected less often (as a lower 
priority for inspection) than similar establishments that demonstrate 
uncontrolled processes (as a higher priority for inspection). In 
addition, FDA intends to consider whether these metrics may provide a 
basis for FDA to use improved risk-based principles to determine the 
appropriate reporting category for postapproval manufacturing changes. 
FDA intends to consider the input from this public meeting as we 
finalize this guidance and the planned implementation of this program, 
including FDA's initial set of requests for quality metrics data.

DATES: The meeting will be held on August 24, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 
p.m. The meeting may be extended or end early depending on the level of 
public participation. Register to attend or present at the meeting by 
August 7, 2015, (see section V.C. for information on how to register or 
make a presentation at the meeting). If you cannot attend in person, 
information about how you can access a live Web cast will be located at 
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm451529.htm.
    Submit either electronic or written comments concerning the draft 
guidance and collection of information proposed in the draft guidance 
by September 28, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at FDA White Oak Campus, 10903 New 
Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 31 Conference Center, the Great Room (Rm. 1503 
Section B/C), Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002. Entrance for the public 
meeting participants (non-FDA employees) is through Building 1, where 
routine security check procedures will be performed. For parking and 
security information, please refer to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WorkingatFDA/BuildingsandFacilities/WhiteOakCampusInformation/ucm241740.htm.
    Submit written requests for single copies of the draft guidance to 
the Division of Drug Information, Center for Drug Evaluation and 
Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10001 New Hampshire Ave., 
Hillandale Building, 4th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, or Center 
for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 
10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. 7301, Silver Spring, MD 20993-
0002, 240-402-7911. Send one self-addressed adhesive label to assist 
that office in processing your requests. See the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section for electronic access to the draft guidance 
document. The draft guidance may also be obtained by mail by calling 
CBER at 1-800-835-4709 or 240-402-7800.
    Submit electronic comments on the draft guidance to http://www.regulations.gov. Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets 
Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, 
Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. All comments should be identified with 
the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Althea Cuff, Food and Drug 
Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 
301-796-4061, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    More than a decade ago, FDA launched an initiative to encourage the 
implementation of a modern, risk-based pharmaceutical quality 
assessment system. As part of this initiative, and in recognition of 
the increasing complexity of pharmaceutical manufacturing, FDA 
developed a 21st century vision for manufacturing and quality with 
input from academia and industry. The desired state was described as 
follows: ``A maximally efficient, agile, flexible pharmaceutical 
manufacturing sector that reliably produces high-quality drug products 
without extensive regulatory oversight.'' \1\
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    \1\ See ``FDA Pharmaceutical Quality Oversight: One Quality 
Voice'' at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofMedicalProductsandTobacco/CDER/UCM442666.pdf.
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    There has been significant progress toward this vision in the 
intervening

[[Page 44974]]

years, as evidenced by programs and guidance from FDA around major 
initiatives such as pharmaceutical development and quality by design 
(QbD), quality risk management and pharmaceutical quality systems, 
process validation, and process analytical technology (PAT), among 
others. These programs and guidances are intended to promote effective 
use of the most current pharmaceutical science and engineering 
principles and knowledge throughout the lifecycle of a product.
    Despite these achievements, however, we have not fully realized our 
21st century vision for manufacturing and quality--there continue to be 
indicators of serious product quality defects. The Agency has found 
that the majority of drug shortages stem from quality concerns--
substandard manufacturing facilities or processes are discovered, or 
significant quality defects are identified in finished product, 
necessitating remediation efforts to fix the issue, which in turn, may 
interrupt production, and cause a shortage of drugs.\2\ Taking action 
to reduce drug shortages remains a top priority for FDA.
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    \2\ In 2012, for example, based on information collected from 
manufacturers, FDA determined that 66 percent of disruptions in drug 
manufacturing were the result of either (1) efforts to address 
product-specific quality failures or (2) broader efforts to 
remediate or improve an unsafe manufacturing facility. ``FDA's 
Strategic Plan for Preventing and Mitigating Drug Shortages'', see 
figure 2, at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/drugsafety/drugshortages/ucm372566.pdf.
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    The continued existence of product quality issues may point to 
increased complexities in the supply chain, a lack of innovation in 
manufacturing, a failure to adopt modern manufacturing technologies and 
robust quality management systems, or other factors. Title VII of the 
Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) amended 
the FD&C Act to provide FDA with a number of new authorities to drive 
safety and quality throughout the drug supply chain. Section 706 of 
FDASIA amended section 704(a) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 374(a)) by 
adding section 704(a)(4), under which FDA may require the submission of 
any records or other information that FDA may inspect under section 704 
of the FD&C Act, in advance or in lieu of an inspection, by requesting 
the records or information from a person that owns or operates an 
establishment that is engaged in the manufacture, preparation, 
propagation, compounding, or processing of a drug. As described in the 
draft guidance, under this authority, FDA intends to make an initial 
set of requests for quality metrics data to owners and operators of 
certain human drug establishments. FDA intends to make its requests at 
the time the guidance is finalized and to provide notice of its 
requests in the Federal Register. FDA would use the data it receives to 
calculate quality metrics and to inform decisions about how to develop 
its program. FDA may add to, revise, or remove quality metrics data and 
establishments in such future requests to reflect the Agency's 
understanding of current manufacturing and establishment considerations 
and the utility of the data received to date.
    FDA used the following criteria for the selection of the quality 
metrics described in the guidance: Objective, subject to inspection 
under section 704 of the FD&C Act, and valuable in assessing the 
overall state of quality of the product and process, commitment to 
quality by the manufacturer, and the health (i.e., effective 
functioning) of the associated Pharmaceutical Quality System(s), while 
avoiding any undue reporting burden.
    CGMP regulations for human drugs expect an ongoing program to 
maintain and evaluate product and process data that relate to product 
quality (21 CFR 211.180(e)). Manufacturers are expected to use a 
quality program in order to support process validation, and the metrics 
described in this guidance could be a part of such a program. As 
discussed in the guidance, FDA encourages manufacturers to routinely 
use additional quality metrics beyond the metrics described in this 
guidance in performing these evaluations.
    FDA intends to use quality metrics data to further develop the 
FDA's risk-based inspection scheduling, to identify situations in which 
there may be a risk for drug supply disruption, to improve the 
efficiency and effectiveness of establishment inspections, and to 
improve FDA's evaluation of drug manufacturing and control operations. 
FDA expects that the initial use of the metrics will be to consider a 
decreased surveillance inspection frequency for certain establishments. 
For example, establishments that have highly controlled manufacturing 
processes have the potential to be inspected less often (as a lower 
priority for inspection) than similar establishments that demonstrate 
uncontrolled processes (as a higher priority for inspection). In 
addition, FDA intends to consider whether these metrics may provide a 
basis for FDA to use improved risk-based principles to determine the 
appropriate reporting category for postapproval manufacturing changes.
    In the context of developing this program, to identify some types 
of mutually useful and objective quality metrics, FDA has consulted 
with stakeholders through various trade and professional association 
meetings, and a Federal Register document we published on February 12, 
2013 (78 FR 9928) soliciting initial input on the use of manufacturing 
quality metrics as it relates to drug shortages. These efforts have 
generated several categories of quality-related information that CDER 
and CBER have considered in developing the quality metrics discussed in 
the guidance.
    As described in the guidance, FDA intends to collect and use 
quantitative quality metrics data to calculate four quality metrics. 
Notably, FDA has considered requesting data on the ``Right First Time'' 
metric, which is a measure of the rework/reprocessing rate or the 
number of lots released without any processing deviations. We believe 
that a Right First Time metric can be a useful metric for 
establishments to measure as part of their own quality metrics program 
and a leading indicator for product quality. However, as part of our 
stakeholder consultation, we have also received mixed industry feedback 
on how to define this metric, whether this metric may be less relevant 
for finished dosage forms than for active pharmaceutical ingredient 
(API) manufacturing (where rework is more common), and whether this 
metric is suitably robust for use in our program. We are requesting 
further input on this topic (see section V.B.).
    This draft guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good 
guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The draft guidance, when 
finalized, will represent the current thinking of FDA on request for 
quality metrics. It does not establish any rights for any person and is 
not binding on FDA or the public. You can use an alternative approach 
if it satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and 
regulations.

