50+ Sanofi Interview Questions and Answers

There are two types of current - Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). AC is used in domestic, industrial and many other applications, while DC is used for equipment and electric devices.

• Alternating Current (AC) flows in a back-and-forth motion and is used in most applications

• Direct Current (DC) flows in one direction and is used for specific equipment and devices

• AC is commonly used in homes, offices, and industrial settings

• DC is used in batteries, electronic devi...read more

The season highly possible to produce static electricity is winter.

• Winter is a season with low humidity, which allows for the buildup of static electricity.

• Cold temperatures in winter can cause materials to become more electrically charged.

• Examples of static electricity in winter include getting shocked when touching a doorknob or seeing sparks when removing a sweater.

Water used in the pharmaceutical industry is typically purified and meets specific quality standards.

• Pharmaceutical industry uses different types of water for various purposes.

• The most common types of water used in pharmaceutical industry include purified water, water for injection, and sterile water.

• Purified water is used for non-sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

• Water for injection (WFI) is highly purified and used for parenteral preparations.

• Sterile water is u...read more

I have extensive exposure to regulated markets like USA, Europe, Japan, and Australia. I have faced audits from regulatory agencies multiple times.

• I have experience in managing quality systems compliant with FDA regulations, EU GMP, and TGA requirements.

• I have faced audits from FDA, MHRA, and TGA directly and have successfully managed to close all the observations.

• During one of the FDA audits, we faced a difficult situation where the auditor raised concerns about our cleaning...read more

India has a tropical climate zone as per GMP and pharmaceutical standards.

• India has a hot and humid climate throughout the year.

• The temperature ranges from 20°C to 45°C depending on the region.

• Pharmaceutical companies need to consider the climate while storing and transporting medicines.

• They need to maintain proper temperature and humidity levels to ensure the quality of medicines.

• Some regions in India are prone to cyclones and floods, which can affect the supply chain of med...read more

Acids and bases are substances that can donate or accept protons, respectively.

• Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) in water.

• Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in water.

• Acids and bases can also be defined based on their chemical properties, such as their ability to neutralize each other.

• Examples of acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

• Examples of bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ammonia (NH3).

SMPS is a switched mode power supply used to manage and supply power to equipment as required.

• SMPS stands for Switched Mode Power Supply

• It is used to efficiently manage and supply power to electronic equipment

• It uses high frequency switching to convert AC to DC power

• It is commonly used in computers, televisions, and other electronic devices

• SMPS is more efficient and compact than traditional linear power supplies

Transformers change voltage levels in electrical circuits.

• Transformers use electromagnetic induction to transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another.

• They can step up or step down voltage levels depending on the number of windings in the primary and secondary coils.

• Transformers are used in power distribution systems to transmit electricity over long distances with minimal loss.

• They are also used in electronic devices to convert AC voltage to DC voltage.

• Transformers c...read more

If I come across a perfect match, I would carefully evaluate the situation and consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

• Evaluate the qualifications and fit of the candidate or opportunity

• Consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of the match

• Consult with colleagues or superiors for input

• Make a decision based on the overall assessment

To start method development, I would first review the literature, define the objectives, gather necessary materials and equipment, and plan the experimental design.

• Review the existing literature to understand the current knowledge and methods used in the field.

• Define clear objectives and research questions to guide the method development process.

• Gather all the necessary materials, reagents, and equipment required for the experiments.

• Plan the experimental design, including the...read more

I am responsible for carrying out condition monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical equipment.

• Perform scheduled condition monitoring, LLF, and thermography

• Conduct preventive, predictive, and breakdown maintenance of electrical equipment

• Possess good knowledge of troubleshooting electrical circuits

• Adept at reading and modifying control schematic diagrams

• Ensure smooth operations of electrical equipment

Key points to check while processing invoices

• Verify accuracy of invoice details

• Check for correct pricing and quantities

• Ensure proper authorization and approval

• Match invoice to purchase order and receipt

• Confirm vendor information and payment terms

The question covers stability study climate, HPLC principles, and troubleshooting.

