Inspection of computer-supported toxicological data submitted to the FDA

The FDA's Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (GLP) have been formally amended (once) and two formed advisory opinions have been issued. The FDA is now in the process of reviewing the GLPs to comply with both the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and Executive Order 12291 of 1981. Inspections since 1979 have revealed compliance progress; however, certain areas of the GLPs have been a problem--the definition of "raw data," the documentation process for the maintenance of "raw data," standard operating procedures, and study protocols. The increasing use of computers for supporting toxicology/pathology studies raises several questions concerning the impact of the GLPs on computerized data collection/reporting. This paper will address the above questions and discuss systems, procedures, interpretations, and some unresolved problems, as well as provide practical approaches for internal review of computer-supported nonclinical laboratory studies.