II. Specific Request for Comments and Information

    In addition to comments on the guidance generally, FDA is 
requesting comments and related supporting information on the following 
topics, as described in the draft guidance: (1) Optional metrics 
related to quality culture and process capability/performance, (2) 
frequency of quality metrics data reporting, (3) an alternative 
approach to reduce the reporting burden based on the data collection 
timeframe, and (4) an alternative approach that would allow inclusion 
of a limited text field for data points or metrics. FDA has described 
these potential alternative approaches in the draft guidance and is

[[Page 44975]]

seeking public comment on these and any other alternative approaches.

III. Comments

    Interested persons may submit either electronic comments regarding 
this document to http://www.regulations.gov or written comments to the 
Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES). It is only necessary to 
send one set of comments. Identify comments with the docket number 
found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments 
may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 
p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be posted to the docket at http://www.regulations.gov.

IV. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    The draft guidance contains information collection provisions that 
are subject to review by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(the PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The title, description, and respondent 
description of the information collection are given under this section 
with an estimate of the annual reporting burden. Included in the 
estimate is the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing 
data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing 
and reviewing the collection of information.
    We invite comments on these topics: (1) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
FDA's functions, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (2) the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways 
to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, 
including through the use of automated collection techniques, when 
appropriate, and other forms of information technology.
    Title: Request for Quality Metrics; Guidance for Industry.
    Description: FDA intends to use quality metrics data to further 
develop the FDA's risk-based inspection scheduling, to identify 
situations in which there may be a risk for drug supply disruption, to 
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of establishment inspections, 
and to improve FDA's evaluation of drug manufacturing and control 
operations. FDA expects that the initial use of the metrics will be to 
consider a decreased surveillance inspection frequency for certain 
establishments. For example, establishments that have highly controlled 
manufacturing processes have the potential to be inspected less often 
(as a lower priority for inspection) than similar establishments that 
demonstrate uncontrolled processes (as a higher priority for 
inspection). In addition, FDA intends to consider whether these metrics 
may provide a basis for FDA to use improved risk-based principles to 
determine the appropriate reporting category for postapproval 
manufacturing changes.
    Section 704(a)(4)(A) of the FD&C Act, added by section 706 of 
FDASIA, authorizes FDA to request from a person that owns or operates 
an establishment that is engaged in the manufacture, preparation, 
propagation, compounding, or processing of a drug in advance or in lieu 
of an inspection any records or other information that we may inspect 
under section 704 of the FD&C Act, provided that we request submission 
of the information within a reasonable time frame, within reasonable 
limits, and in a reasonable manner. The draft guidance is intended to 
describe a set of requests for data under section 704(a)(4) of the FD&C 
Act that FDA intends to give notice of in the Federal Register at the 
time the guidance is finalized. In general, the information needed to 
respond to FDA's proposed requests is developed and maintained in the 
course of manufacturing drugs under existing current good manufacturing 
practice (CGMP) for finished pharmaceuticals in part 211 (21 CFR part 
211), and for APIs under section 501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act (21 
U.S.C. 351(a)(2)(B)), and could be reviewed during an FDA inspection of 
a drug establishment. FDA has OMB approval for the information 
collection currently required under part 211 (OMB control number 0910-
0139) and, in table 2, we have calculated the burden for preparing and 
maintaining the information collection for APIs as currently required 
under section 501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act but not currently included 
under OMB control number 0910-0139.
    FDA intends to request quality metrics data from owners and 
operators of certain establishments registered under section 510 of the 
FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 360), as described in the draft guidance. FDA 
intends to request that such establishments compile reports containing 
the following quality metrics data, segregated by quarter, by product, 
and establishment:
     The number of lots attempted of the product.
     The number of specification-related rejected lots of the 
product, rejected during or after manufacturing.
     The number of attempted lots pending disposition for more 
than 30 days.
     The number of out-of-specification (OOS) results for the 
product, including stability testing.
     The number of lot release and stability tests conducted 
for the product.
     The number of OOS results for lot release and stability 
tests for the product which are invalidated due to lab error.
     The number of product quality complaints received for the 
product.
     The number of lots attempted which are released for 
distribution or for the next stage of manufacturing the product.
     If the associated annual product reviews (APRs) or product 
quality reviews (PQRs) were completed within 30 days of annual due date 
for the product.
     The number of APRs or PQRs required for the product.
    In addition to the baseline metrics described previously, FDA is 
requesting public comment on whether to include the option of 
submitting additional, optional metrics as evidence of manufacturing 
robustness and a commitment to quality:
     Senior Management Engagement--Was each APR or PQR reviewed 
and approved by the following: (1) The head of the quality unit, (2) 
the head of the operations unit, (3) both, or (4) neither?
     Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) 
Effectiveness--What percentage of your corrective actions involved re-
training of personnel (i.e., a root cause of the deviation is lack of 
adequate training)?
     Process Capability/Performance--A ``yes'' or ``no'' value 
of whether the establishment's management calculated a process 
capability or performance index for each critical quality attribute as 
part of that product's APR or PQR.
     Process Capability/Performance--A ``yes'' or ``no'' value 
of whether the establishment's management has a policy of requiring a 
CAPA at some lower process capability or performance index.
     Process Capability/Performance--If ``yes'' to the previous 
question--What is the process capability or performance index that 
triggers a CAPA? If ``no'' to the previous question--please do not 
respond.
    We estimate the submission of approximately 63,000 product reports 
to FDA containing the 15 quality metrics data outlined in this document 
and described in the draft guidance (``Total Annual Reponses'' in table 
1). We estimate that approximately 6,300 establishments will compile 
and submit these reports, including covered

