What is a Qualified Person (QP)?
A Qualified Person (QP) is a highly skilled professional responsible for ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations and ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. QPs play a critical role in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the final release of medicinal products for distribution.
Duties of a Qualified Person (QP):
Quality Assurance Oversight: QPs are responsible for overseeing the quality assurance process and ensuring that all manufacturing and testing activities comply with GMP regulations and company standards. They review and approve batch documentation, including batch records, analytical data, and manufacturing protocols, to ensure product quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Batch Release: One of the primary responsibilities of a QP is to review and release finished pharmaceutical products for distribution. They conduct a thorough review of all relevant documentation, including manufacturing processes, testing results, and compliance with regulatory requirements, before certifying the batch for release.
Regulatory Compliance: QPs ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and requirements, including those of regulatory authorities such as the FDA or European Medicines Agency. They stay updated on regulatory changes, interpret guidelines, and provide guidance to the organization on implementing regulatory requirements.
Audits and Inspections: QPs participate in internal and external audits and inspections conducted by regulatory authorities or clients. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare for audits, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and address any findings or observations during audits.
Quality Management Systems: QPs contribute to the development and maintenance of the organization's quality management systems (QMS). They review and approve quality-related documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), change controls, and deviation investigations, to ensure adherence to quality standards.
Risk Assessment and Management: QPs assess risks associated with the manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceutical products. They identify potential quality risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, and implement measures to prevent and address quality issues that may impact patient safety and product quality.
Training and Development: QPs provide training and guidance to personnel involved in quality-related activities. They ensure that employees are adequately trained on GMP principles, quality procedures, and regulatory requirements. They support the professional development of the quality team and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Similar roles to a Qualified Person (QP):
Quality Assurance Manager: Quality Assurance Managers oversee the quality assurance process and ensure compliance with GMP regulations. They develop and implement quality systems, perform risk assessments, manage quality-related documentation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain product quality and regulatory compliance.
Regulatory Affairs Manager: Regulatory Affairs Managers specialize in managing regulatory compliance and ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines. They prepare and submit regulatory documents, communicate with regulatory authorities, monitor regulatory changes, and provide guidance on regulatory requirements to the organization.
Compliance Manager: Compliance Managers ensure that an organization operates in compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices. They develop compliance strategies, perform compliance assessments and audits, and implement corrective actions to address any identified compliance gaps.
Quality Control Manager: Quality Control Managers are responsible for overseeing the testing and analysis of pharmaceutical products to ensure compliance with quality standards. They manage laboratory operations, validate testing methods, review test results, and ensure adherence to quality control procedures and regulations.
These roles all involve ensuring compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and the overall quality assurance process in the pharmaceutical industry. Each role requires expertise in GMP regulations, quality management systems, and a focus on maintaining product quality and patient safety.
Are you looking for a new exciting role a Qualified Person (QP)?- Take a look at our current vacancies
Get in touch