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Posts Tagged ‘Microtest Laboratories’


Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

New White Paper Examines Clinical Trial Material Production & Testing: What Your Contract Manufacturing Organization is Not Telling You

AGAWAM, Mass., Aug. 24, 2011 — For pharmaceutical manufacturers, delays in starting a clinical trial program due to issues involving the manufacture of clinical trial material (CTM) and the associated fill/finish and release work can make even the most dogged project managers wince in pain. A new, free white paper recommends a proven process of evaluating a cGMP contract manufacturing organization (CMO) to deliver all the required processes needed to release CTM for clinical trial use.

The new white paper, “Clinical Trial Material Production and Testing: Is Your CMO Providing Everything You Need,” explores what pharmaceutical manufacturers must require from a CMO in terms of capabilities and expertise and the critical roles that the contractor must be able to assume in the clinical trial material manufacturing process.

The white paper is available for download from: http://www.microtestlabs.com/clinical-trial-material-production-testing-paper/.

“In order to keep clinical protocols on time and on budget in the CTM manufacturing process, it’s critical that the selected CMO has comprehensive capabilities that are both in-house and readily available,” notes Alexander Mello, author of the white paper and Director of Project Management, Manufacturing, for Microtest Laboratories, a leader in contract manufacturing, aseptic processing and full service pharmaceutical testing.

“Contracting with a CMO without complete in-house expertise will add unnecessary time to the CTM process. In these cases, performing a GMP audit of the CMO, plus all of the other companies (formulators, laboratories, labelers, etc.) that the CMO uses in the supply chain, will add significantly to the overall cost and time for the technical transfer of the product,” he explains.

The new white paper illustrates how the proper selection of a CMO can help meet product schedules and minimize potential restart activities. The paper reviews the roles that the CMO must be able to play in CTM process, from first steps through the completion, and details the key areas of Raw Materials, Formulation, and Final Drug Product (FDP).

The white paper also discusses how a fully-capable CMO will have the ability to perform all the required processes in CTM – including excipient and API release for GMP manufacture, formulation, in-process testing, environmental monitoring, filter integrity testing, and final release testing.

To download the new, free white paper, “Clinical Trial Material Production and Testing: Is Your CMO Providing Everything You Need,” visit http://www.microtestlabs.com/clinical-trial-material-production-testing-paper/.

Mello, the author of the white paper, is Director of Project Management, Manufacturing, for Microtest Laboratories. Mello’s 15 years of experience span Aseptic Fill/Finish, Microbiology, Method Transfer, Stability of Drug Product, Medical Devices/Combo Devices, and Sterilization Sciences. He holds a graduate degree in Biological Sciences and is a Specialist Microbiologist (NRM).

Follow Microtest Labs on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

About Microtest

Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company’s expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visithttp://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Posted in Biosciences, Manufacturing |


Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Microtest Laboratories Announces New Fast-Track Toxicity Testing for Medical Devices Using Zebrafish Embryos

AGAWAM, MASS. - July 6, 2011 - Microtest Laboratories has announced a new fast-track test to screen plastics and polymers in medical devices for toxicity using Zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio), a technique already widely utilized in drug development studies.

zebrafish“Testing has revealed that Zebrafish embryos are highly susceptible to toxins. In fact, Zebrafish labs are ubiquitous in most universities and research hospitals,” said Steven Richter, Ph.D., president and scientific director of Microtest Laboratories, and former U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) official.

“We’ve confirmed the application of Zebrafish embryos in the toxicity testing of materials used in medical devices,” Dr. Richter said. “With our in-vitro test, manufacturers and bio materials researchers can screen thousands of polymers in less than a week – yielding significant economic savings in both the time and expense of medical device testing.”

In its research, Microtest Laboratories found that the current “gold standard” USP Cytotoxicity Assay, which utilizes live mouse fibroblasts (L929) cells in culture, failed to detect the toxicity of a BPA extract during testing – while Microtest’s new Zebrafish embryo screen succeeded.

BPA (bis-phenol A) is a suspected toxic polymer assumed as having both carcinogenic and teratogenic effects on humans. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that BPA will be slated for screening soon.

