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Audits of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)

blue inspection is a leading provider of API audits for over 15 years and is accredited by the German accreditation body (DAkkS) for the performance of audits at API and excipient manufacturers. We cover the complete process of auditing, including audit preparation, performance of the audit on-site and CAPA follow-up. In a first step, we establish our clients’ requirements for the API audit. We prepare an audit plan on this basis and assign suitably qualified and experienced auditors. Our internal review board assesses the quality of the audit report. The audit report defines the audit result and whether GMP compliance was established. A further assessment is made of the measures proposed by the API supplier to correct any deficiencies identified. Our clients receive a complete, comprehensive and usually product-specific audit report, followed by CAPA documents.

The accreditation of an inspection body is an important quality criterium for clients when commissioning third-party audits of APIs. The quality of the content and the depth of the audits is verified by the DAkkS, who audits blue inspection on a regular basis. It ensures that the GMP audits performed are impartial and performed to the highest standard of quality and reliability.

API audits accredited according to ISO 17020

API audits are subject to certain conditions as defined, for example, in EU GMP part I (5.29). An ISO 17020 accredited audit guarantees the following criteria are met:

  • Sufficiently trained and experienced auditors
  • Independent auditors
  • Appropriate audit duration and audit scope to ensure a full and clear assessment of GMP
  • Comprehensive audit report
  • Clear identification of deficiencies
  • Declaration of no conflict of interest by the auditors
  • Well-structured processes in the audit project management
  • An accredited quality management system for the organization and performance of API audits

Shared audits and available reports of API manufacturers

A cost-effective solution for clients who require a GMP audit of their API is a shared audit. blue offers clients to join accredited shared audits, organised through their partner Diapharm. Diapharm also holds a library of ready-available API-specific audit reports, which is constantly updated with new audit reports from recent audits at API manufacturers worldwide performed by the auditors of blue inspection. Together we provide a full-service for our clients, guaranteeing the highest quality in the qualification of API suppliers.

Mandatory re-audits of APIs

Pharmaceutical companies must re-audit active pharmaceutical ingredient producers for GMP compliance every three years. These mandatory re-audits confirm adherence to current standards and allow for ongoing improvements, risk identification, and necessary corrective actions.
At blue our services include the timely re-audit scheduling of your suppliers, securing the optimum re-audit date and preparing the audit comprehensively in order to reduce delays in receiving the re-audit report on time.

During a mandatory GMP re-audit, auditors systematically review the organization's procedures, records, and operations under consideration of the results of the previous audit. They assess the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management practices, and adherence to regulatory requirements. The findings from these re-audits provide valuable insights for enhancing operational efficiencies and strengthening internal controls. Manufacturers can prepare for mandatory re-audits by maintaining up-to-date documentation and conducting regular internal audits.

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