Let's Combinate - Drugs + Devices

• 187 - Why Drug and Device Development Use Different Playbooks (QbD vs. Design Controls Explained)

  What’s the difference between Quality by Design (QbD) and Design Controls—and why should you care if you're developing drug-device combination products?In this episode of Let’s Combinate, Subhi Saadeh breaks down the key distinctions between QbD, used in pharmaceutical development, and design controls, the regulatory framework guiding medical device design. Learn how these two approaches tackle product realization, why they're not interchangeable, and how both are essential when building safe, effective, and compliant combination products.Whether you work in drug development, medical devices, or the space in between, this episode will help you:-Understand the regulatory foundations of QbD (ICH Q8) and design controls (FDA 21 CFR 820.30)-Learn the core tools and deliverables (like CQAs, QTPP, design verification & validation, and risk assessments)-See how each system addresses user needs, therapeutic effects, and process control-Apply both systems effectively in combination product developmentTimestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why Compare QbD and Design Controls?01:31 – Philosophical Differences: Process vs. Product Control03:10 – Practical Examples: Drugs vs. Devices05:13 – Origins and Frameworks: ICH Q8 and Design Controls Regulation06:46 – Deep Dive: What Are Design Controls? (Inputs, Outputs, DHF, V&V, Transfer)11:51 – What Is Quality by Design (QbD)? (QTPP, CQAs, Design Space, DOE)15:39 – Final Takeaways: How to Use Both in Combination ProductsSubhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.------------------------ICH Q8, Q9, Q10, and Q12ISO 14971 Risk ManagementDifferences between usability engineering and clinical trialsThe role of control strategies and process monitoring in pharmaRelevant for:Regulatory affairs professionalsQuality engineers in pharma and medtechDrug/device development teamsAnyone preparing for combination product submissions or audits

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• 186 - 4 Ways to Future-Proof Your Career in Pharma, Medical Devices and BioTech

  In this episode of Let's Accommodate Drugs and Devices, host Subhi Saadeh shares four pieces of timeless career advice inspired by Morgan Housel's book, 'Same as Ever'. This episode is particularly aimed at bioengineering students and early-career professionals. The tips include: publishing early to build visibility, understanding how industry regulations and processes work, developing interdisciplinary skills, and finding mentors for guidance. Subhi emphasizes the importance of learning for its own sake and seeking out diverse experiences to enhance one's career prospects in the highly regulated field of bioengineering.00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode00:36 Tip 1: Start Publishing Early04:26 Tip 2: Learn How Industry Really Works06:14 Tip 3: Build Skills Across Disciplines09:00 Tip 4: Find Mentors and Network12:08 Conclusion and RecapSubhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.

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• 185 - ISO 10013, Document Control in Pharma & Devices: SOPs, Work Instructions, and RACI Done Right with Aaron Snyder

  In this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh is joined by Aaron Snyder, the creator of Quality Systems Explained and a seasoned consultant in regulated quality systems. The discussion revolves around the critical role of documentation in quality systems, which serves as the backbone of compliance. Key topics include the hierarchy of regulations, document management best practices, the intricacies of quality manuals, and the critical distinctions between SOPs and work instructions. Additionally, they explore the interconnectedness of document control and training, emphasizing the importance of defined roles and responsibilities within organizations. Listeners are provided with insights into establishing and maintaining effective documentation systems while ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:37 The Importance of Documentation in Quality Systems01:30 Hierarchy and Structure of Documentation02:44 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) vs. Work Instructions11:22 Document Control and Change Management15:52 Roles and Responsibilities in Quality Systems18:20 RACI Matrix and Its Importance20:47 Common Issues in Documentation and Training25:25 Conclusion and Where to Find More InformationAaron Snyder is a quality management systems expert and the founder of Quality Systems Explained. He previously served as VP of QA at Allotex and has held roles at Fresenius Kabi, Molnlycke, Waters Corporation, Covidien, Cardinal Health, and General Electric. With extensive experience across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and combination products, Aaron is also a member of the AAMI Faculty, teaching several courses on various QMS topics. An avid content creator, he dissects, presents, and teaches QMS and cGMP topics on his YouTube channel, Quality Systems Explained.Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.

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• 184 - Program Management in Pharma & Devices: Phase Gates, Risk Planning, and Project FMEAs Explained

  In this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh welcomes back Skip Creveling, a global expert in program management and Six Sigma methodologies.Skip shares his extensive experience helping Fortune 500 companies optimize design processes, reduce risks, and drive innovation—especially in highly regulated industries like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.The discussion explores Skip’s career transition from Eastman Kodak to the medical device sector, the importance of structured program management, phase gate processes, and the balance between going fast and ensuring thorough planning.Skip also delves into the differences between simple and complex projects and the necessity of having tailored project management templates for various project scales.The episode concludes with insights into how to manage risks effectively through tools like project and portfolio FMEAs, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in project execution.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome00:19 – Skip's Background and Experience01:10 – Transition to Medical Devices and Pharma03:35 – Program and Project Management Insights06:03 – Phases and Gates in Product Development08:59 – Challenges and Strategies in Project Management10:51 – Examples of Project Management in Action13:28 – Importance of Planning and Risk Management18:10 – Templates and Tools for Effective Project Management29:49 – Final Thoughts and Contact InformationAbout the Host:Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations, and R&D, he has worked in large Medical Device and Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of hardware devices, disposable devices, and combination products for vaccines, generics, and biologics.Subhi currently serves as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition (CPC), is a member of ASTM Committee E55, and has served on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries, or suggestions, please visit letscombinate.com or connect on the show's LinkedIn page.

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• 183 - GxP Explained: A Complete Guide to Good Manufacturing, Clinical, Laboratory, and Distribution Practices for Regulated Products

  Understanding GXPs: Essential Good Practices for Bioengineering ProfessionalsIn this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh, a seasoned bioengineer with ten years of experience in the pharma and medical device industries, provides an in-depth exploration of good practice guidelines (GXPs). Subhi covers various GXPs including GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), GLP (Good Laboratory Practice), GCP (Good Clinical Practice), and GDP (Good Distribution Practice), explaining their roles, regulations, and importance in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. He discusses how these frameworks integrate to form a comprehensive approach that governs the lifecycle of medical products from preclinical research to post-market surveillance. Additionally, Subhi delves into GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice) and GVP (Good Pharmacovigilance Practice), emphasizing their significance in maintaining data integrity and patient safety. This extended episode aims to provide early professionals with a robust understanding of these critical regulatory standards and their real-world applications in industry.00:00 Introduction to GXP02:22 Understanding GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice09:21 Exploring GLP: Good Laboratory Practices17:57 Diving into GCP: Good Clinical Practices24:00 Ensuring Quality with GDP: Good Distribution Practices29:32 Overview of GVP and GAMP33:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.

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