SOP for Defining Acceptance Criteria for Stability Testing

Setting Limits for Check Specifications in a Stability Study

Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish the process for setting limits for check specifications in a stability study to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Scope

This SOP applies to all stability studies conducted on drug substances and drug products within the pharmaceutical company’s facilities.

Responsibilities

  • Stability Manager: Approve the limits for check specifications and ensure they align with regulatory guidelines and product specifications.
  • Analytical Chemists: Implement and document the check specifications as specified in the stability protocol.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Team: Review and approve the check specifications for accuracy and completeness.

Procedure

  1. Review Regulatory Guidelines:
    • Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines such as ICH Q1A(R2) and FDA guidelines.
  2. Identify Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs):
    • Determine the key quality attributes of the drug substance or product that need to be monitored during stability testing.
  3. Set Initial Specifications:
    • Define initial specifications based on product development data, historical data, and regulatory requirements.
    • Include specifications for physical, chemical, microbiological, and other relevant attributes.
  4. Establish Acceptance Criteria:
    • Set acceptable limits for each identified CQA based on stability data and regulatory guidelines.
    • Ensure the acceptance criteria are stringent enough to detect any significant changes in the product quality over time.
  5. Review and Approval:
    • Submit the proposed specifications and acceptance criteria to the Stability Manager and QA Team for review and approval.
    • Make any necessary adjustments based on feedback and finalize the specifications.
  6. Document Specifications:
    • Record the final approved specifications in the stability protocol and associated logs.
    • Ensure all documentation is reviewed and approved by the Stability Manager and QA Team.
  7. Monitoring and Re-evaluation:
    • Regularly review stability data to ensure the specifications remain appropriate and effective.
    • Re-evaluate and adjust the specifications as necessary based on new data or changes in regulatory guidelines.
  8. Communication:
    • Communicate the finalized specifications and any subsequent changes to all relevant stakeholders, including Stability Technicians, QA Team, and project managers.
See also  SOP for Review of Temperature and Humidity Recording Charts

Abbreviations Used

  • CQA: Critical Quality Attribute
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure

Documents

  • Stability Protocol
  • Product Development Reports
  • Historical Data Records
  • Regulatory Guidelines

References

  • ICH Q1A(R2) Stability Testing of New Drug Substances and Products
  • FDA Guidance for Industry: Stability Testing of Drug Substances and Drug Products

SOP Version

Version 1.0 – Effective Date: [Insert Date]

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