[[Page 44976]]

establishments, reporting establishments, and unregistered foreign 
establishments, as described in the draft guidance (``Number of 
Respondents'' in table 1). We specifically request comment on our 
estimate of 6,300 establishments and the types of establishments that 
will participate in compiling and reporting quality metrics data.
    Our estimate of 63,000 reports is based on the following: 
Approximately 25,000 reports for drugs subject to approved applications 
(that is, drugs subject to either approved applications under section 
505 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355) or under section 351 of the PHS 
Act, or covered by a submission to a drug master file that is intended 
to support an application, and approximately 38,000 reports for drugs 
not subject to approved applications (that is, drugs not subject to 
either approved applications under section 505 of the FD&C Act or under 
section 351 of the PHS Act (e.g., drugs marketed pursuant to an OTC 
monograph and marketed unapproved drugs)).
    Our estimate of 6,300 establishments is based on data from FDA's 
Document Archiving, Reporting & Regulatory Tracking System and the 
Electronic Drug Registration and Listing System. We estimate that 
reporting the quality metrics data described previously for each 
affected product will take approximately 10.6 hours (``Average Burden 
per Response'' in table 1). This is a weighted average of the estimate 
for ``drugs subject to approved applications'' (finished product and 
API) (15.75 hours) and ``drugs not subject to approved applications'' 
(finished product and API) (7 hours). The time estimate for application 
and non-application products differs because the groupings are 
different (e.g., different strengths are grouped in an application and 
are not grouped for national drug code). These burden hour estimates 
are based on information provided by CGMP regulatory compliance experts 
at FDA and in industry. Therefore, we estimate approximately 667,800 
total burden hours for compiling and reporting quality metrics data 
under the draft guidance (``Total Hours'' in table 1). We believe that 
the estimated burden for the initial set of requests represents a 
conservative estimate of the annual burden of responding to any future 
information requests under the quality metrics program.
    The burden hour estimate includes the time for compiling 
information that we understand is currently developed and maintained in 
the course of manufacturing drugs in compliance with part 211 and 
section 501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act, and the time for populating 
spreadsheet(s) for reporting to FDA. The estimate does not include 
burden hours currently approved under OMB control number 0910-0139 for 
information collection under part 211. In table 2, we have calculated 
the burden for information collection for APIs as currently required 
under section 501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act but not currently included 
under OMB control number 0910-0139.
    The draft guidance requests that all reports be submitted through 
the FDA Electronic Submission Gateway (ESG). We are not estimating any 
additional burden associated with accessing the ESG because reporting 
establishments, which are subject to FDA's establishment registration 
and drug listing regulations (21 CFR part 207), are required to use the 
ESG to submit information, and the burdens associated with these 
submissions are approved under OMB control number 0910-0045. To date, 
we have not identified any reporting establishments that are not 
already reporting to the ESG.
    In table 1, we estimate the reporting burden for the information 
collection in the draft guidance.

                                                      Table 1--Estimated Annual Reporting Burden 1
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                                                                                         Number of
     Draft guidance for industry on request for quality metrics         Number of      responses per     Total annual    Average burden    Total hours
                                                                       respondents       respondent       responses       per response
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Collecting and Reporting to FDA Quality Metric Inputs..............           6,300               10           63,000       10.6 hours          667,800
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\1\ There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.

    In table 2, we estimate the recordkeeping burden for preparing and 
maintaining CGMP records for APIs that are not currently included under 
OMB control number 0910-0139.

                                                    Table 2--Estimated Annual Recordkeeping Burden 1
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                                                                                         Number of                       Average burden
                Section 501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act                    Number of       records per      Total annual         per          Total hours
                                                                      recordkeepers     recordkeeper       records       recordkeeping
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preparing and Maintaining CGMP Records for APIs (not currently                1,260              256          322,560        .82 hours          264,499
 included under OMB control number 0910-0139)......................
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\1\ There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.

    Title: Request for Quality Metrics; Public Meeting.
    The information collection associated with the public meeting is 
exempt from OMB regulations on the PRA as follows: 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(8) 
(exemption from the definition of ``information''): Facts or opinions 
obtained or solicited at or in connection with public hearings or 
meetings. 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(4) (exemption from the definition of 
``information''): Facts or opinions submitted in response to general 
solicitations of comments from the public, published in the Federal 
Register or other publications, regardless of the form or format 
thereof, provided that no person is required to supply specific 
information pertaining to the commenter, other than that necessary for 
self-identification, as a condition of the agency's full consideration 
of the comment.

[[Page 44977]]

V. Attendance and/or Participation at the Public Meeting

A. Purpose and Scope of the Meeting

    The purpose of this meeting and public docket is for CDER and CBER 
to hear from stakeholders any questions, concerns, and suggestions 
regarding the proposed plans for the scope and implementation of the 
quality metrics reporting program proposed in this guidance.

B. Questions to Stakeholders

    FDA seeks input from stakeholders and other members of the public 
on the following meeting questions:
    1. Are there other objective metrics that FDA should request in 
advance of or in lieu of an inspection that FDA should collect to 
improve our understanding of products and establishments for purposes 
of more informed, risk-based inspection scheduling and identification 
of potential product shortages?
    2. Are the definitions of the metrics and associated data requests 
selected adequate and clear?
    3. Are the metrics requested from each business segment/type clear 
and appropriate?
    4. Should the Agency explore collecting metrics from high-risk 
excipient producers, and if so, which excipients should be considered 
high-risk and what metrics should apply?
    5. Should the Agency explore collecting metrics from the medical 
gas manufacturing industry?
    6. Should the Agency add the ``Right First Time'' metric (see 
section I.), and if so, should the definition be a rework/reprocessing 
rate or a measure of lots manufactured without processing deviations?
    7. What data standards/mechanisms would be useful to aid reporting 
and how should the submissions be structured?
    8. Are there reporting hurdles to collecting metrics by reporting 
establishment/product (segmented by site) versus by site (segmented by 
product), and how can they be overcome?
    9. FDA may consider whether to require the submission of quality 
metrics on a recurring basis. How frequently should metrics be reported 
and/or segmented within the reporting period (e.g., annually, 
semiannually, or quarterly)?

C. Meeting Participation and Request To Present

    The FDA Conference Center at the White Oak location is a Federal 
facility with security procedures and limited seating. Attendance will 
be free and on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to attend 
(either in person or by Web cast (see Streaming Web Cast of the Public 
Meeting)) and/or present at the meeting, please register for the 
meeting and/or make a request for oral presentations or comments by 
visiting https://qualitymetrics-public-meeting.eventbrite.com on or 
before August 7, 2015. The registration request should contain complete 
contact information for each attendee (i.e., name, title, affiliation, 
address, email address, telephone number, and priority number(s)). 
Those without email access can register by contacting Althea Cuff by 
August 7, 2015 (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    FDA will try to accommodate all persons who wish to make a 
presentation. Individuals wishing to present should identify the number 
of the topic, or topics, they wish to address (see section V.B.). This 
will help FDA organize the presentations. FDA will notify registered 
presenters of their scheduled presentation times. The time allotted for 
each presentation will depend on the number of individuals who wish to 
speak. Once FDA notifies registered presenters of their scheduled 
times, they are encouraged to submit an electronic copy of their 
presentation to Althea Cuff at [email protected] on or before 
August 7, 2015. If time permits, individuals or organizations that did 
not register in advance may be granted the opportunity to make a 
presentation.
    Persons registered to make an oral presentation are encouraged to 
arrive at the meeting room early and check in at the onsite 
registration table to confirm their designated presentation time. An 
agenda for the meeting and other background materials will be made 
available 3 days before the meeting at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm451529.htm. If you need special accommodations because of 
a disability, please contact Althea Cuff (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT) at least 7 days before the meeting.
    Meeting Registration and Request to Present: The meeting is free 
and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to 
attend or make an oral presentation, see section V.C. for information 
on how to register and the deadline for registration. If you cannot 
attend in person, information about how you can access a live Web cast 
will be located at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm451529.htm.
    Transcripts: As soon as a transcript is available, it will be 
accessible at http://www.regulations.gov. It may also be viewed at the 
Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES). A transcript will also 
be available in either hard copy or on CD-ROM, after submission of a 
Freedom of Information request. Send written requests to the Division 
of Freedom of Information (ELEM-1029), Food and Drug Administration, 
12420 Parklawn Dr., Element Bldg., Rockville, MD 20857.
    Streaming Web Cast of the Public Meeting: For those unable to 
attend in person, FDA will provide a live Web cast of the meeting. To 
join the meeting via the Web cast, please go to https://collaboration.fda.gov/qmpm2015/. An agenda will be posted on the FDA 
Web site at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm451529.htm prior to 
the meeting.
    Docket Comments: Regardless of attendance at the public meeting, 
interested persons may submit either electronic or written comments 
regarding this document to the public docket (see ADDRESSES) by (see 
DATES). Given that time will be limited at the public meeting, FDA 
encourages all interested persons to comment in writing to ensure that 
their comments are considered.