• There are different types of stability study climate such as accelerated, long-term, and intermediate.

• HPLC principle involves separating and analyzing compounds in a mixture based on their polarity and interaction with the stationary phase.

• HPLC troubleshooting involves checking for issues with the column, mobile phase, detector, and sample preparation.

Forced degradation study is a process used to determine the stability of a drug substance or product under various stress conditions.

• Forced degradation studies involve subjecting the drug to conditions such as heat, light, humidity, and acid/base hydrolysis to simulate potential degradation pathways.

• The purpose of these studies is to identify degradation products, determine degradation pathways, and establish the stability of the drug.

• Forced degradation studies help in develo...read more

Validations in executive roles can face challenges due to lack of data accuracy, timeliness, and stakeholder alignment.

• Data accuracy issues can lead to incorrect decisions being made.

• Timeliness of data can impact the speed at which decisions can be made.

• Lack of stakeholder alignment can result in conflicting priorities and goals.

• Inconsistent validation processes across departments can lead to discrepancies in data interpretation.

Qualification threshold refers to the minimum level of education, experience or skills required for a particular job or position.

• It is the minimum requirement for a job or position

• It can include education, experience, skills or certifications

• It is used to screen and filter job applicants

• It varies depending on the job or position

• For example, a job may require a bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience

The mechanical engineering career goal objectives in Mylan are focused on ensuring efficient maintenance operations and improving equipment reliability.

• Developing and implementing preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime

• Identifying and resolving equipment malfunctions to optimize production

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve equipment design and performance

• Implementing cost-saving initiatives through energy-efficient practices

• Continuously learning...read more

Weak acids have a lower degree of ionization and lower acidity compared to strong acids.

• Weak acids partially ionize in water, while strong acids completely ionize.

• Weak acids have a higher pH value and lower concentration of H+ ions.

• Strong acids have a lower pH value and higher concentration of H+ ions.

• Examples of weak acids include acetic acid (vinegar) and citric acid (lemons).

• Examples of strong acids include hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.

I assess the level of risk, develop a plan to mitigate it, and communicate with stakeholders.

• Identify the source and potential impact of the risk

• Analyze the likelihood of the risk occurring

• Develop a plan to mitigate or manage the risk

• Communicate with stakeholders about the risk and the plan

• Monitor the risk throughout the project or process

Safety measures for reactors include emergency shutdown systems, containment structures, and regular inspections.

• Emergency shutdown systems are in place to quickly stop the reactor in case of an emergency.

• Containment structures are designed to prevent the release of radioactive materials in case of a reactor accident.

• Regular inspections and maintenance help ensure the safe operation of the reactor.

• Proper training for staff on safety procedures is essential to prevent accident...read more

Stability conditions refer to the factors that contribute to the overall stability of a system or organization.

• Stability conditions can include financial stability, political stability, and social stability.

• In a business context, stability conditions may involve having a strong leadership team, a solid customer base, and a diversified product line.

• For a government, stability conditions could include a stable economy, effective governance, and social cohesion.

• Stability conditi...read more

I prioritize effective communication and collaboration with my team to ensure timely delivery of QOTIF.

• I establish clear goals and timelines with my team

• I regularly check in with team members to monitor progress and address any issues

• I encourage open communication and feedback to identify areas for improvement

• I prioritize training and development to ensure team members have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet QOTIF goals

Data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle.

• Ensures data is accurate and reliable

• Prevents unauthorized access or changes

• Maintained through data validation and verification processes

APQR conclusion is the final assessment and summary of the Annual Product Quality Review.

• APQR conclusion is a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of a product over the course of a year.

• It includes analysis of data, trends, deviations, and any corrective actions taken.

• The conclusion may recommend changes to processes, formulations, or quality control measures.

• Examples of APQR conclusions could be recommendations for process improvements, changes in specifications, or conti...read more

Validation parameters are criteria used to ensure data input meets specified requirements.

• Validation parameters can include data type, length, format, range, and presence.

