Expert Circle on Good Pharmacovigilance Practices

The PIC/S Expert Circle on Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GPV) was established in 2023. The GPV Expert Circle organizational structure and mandate were finalized to include: 1) GPV Best Practices Working Group, established to facilitate discussion and the exchange of information among inspectors to support training and harmonization; 2) Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning (AI-ML) Working Group, tasked with designing, developing, and executing a meeting over the next 18-24 months focused on providing training and opportunities to obtain knowledge and competence to inspect key topics related to AI-ML in pharmacovigilance; and 3) Joint Visit Program, formed to coordinate remote and in-person joint visits in which inspectors from three different countries are matched up to observe inspection conduct in each country.

Chairperson of PIC/S Expert Circle on GPV: Sherry Bous (US FDA)

Key Features

The goals of the Expert Circle on GPV are to:

1. Design, develop and execute a training programme for GPV Inspectors to provide guidance on the practical inspection techniques and to facilitate the conduct of certain aspects of GPV inspections in a harmonised manner.

2. Establish a network of experts in technical topics covering GPV and increase understanding of relevant topics of interest:

  • Support Working Group activities related to artificial intelligence-machine learning (AI-ML) aimed at monitoring developments in the field as well as addressing future challenges posed by emerging tools and technologies.
  • Increase understanding of topics of interest and harmonizing inspection approaches by supporting Working Group activities related to GPV Best Practices (e.g. risk-based approach to inspection, inspection techniques, etc.).

3. Develop a communication system between PIC/S Participating Authorities to facilitate discussions related to GPV:

  • Promote and support participation in the PIC/S Joint Visit Programme, including sharing learning and experiences amongst inspectors.
  • Provide networking opportunities amongst inspectorates from different agencies.

4. Coordinate PIC/S inputto international guidelines as needed (e.g., ICH/vICH and CIOMS guidelines related to GPV inspections). Develop and maintain a common approach and intepretation of the international guidelines (e.g., ICH/vICH, CIOMS).

Upcoming Expert Circle Meetings and Training Activities

2025 (date to be announced)

How to join a PIC/S Joint Visits Programme (JVP) Group in the field of GPV

Inspectors interested in joining a JVP group in the field of GPV are invited to contact the Secretariat, which will provide an application form and co-ordinate the establishment of a new JVP group.