WHO Prequalification and API Requirements
Maryam MEHMANDOUSTPrequalification of Medicines Programme
QSM / EMP / HSS
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST2 |
GlossaryGlossary API Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (interchangeable with drug substance or active substance)
APIMF Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Master File
ARV Antiretroviral
CoS (CEP) Certificate of Suitability
EDQM European Directorate for Quality of Medicines and HealthCare
EoI Expression of Interest
EMEA European Medicines Agency
FPP Finished Pharmaceutical Product
GMP Good Manufacturing Practices
ICH International Conference on Harmonization
Int. Ph. International Pharmacopoeia
JP Japanese Pharmacopoeia
Ph. Eur. European Pharmacopoeia
PQ Prequalification
PQIF Pharmaceutical Quality Information form
RH Reproductive Health
TB Tuberculosis
USFDA US Food and Drug Administration
USP United States Pharmacopoeia
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST3 |
UN / WHO Prequalification Medicines Programme
UN / WHO Prequalification Medicines Programme
Action plan of UN since 2001 aiming to facilitate access to priority medicinal products
Revision of the procedure in October 2008
– Categories: HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Reproductive Health, Influenza– Potentially other categories of products possible, if there is the need
– To ensure quality, efficacy and safety of medicines procured using international funds (e.g. GFTAM, UNITAID)
– Products meeting WHO recommended Quality Standards to be included in the list of Prequalified products
– Inclusion in the list does imply any approval by WHO of the products and manufacturing sites- this is the sole prerogative of National Authorities
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST4 |
Prequalification Medicines Programme Principles of Quality assessment procedure
Prequalification Medicines Programme Principles of Quality assessment procedure General understanding of the production and quality control activities of
the manufacturer
Assessment of product data and information on safety, efficacy and quality
Assessment of manufacturing sites for consistency in production, quality control of starting materials and FPPS through compliance with GMP
Assessment of clinical testing units or CROs for compliance with GCP and and GLP
Reliance on the information supplied by national DRAs
Random sampling and testing
Handling of complaints and recalls
Monitoring of complaints from agencies and countries
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST5 |
Prequalification Medicines Programme How does it work?
Prequalification Medicines Programme How does it work?
Compliance
Corrective actions
Compliance
Assessment Inspections
PrequalificationListing
Maintenance and monitoring
-Product dossier -Site Master File
Response to questions
Expression of Interest
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST6 |
Prequalification Medicines Programme TB drugs in the latest (9th) Expression of Interest
Prequalification Medicines Programme TB drugs in the latest (9th) Expression of Interest
Rifampicin (rifampin) Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int.
Ethambutol 2HCl Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int., JP
Pyrazinamide Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int., JP
Isoniazid Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int., JP
Streptomycin sulfate Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int.
Amikacin Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int., JP
Kanamycin Ph. Eur., USP, BP
Capreomycin USP, Ph. Int.
Cycloserine USP, JP
Ethionamide Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int., JP
Ofloxacin Ph. Eur., USP
Levofloxacin Draft USP
Moxifloxacin Ph. Eur., USP, BP
Prothionamide Ph. Int., JP
p-Aminosalicylic acid (and sodium salt) Ph. Eur., USP
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST7 |
Prequalification Medicines Programme Anti-malarials in the latest (8th) Expression of Interest
Prequalification Medicines Programme Anti-malarials in the latest (8th) Expression of Interest
Artemether Ph. Int.
Artesunate Ph. Int.
Artemotil (arte-ether) Ph. Int.
Amodiaquine Ph. Int., USP
Dihydroartemisinin Ph. Int.
Mefloquine Ph. Int., Ph. Eur., USP
Sulphadoxine Ph. Int., Ph. Eur., USP
Pyrimethamine Ph. Int., Ph. Eur., USP
Piperaquine
Lumefantrine Ph. Int. (July 2008)
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST8 |
Prequalification Medicines Programme ARVs in the latest (9th) Expression of InterestPrequalification Medicines Programme
ARVs in the latest (9th) Expression of Interest Abacavir Ph. Int.
Didanosine Ph. Int., Ph. Eur., USP
Efavirenz Ph. Int.
Emtricitabine Ph. Int. (February 2009)
Indinavir Ph. Int., USP, Ph. Eur.
lamivudine Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int.
Nelfinavir mesilate Ph. Int.
Nevirapine Ph. Int., USP, Ph. Eur.
Stavudine Ph. Eur., USP, BP, Ph. Int.
Saquinavir mesilate Ph. Int., USP
Ritonavir Ph. Int., USP, Ph. Eur.
