---
title: "Inspection Readiness: Lessons Learnt from the Pandemic"
description: Despite the tragic nature of COVID-19 pandemic, it is undeniable that several lessons have been learned from this ordeal.
---

[Blog](https://blog.pqegroup.com)

# [Inspection Readiness: Lessons Learnt from the Pandemic](https://blog.pqegroup.com/gxp-compliance/inspection-readiness-lessons-learnt-from-the-pandemic)

 Written by [Mario Leone](https://blog.pqegroup.com/author/mario-leone) | Sep 21, 2023, 6:00:00 AM

## **ABSTRACT** 

The backlog of inspections caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have long-lasting effects on the pharmaceutical industry, causing delays in the approval of new drug applications and product launches. [Regulatory agencies](https://blog.pqegroup.com/gxp-compliance/inspection-readiness-lessons-learnt-from-the-pandemic?hs_amp=true#fda-ema) have implemented measures to address this backlog, including prioritizing inspections of higher-risk facilities and utilizing remote inspection capabilities. Despite the tragic nature of the pandemic, it is undeniable that several [lessons](https://blog.pqegroup.com/gxp-compliance/inspection-readiness-lessons-learnt-from-the-pandemic?hs_amp=true#lessons) have been learned from this ordeal. As a result, we have gained insights into the effectiveness of remote inspections, the importance of mutual recognition agreements, the necessity for adaptability and clear communication, as well as[the value](https://blog.pqegroup.com/gxp-compliance/inspection-readiness-lessons-learnt-from-the-pandemic?hs_amp=true#inspection-readiness) of virtual audits and remote document review. 

The consulting firms in the pharmaceutical industry have also encountered their own set of [challenges](https://blog.pqegroup.com/gxp-compliance/inspection-readiness-lessons-learnt-from-the-pandemic?hs_amp=true#challenges) due to the pandemic, resulting in increased competition and heightened client [expectations](https://blog.pqegroup.com/gxp-compliance/inspection-readiness-lessons-learnt-from-the-pandemic?hs_amp=true#clients). This article aims to explore the difficulties faced by the pharmaceutical industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically regarding [regulatory inspections](https://blog.pqegroup.com/gxp-compliance/inspection-readiness-lessons-learnt-from-the-pandemic?hs_amp=true#regulatory-inspections) conducted by the FDA and EMA. 

[View full post](https://blog.pqegroup.com/gxp-compliance/inspection-readiness-lessons-learnt-from-the-pandemic)

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