Mock BIMO Inspections: A Basic Guide to Readiness in 2024

Preparing for regulatory inspections from authorities such as the FDA or EMA involves conducting mock inspections, which is a crucial part of industry inspection readiness.

During these mock inspections, auditors (serving as mock inspectors) typically arrive at the sponsor's reception area and assess whether they are received appropriately, whether the relevant individuals are notified, and whether they are correctly escorted to an inspection room.

The mock inspectors then replicate the entire relevant inspection process and approach that would be required of the relevant regulatory authority inspectors.

Experienced mock inspectors are familiar with this process based on their practical experience and publicly available information, including the FDA's Bioresearch Monitoring Program Compliance guidance documents.

Mock BIMO Inspection vs. Real Bimo Inspection

It's important to know the notable distinctions between a mock inspection and a real regulatory inspection in this case.

• Typically, the sponsor mandates the contracted mock inspector to provide an agenda beforehand, whereas an FDA inspector does not require one for a real inspection.
• Also, a mock inspection has a predetermined duration of three to five days, whereas an FDA inspector can extend their stay as deemed necessary to fulfill their inspection guidance criteria and objectives.
• Despite the fact that a proficient mock inspector intends to conduct an unbiased inspection, it's important to note that they are still employed by the sponsor. On the other hand, the FDA does not have any financial agreement with the sponsor.

Despite these distinctions, the advantages of undergoing a mock inspection far outweigh any disparities.

Inside a Typical Mock BIMO Inspection

Since a mock BIMO inspection is designed to simulate an actual FDA inspection and helps identify any areas of non-compliance with regulatory requirements, the typical components of a mock BIMO inspection follow the relevant compliance manuals linked above.

Generally speaking, this might consist of some or all of the following activities:

1. Pre-Inspection Planning

• Selection of a mock inspector with appropriate expertise.
• Review of previous FDA inspections and findings.
• Development of an inspection plan that outlines the scope and focus areas.

2. Document Review

• Examination of the Trial Master File (TMF) for completeness and accuracy.
• Review of Investigator Site Files (ISFs) to ensure they contain all required documents.
• Verification of informed consent forms and process.
• Assessment of study protocols, amendments, and deviations.

3. Regulatory Compliance Evaluation

• Verification of adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
• Confirmation of compliance with 21 CFR parts 50, 54, 56, and 312 or 812 (as applicable).
• Review of financial disclosure information for clinical investigators.

4. Site Management Evaluation

• Inspection of site facilities and resources.
• Interviews with clinical investigators and study staff.
• Observation of actual practices and procedures.

5. Data Integrity Verification

• Cross-checking data entries with source documents.
• Validation of the data management system.
• Review of the processes for adverse event reporting and handling.

6. Subject Safety Assessment

• Review of adverse event reports and safety monitoring.
• Evaluation of the process for obtaining and documenting informed consent.

7. Audit Report

• Preparation of a detailed audit report that identifies findings, categorizes them as observations or potential violations,and provides recommendations for corrective actions.

8. Post-Inspection Follow-Up

• Development of a corrective and preventive action plan (CAPA) to address findings.
• Training or re-training of staff as necessary.
• Follow-up audits to ensure implementation of corrective actions.

9. Mock FDA Exit Interview

• Conducting a simulated close-out meeting to discuss findings and next steps.
• Practice for responding to potential FDA questions and requests for additional information.

Other Mock BIMO Approaches

To ensure continuous improvement, it's worth considering new ways of conducting mock inspections, especially in light of the significant changes in the industry, including enhanced technology and extensive outsourcing.

Nowadays, not all sponsors have a reception area, a meeting room, or even a physical location for conducting inspections, for example. However, regulators still expect sponsors to facilitate inspections, regardless of how much of the work has been done by vendors.

A one-day sponsor readiness audit

One more novel approach is conducting a focused one-day mock inspection on-site to evaluate the sponsor's inspection readiness and back-room operations. This exercise is confined to the inspection process itself, excluding extensive SME interviews except for those participating in the opening meeting.

• The mock inspector simulates an FDA arrival, reviews the setup of the inspection room, roles of attendees, and proceeds with an opening meeting as in a real inspection.
• The sponsor then practices their document handling procedures, responding to an initial request list, which helps back-room staff gauge the volume and manage the provision of documents using any relevant tools.
• The mock inspector spends the day assessing the documents and the sponsor's response to follow-up inquiries.
• The exercise concludes with a debriefing session for all participants to share experiences, insights, and challenges faced. The mock inspector will provide a written report summarizing the findings and recommendations.

SME mock interviews

Another approach is arranging a set of mock SME interviews, which can be conducted remotely or on-site, to simulate FDA interview scenarios and serve as professional development.

• Each SME is interviewed by the mock inspector in the presence of a QA facilitator, with the option to include a scribe. The interviews should follow inspection readiness training, with SMEs prepared in advance. Time is set aside for private feedback and questions between the SME and the inspector.
• Post-interview, the inspector gives confidential feedback to the QA facilitator.
• Subsequent interview rounds are scheduled for SMEs to apply this feedback, with the number of follow-ups varying based on individual needs.

These mock interviews help pinpoint any critical issues in SME selection and preparedness, ensuring the final team is well-equipped to represent the sponsor effectively during an actual FDA inspection.

Mock presentation sessions

Another approach is organizing on-site or remote mock inspection sessions for presentation practice.

• During these sessions, SMEs deliver their presentations to the mock inspector, focusing on both the content and the manner of delivery.
• While these can be integrated into the SME interviews, it is advantageous to conduct them separately to maintain emphasis on the presentation skills rather than an impromptu Q&A session, which may diverge into various topics.
• After the presentations, the mock inspector offers targeted confidential feedback and suggestions to the QA facilitator, aimed at refining the SMEs' presentation capabilities in preparation for an actual FDA inspection.