• For example, a validation parameter for a phone number field may require 10 digits and no special characters.

• Validation parameters help prevent errors and ensure data integrity.

• They are commonly used in form fields and database entries.

Line clearance is the process of ensuring that a production line is free from any previous product or material before starting a new production run.

• Ensure all equipment is clean and sanitized before starting a new production run

• Verify that all materials and ingredients are correct and properly labeled

• Check that all previous product residue is removed from the production line

• Confirm that all necessary quality checks have been completed before starting production

A tablet is a solid dosage form of medication that is compressed into a small, round, or oval shape for oral administration.

• Tablets are made by compressing a mixture of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients into a solid form.

• Quality related tests for tablets include weight variation, disintegration time, dissolution rate, hardness, friability, and content uniformity.

• Examples of quality tests include measuring the weight of individual tablets to ensure consistency, ...read more

Distillation is a process used to separate mixtures based on differences in boiling points.

• Simple distillation: used to separate liquids with different boiling points

• Fractional distillation: used to separate liquids with similar boiling points

• Steam distillation: used to extract volatile compounds from plants

• Vacuum distillation: used to lower boiling points of high-boiling compounds

• Azeotropic distillation: used to separate azeotropes, which are mixtures with constant boiling p...read more

AAS principle refers to the three key elements of authentication, authorization, and accounting in information security.

• Authentication: verifying the identity of a user or system

• Authorization: granting access to specific resources based on the user's identity and permissions

• Accounting: tracking and logging user activity for auditing and compliance purposes

• Example: A user logging into a system with a username and password (authentication), being granted access to certain files...read more

Evaporation is the process of converting liquid to gas, while distillation is the process of separating two or more liquids based on their boiling points.

• Evaporation occurs at the surface of the liquid, while distillation occurs in a closed system.

• Evaporation is a physical change, while distillation is a chemical process.

• Evaporation is used to separate a solute from a solvent, while distillation is used to separate two or more liquids based on their boiling points.

• Examples of...read more

OOS flow refers to the out of stock flow in retail operations.

• OOS flow occurs when a product is not available for purchase due to being out of stock.

• It is important for retailers to manage OOS flow effectively to avoid losing sales and customer dissatisfaction.

• Strategies to address OOS flow include improving inventory management, implementing automated restocking systems, and setting up alerts for low stock levels.

A validation plan outlines the process for ensuring that a product or system meets specified requirements and standards.

• Defines the objectives and scope of validation activities

• Identifies the resources, responsibilities, and timelines for validation

• Specifies the methods and procedures for testing and evaluating the product or system

• Includes criteria for acceptance and rejection of validation results

My area of interest is technology and innovation.

• I am always curious about the latest advancements in technology.

• I enjoy exploring new gadgets and software.

• I am interested in how technology can be used to solve real-world problems.

• I follow tech news and attend conferences to stay up-to-date.

• Examples: AI, blockchain, IoT, AR/VR, cybersecurity, etc.

Rs method by HPLC is used to determine the enantiomeric purity of chiral compounds.

• Rs method involves the use of a chiral stationary phase in HPLC.

• It separates the enantiomers based on their different interactions with the stationary phase.

• The Rs value is calculated as the ratio of the peak areas of the two enantiomers.

• Rs value can be used to determine the enantiomeric purity of a sample.

• Rs method is commonly used in pharmaceutical industry for quality control of chiral drugs...read more

Data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle.

• Data integrity ensures that data remains unchanged and reliable over time.

• It involves maintaining the accuracy and consistency of data during storage, processing, and transmission.

• Data integrity can be achieved through various methods such as checksums, encryption, and error detection and correction.

• Examples of data integrity issues include data corruption, unauthorized modifi...read more

Operating principles of instruments involve understanding how they work and troubleshooting involves identifying and fixing issues.

• Understand the basic principles of how the instrument functions

• Follow manufacturer's instructions for operating the instrument

• Regularly calibrate and maintain the instrument to ensure accuracy

• Troubleshooting involves identifying common issues such as calibration errors or sensor malfunctions

• Use diagnostic tools or consult technical support for mor...read more

The USP NF is a compendium of drug information and standards for drug quality, purity, and strength.

