In this post, we will be discussing the importance of Quality and the key considerations during evaluation in contract packaging.
Confidence in your contract packager begins with its commitment to quality. Specialized skills in compliance programs such as calibration, validation, auditing, equipment maintenance, and quality management systems should be evident. When selecting a contract manufacturer and packager, the quality checklist should include considerations such as the contract packager’s ability to provide updates on regulatory requirements, the ability to react to quality issues and partner with the customer, and evidence of the supplier’s continuous improvement programs for quality, manufacturing, and packaging.
Multi-Pack Solutions is proud of, and willing to share with its customers, an excellent history of FDA Inspections due to its diligence in maintaining quality systems.
Multi-Pack Solutions is supported by a robust quality program that adheres to the highest standards for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Quality System Regulations for Medical Devices (21 CFR Part 820) and for finished pharmaceuticals (21 CFR Part 211).
On-site micro and chemistry labs at Multi-Pack Solutions’ Greenville facility allow timely testing of product material from receipt through shipment. These in-house capabilities ensure the integrity of product handling and testing methods and provide complete traceability.
An on-site microbiology lab allows fast identification of any manufacturing or packaging challenges that could affect speed to market. Multi-Pack Solutions can perform environmental sampling including surface and air sampling and testing, and can identify microorganisms using gram staining, selective media, biochemical tests, and its Biolog identification system.
The company’s micro testing and screening capabilities in compliance with current USP guidelines are listed below:
Multi-Pack Solutions’ in-house chemistry lab features HPLC equipment, GC equipment TOC Analyzers, and a new, validated walk-in room temperature Environmental Stability Chamber, as well as Accelerated Environmental Stability chambers.
The in-house proficiencies listed below, along with wet chemistry capabilities (USP/NF & FCC), are unique among contract manufacturing and packaging companies:
Stability is an important principle in the Medical Device and Pharmaceutical industries. Multi-Pack Solutions offers stability testing as a service to its customers. Product samples are pulled periodically and placed in a controlled environmental chamber of temperature and humidity to test whether they remain within the chemical and microbiological specifications. This ensures the product’s effectiveness and makes certain it is not harmful in any way.
Another unique feature at Multi-Pack Solutions’ Greenville facility is a USP-grade purified water system. The facility is supplied with potable, chlorinated water from the Greenville City Water System. The supply is under continuous positive pressure. Weekly and each day of use samples are used to monitor the Purified Water System for Chemistry and Microbiological purposes. The USP Purified Water System consists of filtration, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, antimicrobial UV, and heat sanitization. A flow chart for the system is outlined below. The water is routinely tested per the requirements set forth in the current United States Pharmacopoeia for Purified Water. Written procedures are in place for operation and monitoring of the system and for tracking maintenance and sanitization. Maintenance on the system is performed by the system designer, Stilmas Americas.
Quality assurance must extend beyond laboratory environments to the equipment on the manufacturing floor. To address this, Multi-Pack Solutions performs ongoing inspections and validation of its manufacturing and packaging equipment. A complete validation program assures that major equipment is handled carefully and maintains a high level of performance via execution of installation, operational, and performance qualifications. A change control checklist is completed to assure procedures are completed and in place for new equipment operation.
Quality assurance also means that your contract packager and manufacturer must be compliant with all EPA and FDA requirements for your specific product and must stay abreast of any changes in regulations. A good contract packaging partner in the healthcare industry must also stay informed of any changes with the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Multi-Pack Solutions’ industry-leading Quality department stays informed about the scientific and technical aspects of drug registration from numerous regulatory authorities in the pharmaceutical industry.
For example, Unique Device Identification (UDI) became effective September 1, 2016, for Class II Medical Devices. As a contract packager for Medical Devices, preparation to meet that requirement included:
Another recent change relates to the Serialization and Aggregation requirement for compliance with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) for pharmaceutical products. Contract packagers must upgrade coding equipment and integrated software to ensure proper tracking and tracing of products from the manufacturer to the end-user.
Transparency and information sharing between you and your contract manufacturing and packaging partner is the key to long-term success
A quality agreement should be in place between you and your contract packager that outlines your responsibilities and those of your supplier. Information sharing of quality procedures, registrations, and product regulations is critical, and transparency is the key to long-term success. When choosing your contract packaging partner, ask to speak with members of the quality team and review the quality manual and current procedure index.
Establishing direct lines of communication upfront will allow you to better head off mistakes, be more efficient and realize success more quickly.
A true contract packaging partner will understand your market space and will have developed trusted partnerships all along the supply chain. From healthcare to household cleaners, Multi-Pack Solutions’ track record of success covers a broad range of industries.
Multi-Pack Solutions stands out with our unwavering commitment to quality. Our specialized skills in compliance programs, such as calibration, validation, auditing, equipment maintenance, and quality management systems, demonstrate their dedication to upholding the highest standards.
Multi-Pack Solutions understands the importance of staying current with regulatory changes. We prioritize providing timely updates on regulatory requirements to ensure compliance. This proactive approach allows us to address any quality issues promptly and work closely with their customers to find effective solutions.
Multi-Pack Solutions adheres to the highest standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They have robust quality programs in place that comply with the FDA’s Quality System Regulations for Medical Devices (21 CFR Part 820) and for finished pharmaceuticals (21 CFR Part 211). These stringent regulations form the foundation of our quality program.
Multi-Pack Solutions boasts state-of-the-art in-house microbiology and chemistry labs at our Greenville facility. These labs enable us to conduct comprehensive testing throughout the manufacturing and packaging processes. From environmental sampling and microorganism identification to analytical and wet chemistry testing, our in-house capabilities ensure reliable results and complete traceability.
