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Simões A, Veiga F, Vitorino C. Question-based review for pharmaceutical development: An enhanced quality approach. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 195:114174. [PMID: 38160986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.114174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the last years, the pharmaceutical industry has faced real challenges regarding quality assurance. In this context, the establishment of more holistic approaches to the pharmaceutical development has been encouraged. The emergence of the Quality by Design (QbD) paradigm as systematic, scientific and risk-based methodology introduced a new concept of pharmaceutical quality. In essence, QbD can be interpreted as a strategy to maximize time and cost savings. An in-depth understanding of the formulation and manufacturing process is demanded to optimize the safety, efficacy and quality of a drug product at all stages of development. This innovative approach streamlines the pharmaceutical Research and Development (R&D) process, provides greater manufacturing flexibility and reduces regulatory burden. To assist in QbD implementation, International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) organized and launched QbD principles in their guidance for industry, identifying key concepts and tools to design and develop a high-quality drug product. Despite the undeniable advantages of the QbD approach, and the widespread information on QbD regulatory expectations, its full implementation in the pharmaceutical field is still limited. The present review aims to establish a crosswise overview on the current application status of QbD within the framework of the ICH guidelines (ICH Q8(R2) - Q14 and ICH Q2(R2)). Moreover, it outlines the way information gathered from the QbD methodology is being harmonized in Marketing Authorization Applications (MAAs) for European market approval. This work also highlights the challenges that hinder the deployment of the QbD strategy as a standard practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Simões
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (LAQV/REQUIMTE), Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (LAQV/REQUIMTE), Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences - IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Kerstiens EA, Byrn SR, Clase KL. The Identification of Quality Risk Factors for Non-biological Complex Drugs and Epilepsy Drugs Using Statistical Analysis of Formulation-Based Recalls in the USA. AAPS PharmSciTech 2021; 23:19. [PMID: 34904204 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-02165-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceutical companies use the quality by design (QbD) approach to build high-quality drug products. A thorough understanding of risk factors is required to successfully employ QbD. In order to better understand risk factors that potentially impact drug product quality and inform future QbD approaches, we hypothesized root causes of drug product recalls based on publicly available data and a retroactive analysis of drug products recalled by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) from 2012 to 2018. We focused on two categories of drug products that pose unique regulatory challenges and an increased risk of shortage that could hinder the adequate supply of quality medicine to the patient. Knowing the significant risk factors from previous drug product recalls can help inform QbD and avoid future recalls. Quality recall reasons were studied individually to find risk factors associated with each recall category. Logistical regression statistical tests were done in R using a significance level of 0.05 to find correlations between a recalled product and its manufacturing information such as excipients and manufacturing steps. The results showed significant positive and negative correlations, such as products containing magnesium stearate are more likely to be recalled for impurities and degradation. This information could be used in the future to inform the design and manufacturing of drug products, ensuring consumers receive high-quality products with a low risk of recall.
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Miranda M, Cova T, Augusto C, Pais AACC, Cardoso C, Vitorino C. Diving into Batch-to-Batch Variability of Topical Products-a Regulatory Bottleneck. Pharm Res 2020; 37:218. [PMID: 33037479 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02911-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Following the recent European Medicine Agency (EMA) draft guideline on quality and equivalence of topical products, a modular framework for bioequivalence assessment is proposed, wherein the qualitative, quantitative, microstructure and product performance sameness is demanded to support generic applications. Strict regulatory limits are now imposed, but, the suitability of these limits has been subject of intense debate. In this context, this paper aims to address these issues by characterizing a panel of 8 reference blockbuster semisolid topical products. METHODS For each product, three batches were selected and, whenever possible, batches retrieved from different manufacturing sites were considered. Product microstructure was evaluated in terms of globule size, pH, rheological attributes and, if required, the thermal behaviour was also assessed. Performance was evaluated through in vitro release testing (IVRT). Finally, an integrated multivariate analysis was performed to highlight the features that most contribute for product variability. RESULTS Marked differences were registered within reference products. Statistical analysis demonstrated that if EMA criteria are applied, none of the same product batches can be considered as equivalent. Rheological parameters as well as IVRT indicators account for the majority of batch-to-batch differences. CONCLUSIONS Semisolid dosage forms exhibit intrinsic variability. This calls for the attention to the need of establishing reasonable equivalence criteria applied to generic drug products. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Miranda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tânia Cova
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia Augusto