VI. Electronic Access

    Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the document at 
either http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/default.htm, http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/default.htm or http://www.regulations.gov.

    Dated: July 23, 2015.
Leslie Kux,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2015-18448 Filed 7-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4164-01-P



                                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Notices                                                  44973

                                                       Based on data shared by another                       intended to gain stakeholders’                        performed. For parking and security
                                                    Federal Agency, FDA estimates that 135                   perspectives on various aspects of the                information, please refer to http://
                                                    establishments will initially submit one                 development and planned                               www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/
                                                    report, and then will submit                             implementation of a quality metrics                   WorkingatFDA/BuildingsandFacilities/
                                                    confirmation or update reports on a                      program launched under the authority                  WhiteOakCampusInformation/
                                                    semiannual basis.                                        of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act                   ucm241740.htm.
                                                       FDA estimates that the confirmation                   (the FD&C Act). The guidance includes                   Submit written requests for single
                                                    or updating of registration information                  an explanation of how FDA intends to                  copies of the draft guidance to the
                                                    as required by section 905 will take 12                  use quality metrics data to further                   Division of Drug Information, Center for
                                                    minutes annually per confirmation or                     develop the FDA’s risk-based inspection               Drug Evaluation and Research, Food
                                                    update per establishment.                                scheduling, to identify situations in                 and Drug Administration, 10001 New
                                                       FDA estimates that the submission of                  which there may be a risk for drug                    Hampshire Ave., Hillandale Building,
                                                    product listings required by section 905                 supply disruption, to improve the                     4th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20993–
                                                    for each establishment will take 2 hours                 efficiency and effectiveness of                       0002, or Center for Biologics Evaluation
                                                    initially. FDA also estimates that the                   establishment inspections, and to                     and Research, Food and Drug
                                                    confirmation or updating of product                      improve FDA’s evaluation of drug                      Administration, 10903 New Hampshire
                                                    listing information required by section                  manufacturing and control operations.                 Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. 7301, Silver Spring,
                                                    905 will take 48 minutes annually for                    FDA expects that the initial use of the               MD 20993–0002, 240–402–7911. Send
                                                    two confirmations or updates per                         metrics will be to consider a decreased               one self-addressed adhesive label to
                                                    establishment.                                           surveillance inspection frequency for                 assist that office in processing your
                                                       FDA estimates that obtaining an                       certain establishments. For example,                  requests. See the SUPPLEMENTARY
                                                    optional Dun and Bradstreet D–U–N–S                      establishments that have highly                       INFORMATION section for electronic
                                                    number will take 0.5 hours, and that 8                   controlled manufacturing processes                    access to the draft guidance document.
                                                    respondents (1 percent × 135 = 1.35 of                   have the potential to be inspected less               The draft guidance may also be obtained
                                                    establishments required to register                      often (as a lower priority for inspection)            by mail by calling CBER at 1–800–835–
                                                    under section 905, and 5 percent × 135                   than similar establishments that                      4709 or 240–402–7800.
                                                    = 6.75 of submitters required to list                    demonstrate uncontrolled processes (as                  Submit electronic comments on the
                                                    ingredients under section 904) will not                  a higher priority for inspection). In                 draft guidance to http://
                                                    already have a Dun and Bradstreet D–U–                   addition, FDA intends to consider                     www.regulations.gov. Submit written
                                                    N–S number.                                              whether these metrics may provide a                   comments to the Division of Dockets
                                                       FDA estimates that the submission of                  basis for FDA to use improved risk-                   Management (HFA–305), Food and Drug
                                                    ingredient listing information as                        based principles to determine the                     Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm.
                                                    required by section 904 of the act will                  appropriate reporting category for                    1061, Rockville, MD 20852. All
                                                    take 3 hours per tobacco product.                        postapproval manufacturing changes.                   comments should be identified with the
                                                                                                             FDA intends to consider the input from                docket number found in brackets in the
                                                      Dated: July 22, 2015.
                                                                                                             this public meeting as we finalize this               heading of this document.
                                                    Leslie Kux,
                                                                                                             guidance and the planned                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                    Associate Commissioner for Policy.
                                                                                                             implementation of this program,                       Althea Cuff, Food and Drug
                                                    [FR Doc. 2015–18410 Filed 7–27–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                             including FDA’s initial set of requests               Administration, 10903 New Hampshire
                                                    BILLING CODE 4164–01–P                                   for quality metrics data.                             Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993–0002,
                                                                                                             DATES: The meeting will be held on                    301–796–4061, email: Althea.Cuff@
                                                                                                             August 24, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 5                  fda.hhs.gov.
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                    HUMAN SERVICES                                           p.m. The meeting may be extended or                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                             end early depending on the level of
                                                                                                             public participation. Register to attend              I. Background
                                                    Food and Drug Administration
                                                                                                             or present at the meeting by August 7,                   More than a decade ago, FDA
                                                    [Docket No. FDA–2014–D–2537]                             2015, (see section V.C. for information               launched an initiative to encourage the
                                                                                                             on how to register or make a                          implementation of a modern, risk-based
                                                    Request for Quality Metrics; Notice of
                                                                                                             presentation at the meeting). If you                  pharmaceutical quality assessment
                                                    Draft Guidance Availability and Public
                                                                                                             cannot attend in person, information                  system. As part of this initiative, and in
                                                    Meeting; Request for Comments
                                                                                                             about how you can access a live Web                   recognition of the increasing complexity
                                                    AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,                 cast will be located at http://                       of pharmaceutical manufacturing, FDA
                                                    HHS.                                                     www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/                         developed a 21st century vision for
                                                    ACTION: Notice of meeting; notice of                     ucm451529.htm.                                        manufacturing and quality with input
                                                    draft guidance availability, request for                    Submit either electronic or written                from academia and industry. The
                                                    comments.                                                comments concerning the draft                         desired state was described as follows:
                                                                                                             guidance and collection of information                ‘‘A maximally efficient, agile, flexible
                                                    SUMMARY:   The Food and Drug                             proposed in the draft guidance by                     pharmaceutical manufacturing sector
                                                    Administration (FDA), Center for Drug                    September 28, 2015.                                   that reliably produces high-quality drug
                                                    Evaluation and Research (CDER) and                       ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at                products without extensive regulatory
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                                                    Center for Biologics Evaluation and                      FDA White Oak Campus, 10903 New                       oversight.’’ 1
                                                    Research (CBER), is announcing the                       Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 31 Conference                      There has been significant progress
                                                    availability of a draft guidance for                     Center, the Great Room (Rm. 1503                      toward this vision in the intervening
                                                    industry entitled ‘‘Request for Quality                  Section B/C), Silver Spring, MD 20993–
                                                                                                                                                                     1 See ‘‘FDA Pharmaceutical Quality Oversight:
                                                    Metrics’’ and a public meeting regarding                 0002. Entrance for the public meeting
                                                                                                                                                                   One Quality Voice’’ at http://www.fda.gov/
                                                    the Agency’s plans associated with a                     participants (non-FDA employees) is                   downloads/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/
                                                    quality metrics reporting program. The                   through Building 1, where routine                     OfficeofMedicalProductsandTobacco/CDER/
                                                    draft guidance and public meeting are                    security check procedures will be                     UCM442666.pdf.



