This period of collaboration with industry stakeholders was instrumental in shaping the comprehensive plan. HSA acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable feedback and support received from industry partners.

1. Extending the Transition Period: Responding to the valuable input received from industry stakeholders, HSA has made the decision to extend the transition period. Companies will now be provided with a 1-year window to fully align with the new requirement, demonstrating GMP Compliance Evidence. This extension aims to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure that all stakeholders can effectively adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.
2. Scope of Implementation: The implementation will have a prospective application, specifically targeting New or Generic Drug Applications (NDA/GDA) and Minor Variation Applications (MIV-1) that involve the addition of a new DS manufacturer.

Types of GMP Compliance Evidence:

Companies are afforded flexibility in providing evidence of GMP compliance, with three key options available:

1. a) Valid GMP Certificate: Companies may opt to submit a valid GMP certificate issued by any Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) authority. In instances where PIC/S authorities do not issue GMP certificates, companies have the option to submit the GMP inspection report, accompanied by the closure letter where applicable, or other evidence from the relevant authority. This alternate evidence should convincingly demonstrate compliance with PIC/S GMP requirements. Crucially, the GMP evidence must cover the specific DS of interest.
2. b) Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Registration Certificate: An alternative avenue for compliance evidence is the submission of a valid API Registration Certificate, covering the DS of interest listed on EUDRAGMP.
3. c) Certificate of Suitability (CEP): Companies can also provide a Certificate of Suitability to the monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia (CEP) for the DS of interest. Such certificates are issued by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM).

The Implementation Date:

Commencing on October 1, 2024, all new drug applications (NDAs), generic drug applications (GDAs), and minor variation applications (MIV-1) involving the addition of new DS manufacturers must be accompanied by the requisite GMP Compliance Evidence for DS manufacturers. Applications submitted beyond this date, without the mandatory GMP evidence, will regrettably not be accepted.

Prior to this formal implementation date, extending until September 30, 2024, HSA strongly encourages companies to proactively provide GMP Compliance Evidence, should it be readily available. This collaborative approach will contribute significantly to a seamless and successful transition when the new requirement is formally implemented.

In Conclusion:

The introduction of GMP Compliance Evidence for DS manufacturers marks a pivotal milestone in Singapore’s commitment to maintaining and elevating the quality of therapeutic products. By harmonizing GMP requirements for both chemical and biological DS manufacturers, HSA is taking a substantial step towards ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical treatments offered to patients. Industry stakeholders are urged to embrace this transition, collaborate with HSA, and collectively work toward the shared objective of providing high-quality therapeutic products within Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem. To know more about the RABT Global GMP compliance expertise consult us .