- Laboratórios Basi, Mortágua, Parque Industrial Manuel Lourenço Ferreira, Portugal, lote 15 3450-232, Mortágua, Portugal
| | - Alberto A C C Pais
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Cardoso
- Laboratórios Basi, Mortágua, Parque Industrial Manuel Lourenço Ferreira, Portugal, lote 15 3450-232, Mortágua, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1st floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Grangeia HB, Silva C, Simões SP, Reis MS. Quality by design in pharmaceutical manufacturing: A systematic review of current status, challenges and future perspectives. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 147:19-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Torregrosa A, Ochoa-Andrade AT, Parente ME, Vidarte A, Guarinoni G, Savio E. Development of an emulgel for the treatment of rosacea using quality by design approach. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2020; 46:296-308. [PMID: 31944126 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2020.1717515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to develop an emulgel for the treatment of rosacea, applying quality by design (QbD).Methods: An emulgel designed to release the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), metronidazole and niacinamide, via an emollient formulation that favors residence time and attenuates facial redness would be an excellent vehicle to develop to treat rosacea. It was decided to design first a vehicle presenting the attributes established in the quality target product profile, and then, after selecting the best formulation, to load the APIs in it to optimize the final emulgel. A design of experiments was introduced to study the effect of formulation variables on quality attributes (adhesion, phase separation by mechanical stress and viscosity) of the emulgels. Response surface methodology and desirability functions were applied for data analysis. After optimization, the final emulgel was further characterized by assay and in vitro release of APIs, attenuation of facial redness, and compared to commercially available metronidazole products regarding API release.Results: The final emulgel gradually released both APIs, reaching approximately 88% within the first 4 h, and their profiles were well described by the Higuchi model. Only a light attenuation effect to conceal facial redness was achieved.Conclusions: A metronidazole and niacinamide emulgel, also providing cosmetic assistance, was developed using QbD. The emulgel releases metronidazole faster than the creams, but more gradually than the commercially available gel, providing a realistic time frame of drug delivery in accordance with the expected time of residence of the adhesive emulgel over the affected facial area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annibal Torregrosa
- Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Teresa Ochoa-Andrade
- Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Emma Parente
- Cosmetic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Vidarte
- Drugs Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Giovanna Guarinoni
- Drugs Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Eduardo Savio
- Uruguayan Center of Molecular Imaging (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
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Quality and equivalence of topical products: A critical appraisal. Eur J Pharm Sci 2019; 148:105082. [PMID: 31626969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.105082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The approval of topical generic products is essentially governed by clinical endpoint studies. Is this the most efficient approach to document bioequivalence in these particular dosage forms? This issue has sparked multiple discussions among different stakeholders - academia, industry and several regulatory agencies - in the active pursuit for new and robust surrogate methodologies. This mini review attempts to critically discuss this topic in light of the recently issued European regulatory requirements within the proposed modular framework for bioequivalence assessment.
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Miranda M, Pais AACC, Cardoso C, Vitorino C. aQbD as a platform for IVRT method development - A regulatory oriented approach. Int J Pharm 2019; 572:118695. [PMID: 31536762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The EMA draft guideline on quality and equivalence of topical products and the FDA non-binding product specific guidances release has encouraged the establishment of a regulatory background for in vitro release testing (IVRT). Herein, a novel framework applicable to the development of a discriminatory IVRT method is described, according to analytical quality by design (aQbD) principles. A commercially available diclofenac emulgel formulation was used as model product. Through the definition of IVRT analytical target profile, a risk assessment analysis was carried out, in which the critical analytical attributes (in vitro release rate, cumulative amount released at an initial/final point and dose depletion) and critical method variables (medium, membrane and dosage regimen) were identified. Based on this information, a 3 × 2 × 3 full factorial design was performed. Statistical modeling and system desirability assessment enabled the selection of the most suitable IVRT parameters, which were fully validated according with new EMA requirements. These consisted of PBS:Ethanol (80:20, pH = 7.4), Tuffryn membranes and 300 mg of applied product. aQbD provided a comprehensive framework for developing a reliable and effective IVRT method. A thorough analysis of the new EMA draft guideline requirements revealed that some of the established criteria may be challenging to attain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Miranda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alberto A C C Pais
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Cardoso
- Laboratórios Basi, Parque Industrial Manuel Lourenço Ferreira, lote 15, 3450-232 Mortágua, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine, Pólo I, 1st Floor, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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