“Microtest’s new Zebrafish embryo assay has better sensitivity and generates more scientific data than the small animal tests currently recommended by the FDA,” Dr. Richter said.

“The use of Zebrafish embryos will reduce or eliminate the current animal testing required for all medical devices testing. This important vertebrate model has demonstrated similarities to mammalian models and humans in toxicity testing,” he noted.

Microtest Laboratories’ new Zebrafish embryo assay for the toxicity testing of medical devices is immediately available. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com/zebrafish-embryos-testing or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680

About Microtest Laboratories

Microtest Laboratories is a leader in medical device testing and related services for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company provides expertise and flexible processes that enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680. Follow Microtest Laboratories on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

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Press Contact: Don Goncalves, Tiziani Whitmyre, 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

Download high resolution image from: http://www.microtestlabs.com/photos

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Posted in Biosciences, Health/Medical, Life Sciences |


Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

New White Paper Examines Clinical Trial Material Production & Testing: What Your Contract Manufacturing Organization is Not Telling You

AGAWAM, MASS. – For pharmaceutical manufacturers, delays in starting a clinical trial program due to issues involving the manufacture of clinical trial material (CTM) and the associated fill/finish and release work can make even the most dogged project managers wince in pain. A new, free white paper recommends a proven process of evaluating a cGMP contract manufacturing organization (CMO) to deliver all the required processes needed to release CTM for clinical trial use.

The new white paper, “Clinical Trial Material Production and Testing: Is Your CMO Providing Everything You Need,” explores what pharmaceutical manufacturers must require from a CMO in terms of capabilities and expertise and the critical roles that the contractor must be able to assume in the clinical trial material manufacturing process.

The white paper is available for download from: http://www.microtestlabs.com/clinical-trial-material-production-testing-paper/.

“In order to keep clinical protocols on time and on budget in the CTM manufacturing process, it’s critical that the selected CMO has comprehensive capabilities that are both in-house and readily available,” notes Alexander Mello, author of the white paper and Director of Project Management, Manufacturing, for Microtest Laboratories, a leader in contract manufacturing, aseptic processing and full service pharmaceutical testing.

“Contracting with a CMO without complete in-house expertise will add unnecessary time to the CTM process. In these cases, performing a GMP audit of the CMO, plus all of the other companies (formulators, laboratories, labelers, etc.) that the CMO uses in the supply chain, will add significantly to the overall cost and time for the technical transfer of the product,” he explains.

The new white paper illustrates how the proper selection of a CMO can help meet product schedules and minimize potential restart activities. The paper reviews the roles that the CMO must be able to play in CTM process, from first steps through the completion, and details the key areas of Raw Materials, Formulation, and Final Drug Product (FDP).

The white paper also discusses how a fully-capable CMO will have the ability to perform all the required processes in CTM – including excipient and API release for GMP manufacture, formulation, in-process testing, environmental monitoring, filter integrity testing, and final release testing.

To download the new, free white paper, “Clinical Trial Material Production and Testing: Is Your CMO Providing Everything You Need,” visit http://www.microtestlabs.com/clinical-trial-material-production-testing-paper/.

Mello, the author of the white paper, is Director of Project Management, Manufacturing, for Microtest Laboratories. Mello’s 15 years of experience span Aseptic Fill/Finish, Microbiology, Method Transfer, Stability of Drug Product, Medical Devices/Combo Devices, and Sterilization Sciences. He holds a graduate degree in Biological Sciences and is a Specialist Microbiologist (NRM).

Follow Microtest Labs on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

About Microtest

Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company’s expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Public Relations contact, Boston:  Don Goncalves, dgoncalves@tizinc.com, 781-793-9380, for Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Biosciences |


Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

New White Paper Helps Medical Device Manufacturers Apply New FDA Regs to Combination Products

microtest-logo1

AGAWAM, MASS. – July 13, 2010 – A new free, white paper that guides medical device manufacturers in the complicated process of applying new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to combination products embedded with pharmaceutical or biologic components is now available from Microtest Laboratories (http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/).wpcover1

Combination products are a large and growing segment of the medical device market, with some analysts estimating they represent over 30% of all new product submissions to the FDA. As the market continues to grow, it is further compounded by the introduction of human tissue and cellular products (HCT/Ps) incorporated in combination products, which in turn, raise a host of new challenges for testing, sterilization, and contamination avoidance.