Zidovudine Ph.Int., USP, Ph. Eur., BP
Tenofovir, Lopinavir, Atazanavir Non-pharmacopoeial
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST9 |
Reproductive Health in the latest (4th) EOIAntivirals 2nd EOI
Reproductive Health in the latest (4th) EOIAntivirals 2nd EOI
Reproductive Health Ethinylestradiol Ph. Int., Ph. Eur., USP, BP
Estradiol derivatives USP (cypronate), Ph. Eur., USP (valerate)
Etonogestrel Non pharmacopoeial
Desogestrel Ph. Eur., USP
Levonorgestrel Ph. Int., Ph. Eur., USP, BP
Medroxyprogesterone acetate Ph. Int., Ph. Eur., USP, BP
Lynestrenol Ph. Eur.
Norethisterone Ph. Int., Ph. Eur.
Norgestrel USP, Ph. Eur.
Oxytocin Ph. Int., USP, draft Ph. Eur.
Mifepristone
Misoprostol Ph. Eur.
Influenza-specific antiviral drugs Oseltamivir Ph. Int. (December 2008), draft Ph. Eur., draft USP
Zanamivir Non pharmacopoeial
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST10 |
Prequalification Medicines Programme Guidelines for the assessment of product dossiers/quality API
Prequalification Medicines Programme Guidelines for the assessment of product dossiers/quality API
Guideline on Submission of Documentation for Prequalification of Multisource (Generic) Finished Pharmaceutical Products (FPPs) Used in the Treatment of HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis [Main Generic Guide, under revision], Section 2 on APIs
Supplement 2- Extension of the WHO list of stable (not easily degradable APIs)
Guideline on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Master File (APIMF) Procedure (DMF type procedure)
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST11 |
Prequalification Medicines Programme Guidelines for the assessment of product dossiers/quality
Prequalification Medicines Programme Guidelines for the assessment of product dossiers/quality
ICH guidelines are used when a quality aspect cannot be (fully) assessed by the WHO guidelines, for instance:
– Q3A(R2) Impurities in new drug substances– Q3C(R3) Impurities: Guideline for residual solvents– Q6A Specifications: Test procedures and acceptance
criteria for new drug substances and new drug products: chemical substances (with decision trees)
– Q7 GMP for active pharmaceutical ingredients
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST12 |
How to submit data on APIs in PQ product dossier- Section 2
How to submit data on APIs in PQ product dossier- Section 2
Scientific data on the API can be submitted using following ways and order of preference
A valid Certificate of Suitability (CoS) or CEP, issued by EDQM
An APIMF (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Master File) submitted by the API manufacturer, containing the whole information requested in section 2 and presented in CTD format (see APIMF guideline and separate presentation)
Complete submission of data requested in Section 2 of PQ product dossier
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST13 |
CEP OptionWhat to provide in the PQ dossier?
CEP OptionWhat to provide in the PQ dossier?
A copy of the latest version of CEP with all appendices + access box duly filled out
Information which may not be covered by the CEP– Physicochemical characteristics and any relevant testing– Container closure system (if not mentioned on the CEP)
– Stability data (if no re-test period on the CEP)
Results of batch analysis (for attributes listed in the monograph + any additional tests listed on the CEP + sterility if applicable)
In case of sterile substances (e.g. Medroxyprogesterone acetate) When there is no subsequent sterilization for the FPP
– Sterilization process as specified on the CEP – Validation data
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APIMF Option / Procedural aspects APIMF Option / Procedural aspects
Procedure implemented in PQ since January 2007, www.who.int/Prequal/
Adopted by the WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations in October 2007 and recently published in WHO Technical Report Series (TRS) 948 as Annex 4.
Inspired from the Active Substance Master File (ASMF)/DMF procedure in use in EU, CPMP/QWP/227/02 Rev 2.
Scope only open to APIs # US and Canada DMFs (Drug Master File) – Applicable to all types of chemical APIs: pharmacopoeial and non-
pharmacopoeial – Biological APIs out of scope of the APIMF procedure (like in EU)
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST15 |
APIMF Option / Procedural aspects APIMF Option / Procedural aspects
Mainly used when the API manufacturer is different from the FPP manufacturer but possible when API and FPP manufacturers are the same
Allows to protect valuable confidential "know-how" of the API manufacturer
While giving the whole information on manufacture of the API to the WHO PQ team of assessors
While giving a part of the information to the applicant to Prequalification/ FPP manufacturer
The APIMF procedure is not mandatory
For Prequalification, – Permits to avoid multiplication of assessments of one API from one
source /centralised handling– Lightens the workload of manufacturers (reduces number of
deficiencies sent to manufacturers)
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST16 |
APIMF Option / Procedural aspects APIMF Option / Procedural aspects
An APIMF is always submitted ONLY in support of a FPP dossier.
Scientific information in an APIMF should be presented according to CTD (mandatory).