• USP NF stands for United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary

• It is a collection of drug monographs, general chapters, and reference standards

• The current version is USP 43-NF 38, published in November 2020

• It includes standards for drug substances, dosage forms, and compounded preparations

• It also includes guidelines for analytical methods and quality control

Calibration of HPLC is a process of adjusting the settings of the High Performance Liquid Chromatography system to ensure accurate and reliable results.

• Calibration involves checking and adjusting the flow rate, detector sensitivity, and column efficiency.

• Regular calibration helps maintain the accuracy and precision of the HPLC system.

• Calibration standards are used to verify the performance of the system.

• Documentation of calibration procedures and results is essential for comp...read more

Handling RMG machine and FBP requires technical knowledge and attention to detail.

• Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of the RMG machine

• Follow standard operating procedures for loading and unloading materials

• Monitor the granulation process and adjust parameters as needed

• Perform regular quality checks on the final product

• Handle FBP with care to avoid contamination

• Maintain a clean and organized work area

Rank, Dense Rank, and Row Number are window functions used in SQL to assign a rank to each row based on a specific criteria.

• Rank assigns a unique rank to each row based on the specified order.

• Dense Rank assigns a unique rank to each row without any gaps, even if there are ties.

• Row Number assigns a unique sequential integer to each row, without any regard to the order of the rows.

Pharma equipments include mixers, granulators, tablet presses, coating machines, and packaging machines.

• Mixers are used for blending ingredients in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Granulators are used to break down materials into smaller particles for easier processing.

• Tablet presses are used to compress powdered ingredients into tablets.

• Coating machines are used to apply coatings to tablets for taste masking or controlled release.

• Packaging machines are used to package finished ...read more

Cost saving and preparation of doc are crucial for efficient team leadership.

• Implementing cost-saving measures such as reducing unnecessary expenses and optimizing resource utilization.

• Streamlining documentation processes to save time and increase productivity.

• Encouraging team members to contribute ideas for cost-saving and process improvement.

• Regularly reviewing and analyzing expenses to identify areas for improvement.

• Using technology to automate and simplify documentation p...read more

I have extensive experience in OSD (Oral Solid Dosage) manufacturing and implementing Quality Management Systems (QMS).

• Managed production of tablets and capsules in OSD manufacturing facilities

• Implemented and maintained QMS to ensure compliance with regulatory standards

• Led continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency

• Trained staff on QMS procedures and best practices

• Performed risk assessments and root cause analysis to address quality issues

Paracetamol is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer.

• It is also known as acetaminophen.

• It is commonly used to treat headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, and fevers.

• Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause pain and fever.

• It is available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquid suspensions.

The organization has a hierarchical structure with clear reporting lines and departments.

• The organization is divided into departments such as production, quality control, and maintenance.

• Each department has a manager who reports to the Manufacturing Manager.

• There are clear communication channels and reporting lines within the organization.

• The Manufacturing Manager oversees the overall operations and ensures coordination between departments.

The question is not clear and requires clarification.

• Request for clarification on what 'Api full from' means.

• Ask for more context or details about the question.

• Seek clarification on whether 'Api' refers to an acronym or a specific term.

• Request the interviewer to rephrase or provide more information.

Co-ordination of workers is essential for achieving team goals and ensuring smooth workflow.

• Effective communication is key to co-ordination

• Establish clear roles and responsibilities for each team member

• Encourage collaboration and teamwork

• Regularly monitor progress and provide feedback

• Address conflicts and resolve issues promptly

• Lead by example and maintain a positive attitude

A medical officer in OHC setup is responsible for providing primary healthcare services to employees and maintaining medical records.

• Providing first aid and emergency medical care to employees

• Conducting regular health check-ups and maintaining medical records

• Administering vaccinations and immunizations

• Providing health education and counseling to employees

• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of employees