Over the past 12 months, the FDA has addressed the dichotomy of dual quality systems by developing streamlined regulations for Good Manufacturing Compliance. These regulations, designated as 21 CFR Part IV, are anticipated to become law by the end of 2010.

Once promulgated, manufacturers will be held accountable for compliance and the FDA will use it as a legal document for enforcement. In the new white paper titled, “Combination Products 2.0: Applying the New FDA Regulations,” Steven Richter, Ph.D, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Microtest Laboratories, Inc., addresses the implications for manufacturers. (Download from: http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/). In the white paper, Dr. Richter discusses:

  • The New Regulations
  • Determining Principal Mode of Action — Device or Drug?
  • Stem Cells & Human Tissue in Combination Products
  • The Implications for Testing and Validation
  • An Example: Drug-Eluting Stents

“The new FDA regulations governing combination products are a major step forward for the industry. They apply to parts of both the QSR and GMP quality systems in a way that makes sense for the unique characteristics of each combination product. 21 CFR Part IV closes the gaps in the 2004 guidelines and succinctly clarifies the process for establishing quality systems that ensure compliance and patient health and safety. The ability of manufacturers to understand, establish, implement reliable testing procedures will be critical in complying with these new requirements,” Dr. Richter said.

Download a free copy of “Combination Products 2.0: Applying the New FDA Regulations” from http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/.

Dr. Richter founded Microtest in 1984 after a distinguished career at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Under his leadership, Microtest provides the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries with premier testing and manufacturing support.

Follow Microtest Labs on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

About Microtest
Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company’s expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Public Relations contact, Boston:  Don Goncalves, dgoncalves@tizinc.com, 781-793-9380, for Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Biosciences, Health/Medical, Manufacturing |


Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Microtest Offers Comprehensive Accelerated Aging Studies for Medical Device Manufacturers

microtest-logo1 AGAWAM, MASS. – June 9, 2009 –Microtest Laboratories is an industry leader in providing validation studies is now offering accelerated aging studies as part of Microtest’s portfolio of package validation services.

Microtest uses accelerated aging studies to aid medical device manufacturers in predicting what will occur to the packaging or product during normal storage conditions. Studies are used to set preliminary shelf life dates, the period during which the product remains stable for its intended use.

Available accelerated aging studies from Microtest include:

· Standard chamber temperature studies (-70C, -20C, 25C 60% RH), (30C 65%RH), (35C 75% RH), (40C 75%RH), (50C 10-50% RH),( 55C 10-50%RH), (60C 10-50%RH)

· Post-stability/aging testing

· Custom studies

Backup storage is guaranteed. All chambers are monitored by SCADA, a 24-hour temperature monitoring system that alerts Microtest personnel to out of tolerance conditions, and feature back-up power.

“Unlike some other labs, at Microtest advanced SCADA systems monitor test chambers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So customers and regulators can be sure humidity and temperature remain within prescribed ranges,” said Steven Richter, Ph. D., President and Scientific Founder of Microtest Laboratories (www.microtestlabs.com). “And since we offer a full range of drug testing at a single source, products aren’t exposed to temperature or humidity hazards in transit between tests.”

Microtest is widely recognized for its problem-solving expertise in medical device contract manufacturing. Services include single-source production and testing, plus dedicated product management.

For more information on Microtest’s complete portfolio of services, visit Microtest Laboratories on the Web at www.microtestlabs.com/medical-device-testing/package-validation-testing.html, or call 1-800-631-1680.

Or, visit Microtest at the 2009 MD&M East, June 9th-11st, in Booth 1442 in the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center New York, NY.

About Microtest

Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA, the company’s expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Posted in Biosciences, Manufacturing |


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