A Few Mock BIMO Inspection Best Practices

Having supported hundreds of mock BIMO inspections ourselves, we've encountered numerous challenges and pitfalls that can lead to delays and other issues. These problems not only divert attention from identifying more challenging gaps but also have the potential to cause significant damage if left unaddressed.

It's crucial not to squander time and company resources on issues that can easily be avoided. Failing to understand and address the "no-brainers" outlined below can consume an entire day.

Therefore, it is vital to allocate sufficient time to address these commonly overlooked or poorly understood aspects prior to the mock inspection. This will enable mock inspectors to utilize their on-site time more effectively.

1. Assign qualified personnel to the project

Appoint a QA mock facilitator with extensive experience in the relevant regulatory area (GCP, PV, GMP) and a thorough understanding of the company's structure, drug development process, document management system, and quality system.

Choose SMEs who can discuss their topics in detail and have hands-on experience rather than just high-level oversight or management of a specific element.

2. Prepare your team and your documentation ahead of time

Conduct thorough inspection-readiness training for management and key SMEs before the mock inspection, including classroom training, mock interviews, SOP refreshers, and communication techniques.

Ensure that all staff understand their roles during an inspection, the importance of these roles, and how to perform their tasks effectively. We always emphasize developing good listening skills to prevent miscommunication and time wastage during the mock inspection.

3. Adhere to standard inspection processes

Prepare a presentation for the mock inspection that covers the company background, clinical development status, electronic systems, quality system, QA organization, vendors, and inspection history.

Have essential documents readily available, such as the SOP Index, training records, staff qualifications, and all parts of the TMF, regardless of their location or the age of the study.

A High-Level Mock BIMO Inspection Checklist

Use this general checklist to help ensure that you're thoroughly prepared for a mock BIMO inspection and can maximize the benefits of the exercise in anticipation of an actual FDA inspection.

I. Pre-Inspection Preparation

Personnel Readiness

• Identify and appoint a QA mock facilitator with relevant regulatory experience (GCP, PV, GMP).
•  Ensure the facilitator has a comprehensive understanding of the company’s structure, drug development process, document management system, and quality system.
•  Select SMEs with hands-on experience in their specific areas of expertise.
•  Verify that SMEs and QA staff have relevant experience aligned with the company’s goals.

Training and Development

• Provide inspection-readiness training for management and key SMEs.
•  Conduct mock interviews and communication workshops.
• Refresh knowledge on SOPs.
• Emphasize the importance of active listening and effective communication during inspections.

Documentation and Information Management

• Prepare a high-level company background presentation.
• Compile information on the clinical development process and current status.
• List and describe electronic systems in use.
• Outline the quality system and QA organization.
• Document vendors and inspection history.
• Create an SOP Index and ensure all SOPs include approval documentation.
• Organize training records and staff qualifications.
• Ensure accessibility to all parts of the Trial Master File (TMF), including those stored globally or from past studies.
• Gather documentation on serious breaches, noncompliance, protocol deviations, monitoring, and auditing.

Operational Readiness

• Set up a backroom hub for document management during the inspection.
• Assign roles for document review, running documents, and scribing.
• Inform key vendors about the mock inspection and potential interviews.
• Prepare documentation, storyboards, and presentations for known gaps.

II. During Mock Inspection

Execution of Roles

• Ensure the QA mock facilitator oversees the inspection process effectively.
• Confirm that SMEs are ready and available for their interviews and presentations.
• Have the scribe document the proceedings accurately.

Process Adherence

• Follow the industry-standard inspection process during the mock.
• Present the prepared company background and processes to the mock inspector.
• Provide requested documents promptly and efficiently.
  
  

• Encourage clear and concise communication from all participants.
• Listen actively to the mock inspector’s questions and feedback.
• Collect and distribute the mock inspector’s feedback for post-inspection review.

III. Post-Inspection Follow-Up

Review and Analysis

• Analyze the mock inspector’s written report for gaps and recommendations.
• Discuss the feedback in detail with all relevant staff members.

Action Plan Development

• Develop a CAPA plan for identified gaps.
• Schedule follow-up training or interviews if necessary.

Continuous Improvement

• Implement changes based on the mock inspection findings.
• Plan for ongoing inspection readiness and continuous compliance monitoring.

Need Mock BIMO Inspection Support? We Can Help

At The FDA Group, we understand the importance of being fully prepared for an FDA inspection. Our Mock FDA inspection services simulate a real FDA inspection and often go well beyond simple compliance assuredness to help your firm anticipate potential inspection scenarios, identify gaps, plan remediation steps, train staff, and cover every other dimension of inspection readiness.

We've helped hundreds of FDA-regulated firms of all sizes rapidly access the industry's best auditors to plan and conduct mock FDA inspections. We provide a timely, comprehensive, and enlightening audit experience that alleviates inspection stress and reveals every opportunity for improvement. If remediation is necessary and expert outside assistance is desired, we can continue providing that support as needed.

Our consultants simulate an actual FDA inspection at your site or facility, conducting a sort of inspection pressure test and rehearsal combined with a training component to close gaps and enhance every element of readiness. In some cases, these internal mock audits can even be more stringent than actual regulatory inspections, going far deeper into the quality system and sometimes sparking large-scale remediation and/or training projects.

Teams work with us to manage their inspection readiness when they’re ready for a higher level of professionalism and the peace of mind that comes with an auditing partner whose commitment to quality and integrity reflects their own.

Learn more about our Mock FDA Inspection Services and contact us to start the conversation.

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