Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) represent one of the most transformative areas of modern medicine. These advanced therapies offer the potential to treat or even cure diseases that were previously considered untreatable, including certain cancers, genetic disorders, and rare diseases. However, the complexity of these therapies also presents unique manufacturing and quality challenges. Unlike
Quality by Design (QbD) has become a fundamental concept in modern pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Rather than relying solely on end-product testing to ensure quality, QbD focuses on designing quality into products and processes from the earliest stages of development. First introduced by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Human error has long been recognised as one of the most common causes of quality deviations in manufacturing environments, particularly in highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical device production. While organisations invest heavily in systems, automation, and compliance frameworks, human factors continue to influence operational outcomes on the shop floor. In
In the pharmaceutical industry, quality has always been a regulatory requirement. However, in recent years, the conversation has shifted from simply meeting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements to building a proactive quality culture embedded across the entire organisation. By 2025, many pharmaceutical leaders recognised that strong systems alone are not enough. Regulators, including the
In 2026, supply chains are more globalised, interconnected, and complex than ever before. Organisations increasingly rely on international suppliers to deliver raw materials, components, and services essential to their operations. While global sourcing provides cost advantages and access to specialised capabilities, it also introduces significant quality and compliance challenges. Supplier quality management has therefore
Remote auditing was once considered a temporary workaround and an emergency solution to maintain compliance during global disruption. But in 2026, it has cemented itself as a core component of modern quality oversight. The pharmaceutical and medical device industries, along with global regulatory authorities, have embraced hybrid audit models that blend on-site inspections with
Risk-based quality management has been a core expectation in pharmaceutical manufacturing ever since ICH Q9 introduced the concept of integrating science and risk into quality decision-making. However, in 2026, the role of risk-based thinking is undergoing a significant transformation. As digitalisation accelerates and manufacturing processes become more complex, organisations increasingly rely on smart tools,
Discover the key digital and cross-functional skills QA professionals need to thrive in the fast-evolving, technology-driven quality landscape of 2026.
Explore why cross-functional quality skills are now essential in pharma as digitalisation, advanced manufacturing and stricter regulations reshape the industry.
Learn which QA/QC skills pharma employers are prioritising in 2026 as talent shortages grow and regulatory expectations evolve.
