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Gene Therapy Quality Assurance & GMP Compliance Consulting
Comprehensive quality assurance for AAV gene therapy and viral vector programs — from QMS design and GMP compliance through adventitious agent testing strategies, vector shedding protocols, and BLA-ready quality systems.
Support Across All Stages
Ensuring Compliance & Product Integrity for Gene Therapy
Advanced Therapy Quality & Compliance Services
Quality systems and regulatory compliance support for gene therapy, biologics, and advanced therapy programs
Our Quality Approach
Smart, Efficient QA Operations for Viral Vector Programs
We deliver value through operational efficiency — a streamlined approach to gene therapy quality assurance that prioritizes critical quality activities directly impacting patient safety and robust product supply.
Supplier Management & Qualification
Auditing & Assessment Systems
Material Quality Management
Manufacturing Operations QA
Supporting Reliable Outcomes
Robust QA Processes Across All Operations
Technical Operations
CMC technical documentation review, analytical method lifecycle management, and technical operations qualification
QC Operations
Laboratory document review, deviation investigation, OOS investigation management, and data integrity assessments (21 CFR Part 11)
Product Release
Batch release approval, specification review, COA review, Product Quality Review (PQR), and Annual Product Review (APR)
Gene Therapy-Specific
Adventitious agent testing, vector shedding protocols, genotoxicity risk, and CBER-specific compliance oversight
Gene Therapy QA Expertise
Specialized Compliance for Viral Vector Programs
Gene therapy quality assurance is categorically distinct from conventional biologic QA. AAV programs face unique compliance requirements — from the design of adventitious agent testing panels aligned with ICH Q5A(R2) to the development of vector shedding study protocols that meet FDA and EMA post-marketing expectations, to the genotoxicity risk frameworks required by CBER.
DES Pharma’s QA consultants have built quality systems specifically for gene therapy programs, understanding the intersection of viral vector biology, manufacturing complexity, and regulatory expectations. We help gene therapy companies build quality cultures and systems that hold up under CBER pre-approval inspections — avoiding the delays that poorly designed gene therapy QA programs consistently produce.
Whether you need to design your first GMP-compliant QMS, prepare for a CBER audit, or develop a vector shedding risk assessment for your clinical program, DES Pharma delivers the specialized quality expertise to keep your gene therapy program compliant and on track.
Adventitious Agent Testing Program Design
ICH Q5A(R2) compliant testing strategy including in-vitro and in-vivo assays, PCR-based screening, and cell-based detection methods for AAV manufacturing
Vector Shedding Protocol Development
FDA and EMA-aligned shedding study designs for clinical trials and post-marketing commitments — sample collection strategy, assay selection, and data interpretation frameworks
Genotoxicity & Insertional Mutagenesis Risk
Risk-based framework development for integration site analysis, long-term follow-up (LTFU) study design, and regulatory justification for AAV genotoxicity risk assessment
FDA CBER Inspection Readiness
Mock PAI assessments, CBER-specific inspection preparation, prior approval supplement (PAS) strategy, and FDA response support for gene therapy manufacturing
IND / BLA Quality Section Authorship
CMC quality narrative development, quality overall summary (QOS), and CBER-aligned QA section documentation for gene therapy IND and BLA submissions
Key Regulatory Framework
Gene Therapy QA Regulatory Reference Guide
Critical regulatory requirements that define the compliance framework for AAV gene therapy quality systems — each requiring specialized expertise beyond standard biologic QA.
| Regulatory Requirement | Guideline / Reference | Gene Therapy Significance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventitious Agent Testing | ICH Q5A(R2); 21 CFR 610; USP <71> | Mandatory for all viral vector cell substrates and production processes — more extensive than standard biologics | Required |
| Vector Shedding Studies | FDA CBER Guidance 2015; EMA Guideline 2009 | Clinical and post-marketing studies to assess patient-to-patient transmission risk via body fluids | Required |
| Long-Term Follow-Up (LTFU) | FDA CBER Guidance 2020 (GT LTFU) | 15-year patient monitoring program required for integrating gene therapies; AAV risk stratification may reduce duration | Required |
| Genotoxicity / Insertional Risk | FDA 2006 GTGTF; EMA Guideline EMEA/236981 | Risk-based assessment required; AAV generally considered low integration risk but documentation required | GT-Specific |
| Replication Competent Virus (RCV) | FDA CBER Guidance; ICH Q5A | RCV assays required for every AAV lot to confirm absence of replication-competent particles | Required |
| Cell Substrate Qualification | ICH Q5B; ICH Q5D; USP <1010> | MCB/WCB characterization and qualification required for HEK293, Sf9, and other cell substrates used in AAV manufacturing | Required |
| Data Integrity (GMP) | 21 CFR Part 11; FDA DI Guidance 2018; EMA ANNEX 11 | Electronic records and signatures requirements for all GMP data generated during viral vector manufacturing and testing | Required |
Our Quality Methodology
How We Build Gene Therapy Quality Systems That Last
A four-step approach to building quality systems that are both compliant and operationally sustainable for gene therapy programs.
Quality Risk Assessment
Begin with ICH Q9-based risk assessment of your specific gene therapy product, manufacturing platform, and regulatory pathway to identify the highest-priority quality system gaps.
Phase-Appropriate QMS Design
Build quality systems calibrated to your development stage — IND-enabling QA has different requirements than PPQ-stage or BLA commercial quality systems.
Gene Therapy-Specific Protocol Development
Design and execute adventitious agent testing, vector shedding, and genotoxicity risk protocols that meet FDA CBER and EMA expectations for viral vector products.
Inspection Readiness & BLA Support
Prepare for CBER pre-approval inspections, author quality sections for regulatory submissions, and ensure your QA documentation package supports BLA approval.
Connect With Our Team Today
Build a CBER-Ready Gene Therapy Quality System
Ensure your AAV program meets FDA and EMA compliance expectations at every stage.