Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

FDA: Q&A for the manufacture of drugs and biological products, their supply chain and inspections during COVID-19

On August 19, 2020, the US FDA issued a 12-page guideline for the pharmaceutical industry in the form of a Q&A, which deals specifically with questions regarding  

  • Manufacturing  
  • Requirements for the supply chain  
  • Inspections  
  • Pending applications for approval and  
  • Changes in manufacturing facilities for already approved medicinal products  

during COVID-19. 

The scope of the Q&As also extends to biological products.

Frequently asked questions to the FDA are addressed, e.g. regarding limited inspection activities or what is meant by the term "mission-critical" in this context. Furthermore, it is clarified how manufacturing interruptions or gaps in the supply chain can be avoided and which data should be submitted where. In the context of applications for marketing authorization, the issues addressed include travel restrictions if a manufacturing facility is located abroad or even has to start production at a different site.  

The guideline is effective immediately and for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, as stated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). There is the possibility to submit public comments on an ongoing basis. The guideline is to be understood as a dynamic document that is to be expanded or modified depending on the progress of COVID-19.


Source:
Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Drug and Biological Product Inspections During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Questions and Answers Guidance for Industry 

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be Interested in the Following Articles:

What is a gas?

What is a gas?

You can view the answer here:
Read more
EMA: Pilot Programme for Breakthrough Devices

EMA: Pilot Programme for Breakthrough Devices

The EMA plans to launch a pilot programme in Q2 2026 to implement the guidance for breakthrough devices issued in December 2025.

Read more
EDQM: New Ph. Eur. Chapter on Data Quality with a Focus on Digital Data

EDQM: New Ph. Eur. Chapter on Data Quality with a Focus on Digital Data

The European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) has introduced a new general chapter that provides a framework for managing the quality of data, including digital data, throughout its life cycle.

Read more
PIC/S: Jordan FDA Joins PIC/S

PIC/S: Jordan FDA Joins PIC/S

On 1 January 2026, the Jordan Food & Drug Administration (JFDA) became the 57th PIC/S Participating Authority.

Read more
Swissmedic: Scientific GMDP Meetings

Swissmedic: Scientific GMDP Meetings

Swissmedic offers companies holding or seeking a Swissmedic manufacturing or distribution license the opportunity to discuss project-specific GMP and GDP topics in Scientific GMDP Meetings.

Read more
Purified Water – The new Chinese Pharmacopoeias and What Happens Next?

Purified Water – The new Chinese Pharmacopoeias and What Happens Next?

A new Chinese Pharmacopoeia was published in 2025. This has some significant implications for the pharmaceutical water industry, which we will discuss in more detail in this article. Firstly, it is important to note that cold WFI systems are now permitted worldwide and can be used across the board.
Read more
Previous
Next