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                                                    44974                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Notices

                                                    years, as evidenced by programs and                      operators of certain human drug                       mutually useful and objective quality
                                                    guidance from FDA around major                           establishments. FDA intends to make its               metrics, FDA has consulted with
                                                    initiatives such as pharmaceutical                       requests at the time the guidance is                  stakeholders through various trade and
                                                    development and quality by design                        finalized and to provide notice of its                professional association meetings, and a
                                                    (QbD), quality risk management and                       requests in the Federal Register. FDA                 Federal Register document we
                                                    pharmaceutical quality systems, process                  would use the data it receives to                     published on February 12, 2013 (78 FR
                                                    validation, and process analytical                       calculate quality metrics and to inform               9928) soliciting initial input on the use
                                                    technology (PAT), among others. These                    decisions about how to develop its                    of manufacturing quality metrics as it
                                                    programs and guidances are intended to                   program. FDA may add to, revise, or                   relates to drug shortages. These efforts
                                                    promote effective use of the most                        remove quality metrics data and                       have generated several categories of
                                                    current pharmaceutical science and                       establishments in such future requests                quality-related information that CDER
                                                    engineering principles and knowledge                     to reflect the Agency’s understanding of              and CBER have considered in
                                                    throughout the lifecycle of a product.                   current manufacturing and                             developing the quality metrics
                                                       Despite these achievements, however,                  establishment considerations and the                  discussed in the guidance.
                                                    we have not fully realized our 21st                      utility of the data received to date.                    As described in the guidance, FDA
                                                    century vision for manufacturing and                        FDA used the following criteria for                intends to collect and use quantitative
                                                    quality—there continue to be indicators                  the selection of the quality metrics                  quality metrics data to calculate four
                                                    of serious product quality defects. The                  described in the guidance: Objective,                 quality metrics. Notably, FDA has
                                                    Agency has found that the majority of                    subject to inspection under section 704               considered requesting data on the
                                                    drug shortages stem from quality                         of the FD&C Act, and valuable in                      ‘‘Right First Time’’ metric, which is a
                                                    concerns—substandard manufacturing                       assessing the overall state of quality of             measure of the rework/reprocessing rate
                                                    facilities or processes are discovered, or               the product and process, commitment to                or the number of lots released without
                                                    significant quality defects are identified               quality by the manufacturer, and the                  any processing deviations. We believe
                                                    in finished product, necessitating                       health (i.e., effective functioning) of the           that a Right First Time metric can be a
                                                    remediation efforts to fix the issue,                    associated Pharmaceutical Quality                     useful metric for establishments to
                                                    which in turn, may interrupt                             System(s), while avoiding any undue                   measure as part of their own quality
                                                    production, and cause a shortage of                      reporting burden.                                     metrics program and a leading indicator
                                                    drugs.2 Taking action to reduce drug                        CGMP regulations for human drugs                   for product quality. However, as part of
                                                    shortages remains a top priority for                     expect an ongoing program to maintain                 our stakeholder consultation, we have
                                                    FDA.                                                     and evaluate product and process data                 also received mixed industry feedback
                                                       The continued existence of product                    that relate to product quality (21 CFR                on how to define this metric, whether
                                                    quality issues may point to increased                    211.180(e)). Manufacturers are expected               this metric may be less relevant for
                                                    complexities in the supply chain, a lack                 to use a quality program in order to                  finished dosage forms than for active
                                                    of innovation in manufacturing, a                        support process validation, and the                   pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
                                                    failure to adopt modern manufacturing                    metrics described in this guidance could              manufacturing (where rework is more
                                                    technologies and robust quality                          be a part of such a program. As                       common), and whether this metric is
                                                    management systems, or other factors.                    discussed in the guidance, FDA                        suitably robust for use in our program.
                                                    Title VII of the Food and Drug                           encourages manufacturers to routinely                 We are requesting further input on this
                                                    Administration Safety and Innovation                     use additional quality metrics beyond                 topic (see section V.B.).
                                                    Act (FDASIA) amended the FD&C Act to                     the metrics described in this guidance                   This draft guidance is being issued
                                                    provide FDA with a number of new                         in performing these evaluations.                      consistent with FDA’s good guidance
                                                    authorities to drive safety and quality                     FDA intends to use quality metrics                 practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115).
                                                    throughout the drug supply chain.                        data to further develop the FDA’s risk-               The draft guidance, when finalized, will
                                                    Section 706 of FDASIA amended                            based inspection scheduling, to identify              represent the current thinking of FDA
                                                    section 704(a) of the FD&C Act (21                       situations in which there may be a risk               on request for quality metrics. It does
                                                    U.S.C. 374(a)) by adding section                         for drug supply disruption, to improve                not establish any rights for any person
                                                    704(a)(4), under which FDA may require                   the efficiency and effectiveness of                   and is not binding on FDA or the public.
                                                    the submission of any records or other                   establishment inspections, and to                     You can use an alternative approach if
                                                    information that FDA may inspect                         improve FDA’s evaluation of drug                      it satisfies the requirements of the
                                                    under section 704 of the FD&C Act, in                    manufacturing and control operations.                 applicable statutes and regulations.
                                                    advance or in lieu of an inspection, by                  FDA expects that the initial use of the
                                                                                                             metrics will be to consider a decreased               II. Specific Request for Comments and
                                                    requesting the records or information
                                                                                                             surveillance inspection frequency for                 Information
                                                    from a person that owns or operates an
                                                    establishment that is engaged in the                     certain establishments. For example,                     In addition to comments on the
                                                    manufacture, preparation, propagation,                   establishments that have highly                       guidance generally, FDA is requesting
                                                    compounding, or processing of a drug.                    controlled manufacturing processes                    comments and related supporting
                                                    As described in the draft guidance,                      have the potential to be inspected less               information on the following topics, as
                                                    under this authority, FDA intends to                     often (as a lower priority for inspection)            described in the draft guidance: (1)
                                                    make an initial set of requests for                      than similar establishments that                      Optional metrics related to quality
                                                    quality metrics data to owners and                       demonstrate uncontrolled processes (as                culture and process capability/
                                                                                                             a higher priority for inspection). In                 performance, (2) frequency of quality
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                                                       2 In 2012, for example, based on information
                                                                                                             addition, FDA intends to consider                     metrics data reporting, (3) an alternative
                                                    collected from manufacturers, FDA determined that        whether these metrics may provide a                   approach to reduce the reporting burden
                                                    66 percent of disruptions in drug manufacturing
                                                    were the result of either (1) efforts to address         basis for FDA to use improved risk-                   based on the data collection timeframe,
                                                    product-specific quality failures or (2) broader         based principles to determine the                     and (4) an alternative approach that
                                                    efforts to remediate or improve an unsafe                appropriate reporting category for                    would allow inclusion of a limited text
                                                    manufacturing facility. ‘‘FDA’s Strategic Plan for                                                             field for data points or metrics. FDA has
                                                    Preventing and Mitigating Drug Shortages’’, see
                                                                                                             postapproval manufacturing changes.
                                                    figure 2, at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/            In the context of developing this                  described these potential alternative
                                                    drugsafety/drugshortages/ucm372566.pdf.                  program, to identify some types of                    approaches in the draft guidance and is


