Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Annual Study
Background
Since 2019, the FDA Compounding Quality Center of Excellence has conducted the Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Annual Study to better understand industry perspectives and challenges, as well as dynamics between suppliers and purchasers. A total of three studies (2019–2020, 2020–2021, and 2021–2022) have been completed, and the 2022–2023 study is in progress. Select findings from the first two studies are summarized in the presentations State of Outsourcing Facility Sector and Possibilities for the Future and Areas of Customer Need for Outsourcing Facility Products.
Each study includes (1) an annual survey of outsourcing facilities, (2) discussions with outsourcing facilities and their stakeholders, and (3) an analysis of existing publicly available data. The study is conducted by a research partner under the direction of the FDA. The research partner also develops an annual report of the study results and findings. Data gathered through surveys and discussions are deidentified and anonymous to the FDA.
Feedback From Outsourcing Facilities
Based on input from outsourcing facilities, the annual studies have collected information about areas such as:
- Outsourcing facility perceptions of engagement with the FDA
- How current FDA policies affect outsourcing facilities
- Outsourcing facility needs and challenges that can inform FDA’s future policy and programmatic work
- Topics identified by outsourcing facilities as needs for training or additional clarification
- Size, scope, and trends in the outsourcing facility sector
- Outsourcing facility perceptions of quality and implementation of quality practices
- Interactions between outsourcing facilities and various stakeholders (e.g., suppliers of active pharmaceutical ingredients [APIs] and purchasers of outsourcing facility products)
Annual Reports
2021–2022
- Executive summary, 2021–2022 (PDF - 313 KB)
- Overview: The market for outsourcing facility products is durable and evolving. The number of registered outsourcing facilities has remained relatively stable since 2019, and the industry shows wide variation in current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) expertise, resources (i.e., human capital, financial), and ability to grow customer bases. Customer need is playing an increasing role in shaping the industry.
- Featured topic: Market demand for drug products produced by outsourcing facilities.
2020–2021
- Executive summary, 2020–2021
- Overview: Outsourcing facilities are showing some movement toward stabilization in the number of firms in the sector, demand for compounded drugs from customers continues, and outsourcing facilities continue to improve their understanding of current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) regulations. Financial and regulatory realities continue to shape the industry.
- Featured topic: API suppliers.
2019–2020
- Executive summary, 2019–2020
- Overview: Outsourcing facilities are still adjusting and trying to understand how to balance regulation with profitable and sustainable business models. They need consistent, constructive communication with the FDA that is sensitive to their challenges.
Selected Research Findings and Subsequent FDA Actions
Clarifying FDA Quality Practices and Expectations for Outsourcing Facilities
Research Finding
FDA found that registered outsourcing facilities enter the market with varying levels of experience and knowledge of quality practices and CGMP regulations. Newly established outsourcing facilities might not be familiar with the expectations associated with FDA regulations, such as inspections or other general requirements.
FDA Action
The FDA expanded CGMP training topics to include areas identified by outsourcing facilities and added conference topics related to CGMP regulations, inspections, and Form FDA 483 observations.
Specific Actions Taken
- Provided new training opportunities for outsourcing facilities on the following topics:
- Added sessions to the Compounding Quality Center of Excellence annual conference on the following subjects:
- FDA Inspections of Outsourcing Facilities (PDF - 308KB)
- What to Expect on a 503B Inspection (PDF - 408KB)
- Analytical Testing (PDF - 271KB)
- 483s Responses and Reinspection (PDF - 445KB)
- Elevating SOPs and Work Aids 3 (PDF - 4.93MB)
- Stability BUDs (PDF - 386KB)
- Held an additional webinar that included a Q&A session with the FDA:
- FDA Inspections of Outsourcing Facilities
- Subscribe for email alerts when new trainings are posted and when webinar registration opens.
Increasing Communication Between Outsourcing Facilities and the FDA
Research Finding
Outsourcing facilities prefer more two-way communication with the Agency. Rather than relying on FDA inspections for communication, which the facilities view as their primary means of interacting with the Agency, they would prefer additional avenues for communication in the future.
FDA Action
Provide informal opportunities for outsourcing facilities to ask the FDA questions and share their perspectives.
Specific Actions Taken
- In 2022, the FDA initiated a cross-sector stakeholder group with representatives from the FDA, outsourcing facilities, and other stakeholders. The group is designed to promote information sharing across the outsourcing facility ecosystem. The forum includes stakeholder discussions of issues related to production, use, and quality of compounded drug products. Meeting summaries are posted to the FDA website.
- The FDA is conducting small-group listening sessions for groups of outsourcing facilities with similar operations.
- The FDA is obtaining input from outsourcing facility representatives on potential topics for the annual Compounding Quality Center of Excellence conference.
Identifying Areas for Additional Research
Research Finding
Based on previous outsourcing facility study findings, the FDA identified several areas that would benefit from additional research. The findings will be used to support more effective interactions between the FDA and outsourcing facilities.
FDA Action
After obtaining baseline information from the first year (2019–2020) of the annual research study, the FDA fine-tuned its approach to developing and addressing research questions. The study now includes items that the FDA tracks from year to year to detect trends, a featured topic each year, and focused research questions on various topics designed to address smaller, more specific knowledge gaps that change each year.
Specific Actions Taken
- API suppliers was selected as the 2021 featured topic.
- Market demand for drug products produced by outsourcing facilities was selected as the 2022 featured topic.
Email questions or suggestions to CompoundingQualityCoE@fda.hhs.gov