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                                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Notices                                            44975

                                                    seeking public comment on these and                      controlled manufacturing processes                       • The number of attempted lots
                                                    any other alternative approaches.                        have the potential to be inspected less               pending disposition for more than 30
                                                                                                             often (as a lower priority for inspection)            days.
                                                    III. Comments
                                                                                                             than similar establishments that                         • The number of out-of-specification
                                                       Interested persons may submit either                  demonstrate uncontrolled processes (as                (OOS) results for the product, including
                                                    electronic comments regarding this                       a higher priority for inspection). In                 stability testing.
                                                    document to http://www.regulations.gov                   addition, FDA intends to consider                        • The number of lot release and
                                                    or written comments to the Division of                   whether these metrics may provide a                   stability tests conducted for the product.
                                                    Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES). It                   basis for FDA to use improved risk-                      • The number of OOS results for lot
                                                    is only necessary to send one set of                     based principles to determine the                     release and stability tests for the product
                                                    comments. Identify comments with the                     appropriate reporting category for                    which are invalidated due to lab error.
                                                    docket number found in brackets in the                   postapproval manufacturing changes.                      • The number of product quality
                                                    heading of this document. Received                                                                             complaints received for the product.
                                                    comments may be seen in the Division                        Section 704(a)(4)(A) of the FD&C Act,                 • The number of lots attempted
                                                    of Dockets Management between 9 a.m.                     added by section 706 of FDASIA,                       which are released for distribution or for
                                                    and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and                   authorizes FDA to request from a person               the next stage of manufacturing the
                                                    will be posted to the docket at http://                  that owns or operates an establishment                product.
                                                    www.regulations.gov.                                     that is engaged in the manufacture,                      • If the associated annual product
                                                                                                             preparation, propagation, compounding,                reviews (APRs) or product quality
                                                    IV. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                      or processing of a drug in advance or in              reviews (PQRs) were completed within
                                                       The draft guidance contains                           lieu of an inspection any records or                  30 days of annual due date for the
                                                    information collection provisions that                   other information that we may inspect                 product.
                                                    are subject to review by OMB under the                   under section 704 of the FD&C Act,                       • The number of APRs or PQRs
                                                    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the                     provided that we request submission of                required for the product.
                                                    PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520). The title,                   the information within a reasonable                      In addition to the baseline metrics
                                                    description, and respondent description                  time frame, within reasonable limits,                 described previously, FDA is requesting
                                                    of the information collection are given                  and in a reasonable manner. The draft                 public comment on whether to include
                                                    under this section with an estimate of                   guidance is intended to describe a set of             the option of submitting additional,
                                                    the annual reporting burden. Included                    requests for data under section 704(a)(4)             optional metrics as evidence of
                                                    in the estimate is the time for reviewing                of the FD&C Act that FDA intends to                   manufacturing robustness and a
                                                    instructions, searching existing data                    give notice of in the Federal Register at             commitment to quality:
                                                    sources, gathering and maintaining the                   the time the guidance is finalized. In                   • Senior Management Engagement—
                                                    data needed, and completing and                          general, the information needed to                    Was each APR or PQR reviewed and
                                                    reviewing the collection of information.                 respond to FDA’s proposed requests is                 approved by the following: (1) The head
                                                       We invite comments on these topics:                   developed and maintained in the course                of the quality unit, (2) the head of the
                                                    (1) Whether the proposed collection of                   of manufacturing drugs under existing                 operations unit, (3) both, or (4) neither?
                                                    information is necessary for the proper                  current good manufacturing practice                      • Corrective Action and Preventive
                                                    performance of FDA’s functions,                          (CGMP) for finished pharmaceuticals in                Action (CAPA) Effectiveness—What
                                                    including whether the information will                   part 211 (21 CFR part 211), and for APIs              percentage of your corrective actions
                                                    have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of              under section 501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C                involved re-training of personnel (i.e., a
                                                    FDA’s estimate of the burden of the                      Act (21 U.S.C. 351(a)(2)(B)), and could               root cause of the deviation is lack of
                                                    proposed collection of information,                      be reviewed during an FDA inspection                  adequate training)?
                                                    including the validity of the                            of a drug establishment. FDA has OMB                     • Process Capability/Performance—A
                                                    methodology and assumptions used; (3)                    approval for the information collection               ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ value of whether the
                                                    ways to enhance the quality, utility, and                currently required under part 211 (OMB                establishment’s management calculated
                                                    clarity of the information to be                         control number 0910–0139) and, in                     a process capability or performance
                                                    collected; and (4) ways to minimize the                  table 2, we have calculated the burden                index for each critical quality attribute
                                                    burden of the collection of information                  for preparing and maintaining the                     as part of that product’s APR or PQR.
                                                    on respondents, including through the                    information collection for APIs as                       • Process Capability/Performance—A
                                                    use of automated collection techniques,                  currently required under section                      ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ value of whether the
                                                    when appropriate, and other forms of                     501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act but not                  establishment’s management has a
                                                    information technology.                                  currently included under OMB control                  policy of requiring a CAPA at some
                                                       Title: Request for Quality Metrics;                   number 0910–0139.                                     lower process capability or performance
                                                    Guidance for Industry.                                      FDA intends to request quality                     index.
                                                       Description: FDA intends to use                       metrics data from owners and operators                   • Process Capability/Performance—If
                                                    quality metrics data to further develop                  of certain establishments registered                  ‘‘yes’’ to the previous question—What is
                                                    the FDA’s risk-based inspection                          under section 510 of the FD&C Act (21                 the process capability or performance
                                                    scheduling, to identify situations in                    U.S.C. 360), as described in the draft                index that triggers a CAPA? If ‘‘no’’ to
                                                    which there may be a risk for drug                       guidance. FDA intends to request that                 the previous question—please do not
                                                    supply disruption, to improve the                        such establishments compile reports                   respond.
                                                    efficiency and effectiveness of                                                                                   We estimate the submission of
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                                                                                                             containing the following quality metrics
                                                    establishment inspections, and to                        data, segregated by quarter, by product,              approximately 63,000 product reports to
                                                    improve FDA’s evaluation of drug                         and establishment:                                    FDA containing the 15 quality metrics
                                                    manufacturing and control operations.                                                                          data outlined in this document and
                                                    FDA expects that the initial use of the                     • The number of lots attempted of the              described in the draft guidance (‘‘Total
                                                    metrics will be to consider a decreased                  product.                                              Annual Reponses’’ in table 1). We
                                                    surveillance inspection frequency for                       • The number of specification-related              estimate that approximately 6,300
                                                    certain establishments. For example,                     rejected lots of the product, rejected                establishments will compile and submit
                                                    establishments that have highly                          during or after manufacturing.                        these reports, including covered


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                                                    44976                                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Notices

                                                    establishments, reporting                                                metrics data described previously for                    manufacturing drugs in compliance
                                                    establishments, and unregistered foreign                                 each affected product will take                          with part 211 and section 501(a)(2)(B) of
                                                    establishments, as described in the draft                                approximately 10.6 hours (‘‘Average                      the FD&C Act, and the time for
                                                    guidance (‘‘Number of Respondents’’ in                                   Burden per Response’’ in table 1). This                  populating spreadsheet(s) for reporting
                                                    table 1). We specifically request                                        is a weighted average of the estimate for                to FDA. The estimate does not include
                                                    comment on our estimate of 6,300                                         ‘‘drugs subject to approved                              burden hours currently approved under
                                                    establishments and the types of                                          applications’’ (finished product and                     OMB control number 0910–0139 for
                                                    establishments that will participate in                                  API) (15.75 hours) and ‘‘drugs not                       information collection under part 211.
                                                    compiling and reporting quality metrics                                  subject to approved applications’’                       In table 2, we have calculated the
                                                    data.                                                                    (finished product and API) (7 hours).                    burden for information collection for
                                                       Our estimate of 63,000 reports is                                     The time estimate for application and                    APIs as currently required under section
                                                    based on the following: Approximately                                    non-application products differs                         501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act but not
                                                    25,000 reports for drugs subject to                                      because the groupings are different (e.g.,               currently included under OMB control
                                                    approved applications (that is, drugs                                    different strengths are grouped in an                    number 0910–0139.
                                                    subject to either approved applications                                  application and are not grouped for
                                                    under section 505 of the FD&C Act (21                                                                                                The draft guidance requests that all
                                                                                                                             national drug code). These burden hour
                                                    U.S.C. 355) or under section 351 of the                                                                                           reports be submitted through the FDA
                                                                                                                             estimates are based on information
                                                    PHS Act, or covered by a submission to                                                                                            Electronic Submission Gateway (ESG).
                                                                                                                             provided by CGMP regulatory
                                                    a drug master file that is intended to                                   compliance experts at FDA and in                         We are not estimating any additional
                                                    support an application, and                                              industry. Therefore, we estimate                         burden associated with accessing the
                                                    approximately 38,000 reports for drugs                                   approximately 667,800 total burden                       ESG because reporting establishments,
                                                    not subject to approved applications                                     hours for compiling and reporting                        which are subject to FDA’s
                                                    (that is, drugs not subject to either                                    quality metrics data under the draft                     establishment registration and drug
                                                    approved applications under section                                      guidance (‘‘Total Hours’’ in table 1). We                listing regulations (21 CFR part 207), are
                                                    505 of the FD&C Act or under section                                     believe that the estimated burden for the                required to use the ESG to submit
                                                    351 of the PHS Act (e.g., drugs marketed                                 initial set of requests represents a                     information, and the burdens associated
                                                    pursuant to an OTC monograph and                                         conservative estimate of the annual                      with these submissions are approved
                                                    marketed unapproved drugs)).                                             burden of responding to any future                       under OMB control number 0910–0045.
                                                       Our estimate of 6,300 establishments                                  information requests under the quality                   To date, we have not identified any
                                                    is based on data from FDA’s Document                                     metrics program.                                         reporting establishments that are not
                                                    Archiving, Reporting & Regulatory                                           The burden hour estimate includes                     already reporting to the ESG.
                                                    Tracking System and the Electronic                                       the time for compiling information that                     In table 1, we estimate the reporting
                                                    Drug Registration and Listing System.                                    we understand is currently developed                     burden for the information collection in
                                                    We estimate that reporting the quality                                   and maintained in the course of                          the draft guidance.

                                                                                                                 TABLE 1—ESTIMATED ANNUAL REPORTING BURDEN 1
                                                                                                                                                                   Number of                              Average
                                                                                                                                                Number of                            Total annual
                                                      Draft guidance for industry on request for quality metrics                                                 responses per                          burden per     Total hours
                                                                                                                                               respondents                            responses
                                                                                                                                                                   respondent                            response

                                                    Collecting and Reporting to FDA Quality Metric Inputs ......                                   6,300                 10            63,000           10.6 hours      667,800
                                                       1 There     are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.


                                                      In table 2, we estimate the                                            are not currently included under OMB
                                                    recordkeeping burden for preparing and                                   control number 0910–0139.
                                                    maintaining CGMP records for APIs that

                                                                                                            TABLE 2—ESTIMATED ANNUAL RECORDKEEPING BURDEN 1
                                                                                                                                                                    Number of                             Average
                                                                                                                                                 Number of                           Total annual
                                                                   Section 501(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act                                                            records per                           burden per    Total hours
                                                                                                                                               recordkeepers                           records
                                                                                                                                                                  recordkeeper                         recordkeeping

                                                    Preparing and Maintaining CGMP Records for APIs (not
                                                      currently included under OMB control number 0910–
                                                      0139) ................................................................................       1,260                256            322,560           .82 hours      264,499
                                                       1 There     are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.


                                                      Title: Request for Quality Metrics;                                    meetings. 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(4)                             supply specific information pertaining
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                                                    Public Meeting.                                                          (exemption from the definition of                        to the commenter, other than that
                                                      The information collection associated                                  ‘‘information’’): Facts or opinions                      necessary for self-identification, as a
                                                    with the public meeting is exempt from                                   submitted in response to general                         condition of the agency’s full
                                                    OMB regulations on the PRA as follows:                                   solicitations of comments from the                       consideration of the comment.
                                                    5 CFR 1320.3(h)(8) (exemption from the                                   public, published in the Federal
                                                    definition of ‘‘information’’): Facts or                                 Register or other publications,
                                                    opinions obtained or solicited at or in                                  regardless of the form or format thereof,
                                                    connection with public hearings or                                       provided that no person is required to


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                                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Notices                                                 44977

                                                    V. Attendance and/or Participation at                    seating. Attendance will be free and on               Management (see ADDRESSES). A
                                                    the Public Meeting                                       a first-come, first-served basis. If you              transcript will also be available in either
                                                                                                             wish to attend (either in person or by                hard copy or on CD–ROM, after
                                                    A. Purpose and Scope of the Meeting
                                                                                                             Web cast (see Streaming Web Cast of the               submission of a Freedom of Information
                                                      The purpose of this meeting and                        Public Meeting)) and/or present at the                request. Send written requests to the
                                                    public docket is for CDER and CBER to                    meeting, please register for the meeting              Division of Freedom of Information
                                                    hear from stakeholders any questions,                    and/or make a request for oral                        (ELEM–1029), Food and Drug
                                                    concerns, and suggestions regarding the                  presentations or comments by visiting                 Administration, 12420 Parklawn Dr.,
                                                    proposed plans for the scope and                         https://qualitymetrics-public-                        Element Bldg., Rockville, MD 20857.
                                                    implementation of the quality metrics                    meeting.eventbrite.com on or before                      Streaming Web Cast of the Public
                                                    reporting program proposed in this                       August 7, 2015. The registration request              Meeting: For those unable to attend in
                                                    guidance.                                                should contain complete contact                       person, FDA will provide a live Web
                                                                                                             information for each attendee (i.e.,                  cast of the meeting. To join the meeting
                                                    B. Questions to Stakeholders
                                                                                                             name, title, affiliation, address, email              via the Web cast, please go to https://
                                                       FDA seeks input from stakeholders                     address, telephone number, and priority               collaboration.fda.gov/qmpm2015/. An
                                                    and other members of the public on the                   number(s)). Those without email access                agenda will be posted on the FDA Web
                                                    following meeting questions:                             can register by contacting Althea Cuff by             site at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/News
                                                       1. Are there other objective metrics                  August 7, 2015 (see FOR FURTHER                       Events/ucm451529.htm prior to the
                                                    that FDA should request in advance of                    INFORMATION CONTACT).                                 meeting.
                                                    or in lieu of an inspection that FDA                        FDA will try to accommodate all                       Docket Comments: Regardless of
                                                    should collect to improve our                            persons who wish to make a                            attendance at the public meeting,
                                                    understanding of products and                            presentation. Individuals wishing to                  interested persons may submit either
                                                    establishments for purposes of more                      present should identify the number of                 electronic or written comments
                                                    informed, risk-based inspection                          the topic, or topics, they wish to address
                                                                                                                                                                   regarding this document to the public
                                                    scheduling and identification of                         (see section V.B.). This will help FDA
                                                                                                                                                                   docket (see ADDRESSES) by (see DATES).
                                                    potential product shortages?                             organize the presentations. FDA will
                                                                                                                                                                   Given that time will be limited at the
                                                       2. Are the definitions of the metrics                 notify registered presenters of their
                                                                                                                                                                   public meeting, FDA encourages all
                                                    and associated data requests selected                    scheduled presentation times. The time
                                                                                                                                                                   interested persons to comment in
                                                    adequate and clear?                                      allotted for each presentation will
                                                       3. Are the metrics requested from                                                                           writing to ensure that their comments
                                                                                                             depend on the number of individuals
                                                    each business segment/type clear and                                                                           are considered.
                                                                                                             who wish to speak. Once FDA notifies
                                                    appropriate?                                             registered presenters of their scheduled              VI. Electronic Access
                                                       4. Should the Agency explore                          times, they are encouraged to submit an
                                                    collecting metrics from high-risk                                                                                Persons with access to the Internet
                                                                                                             electronic copy of their presentation to
                                                    excipient producers, and if so, which                                                                          may obtain the document at either
                                                                                                             Althea Cuff at Althea.Cuff@fda.hhs.gov
                                                    excipients should be considered high-                                                                          http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/Guidance
                                                                                                             on or before August 7, 2015. If time
                                                    risk and what metrics should apply?                      permits, individuals or organizations                 ComplianceRegulatoryInformation/
                                                       5. Should the Agency explore                          that did not register in advance may be               Guidances/default.htm, http://www.fda.
                                                    collecting metrics from the medical gas                  granted the opportunity to make a                     gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Guidance
                                                    manufacturing industry?                                  presentation.                                         ComplianceRegulatoryInformation/
                                                       6. Should the Agency add the ‘‘Right                     Persons registered to make an oral                 default.htm or http://
                                                    First Time’’ metric (see section I.), and                presentation are encouraged to arrive at              www.regulations.gov.
                                                    if so, should the definition be a rework/                the meeting room early and check in at                  Dated: July 23, 2015.
                                                    reprocessing rate or a measure of lots                   the onsite registration table to confirm              Leslie Kux,
                                                    manufactured without processing                          their designated presentation time. An                Associate Commissioner for Policy.
                                                    deviations?                                              agenda for the meeting and other                      [FR Doc. 2015–18448 Filed 7–27–15; 8:45 am]
                                                       7. What data standards/mechanisms                     background materials will be made                     BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                    would be useful to aid reporting and                     available 3 days before the meeting at
                                                    how should the submissions be                            http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/
                                                    structured?                                              ucm451529.htm. If you need special                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                       8. Are there reporting hurdles to                     accommodations because of a disability,               HUMAN SERVICES
                                                    collecting metrics by reporting                          please contact Althea Cuff (see FOR
                                                    establishment/product (segmented by                      FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) at least 7               Meeting of the Chronic Fatigue
                                                    site) versus by site (segmented by                       days before the meeting.                              Syndrome Advisory Committee
                                                    product), and how can they be                               Meeting Registration and Request to
                                                    overcome?                                                Present: The meeting is free and seating              AGENCY:  Office of the Assistant
                                                       9. FDA may consider whether to                        will be on a first-come, first-served                 Secretary for Health, Office of the
                                                    require the submission of quality                        basis. If you wish to attend or make an               Secretary, Department of Health and
                                                    metrics on a recurring basis. How                        oral presentation, see section V.C. for               Human Services.
                                                    frequently should metrics be reported                    information on how to register and the                ACTION: Notice.
                                                                                                             deadline for registration. If you cannot
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                                                    and/or segmented within the reporting
                                                    period (e.g., annually, semiannually, or                 attend in person, information about how               SUMMARY:   As stipulated by the Federal
                                                    quarterly)?                                              you can access a live Web cast will be                Advisory Committee Act, the U.S.
                                                                                                             located at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/                  Department of Health and Human
                                                    C. Meeting Participation and Request To                  NewsEvents/ucm451529.htm.                             Services is hereby giving notice that the
                                                    Present                                                     Transcripts: As soon as a transcript is            Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory
                                                      The FDA Conference Center at the                       available, it will be accessible at                   Committee (CFSAC) will hold a
                                                    White Oak location is a Federal facility                 http://www.regulations.gov. It may also               meeting. The meeting will be open to
                                                    with security procedures and limited                     be viewed at the Division of Dockets                  the public.


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Document Created: 2018-02-23 09:28:36
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 09:28:36
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of meeting; notice of draft guidance availability, request for comments.
DatesThe meeting will be held on August 24, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The meeting may be extended or end early depending on the level of public participation. Register to attend or present at the meeting by August 7, 2015, (see section V.C. for information on how to register or make a presentation at the meeting). If you cannot attend in person, information about how you can access a live Web cast will be located at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm451529.htm.
ContactAlthea Cuff, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301-796-4061, email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 44973 

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