Information divided in 2 parts Restricted part + Applicant's part to fulfil the objectives of the procedure (similar to EU and Canada DMF)
Restricted part (Closed part)– Confidential information to be submitted only to WHO PQ
Applicant's part (Open part)– Information regarded as to be non-confidential and to be given to the applicant– Information to be given also to WHO PQ as part of APIMF
Letter of Access (LoA) to be given to WHO PQ with copy to the applicant
Changes and updates
In case of changes introduced in the APIMF - Those requiring filing a variation by the applicant to be notified to each applicant. - Those not requiring filing a variation are to be submitted to WHO PQ only and this before implementation.
Tabular list summarizing changes
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST17 |
Requirements and format for the API/CTDAPIMF or data in the dossier
Requirements and format for the API/CTDAPIMF or data in the dossier
CTDPQ dossier section 2S.1 General Information - Nomenclature- Structure
- General Properties
2.1 Nomenclature
2.2 Properties of API (s)
S.2 Manufacture- Manufacturer- Description of manufacturing process- Control of materials- Control of critical steps and intermediates- Process validation- Manufacturing process development
S.3 Characterisation- Elucidation of structure- Impurities
2.3 Site(s) of Manufacture
2.4 Route(s) of synthesis- API not described in pharmacopoeia- Specifications of raw materials and intermediates used in synthesis- API described in a pharmacopoeia
S.4 Control of Drug Substance
S.5 Reference Standards or Materials
2.5 Specifications
S.6 Container Closure System
S.7 Stability testing
2.6 Container Closure System
2.7 Stability testing
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST18 |
Requirements and format API Section/ CTD
Requirements and format API Section/ CTD
S.1. General information
S.2. Manufacture – Manufacturer(s), description of the manufacturing process, control of
materials, control of critical steps and intermediates, process validation, manufacturing process development)
S.3. Characterisation
S.4. Control of API
S.5. Reference standards or Materials
S.6. Container closure system
S.7. Stability testing
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST19 |
3.2.S.2. ManufactureManufacturer(s)
3.2.S.2. ManufactureManufacturer(s)
-Name, address and responsibility of each manufacturer, including contractors, and each proposed manufacturing site or facility involved in the manufacturing chain including specific steps such as milling or micronisation
-Actual manufacturing sites with indication of unit, plot, block (if any)
-Same information as above for alternative sites
GMP compliance certificate for each site of production of API (if available), A valid manufacturing authorization for the production of APIs
Manufacturing process should be performed according to the GMP for APIs ICH Q7: Good manufacturing practice for active pharmaceutical ingredients
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST20 |
3.2.S.2. ManufactureDescription of manufacturing process and process controls
3.2.S.2. ManufactureDescription of manufacturing process and process controls
A flow diagram of the process and a scheme of synthesis
Detailed description of the synthesis step-by-step indicating materials, reagents and solvents used and critical steps identified by the manufacturer
Description of the synthesis should go sufficiently back to well-characterized starting materials (see under control of materials)
Scale of manufacture: typical batch size and the maximum batch size (the range)
Last solvent of purification and crystallisation always to be controlled
Attention to concordance between the flow sheet of the synthesis and description of the process
Alternate processes (if any) can be accepted ONLY if there is no change in the final specifications of the API and in its impurity profile
In such case, description of the alternate process should be with the same level of details than the main process
If alternate process may lead to different specifications / impurity profile, then separate APIMF should be filed
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST21 |
3.2.S.2. ManufactureDescription of manufacturing process and process controls
3.2.S.2. ManufactureDescription of manufacturing process and process controls
Mention clearly if reprocessing and reworking steps are performed or not. If performed, they should be clearly described with justification.
Attention to different impurity profile which may result from reworking.
Recovery of materials, if any, should be described in details with the step they are introduced in the process.
Recovery operations should be adequately controlled so impurity levels do not increase over time.
For recovery of solvents, it is important to know if there is any processing to improve the quality of the recovered solvent and if recovered solvents comes from manufacturing process of the specific API or can come from other processes.
Regarding recycling of filtrates ( mother liquors), information should be available on maximum holding times of mother liquors and maximum number of times the material can be recycled. Data on impurity levels should be provided to justify recycling of filtrates.
If there is no recovery of materials, this should be clarified in the dossier.
Blending of batches of API to obtain batches of lager size is acceptable only if batches are individually tested against specifications and found to meet specifications of the final API.
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST22 |
3.2.S.2. ManufactureControl of Materials
3.2.S.2. ManufactureControl of Materials
Starting material of the API
Most of manufacturers justify the choice of their starting material as per ICH Q7 definition, i.e.:
a raw material, intermediate, or an API that is used in production of an API and that is incorporated as a significant structural fragment into the structure
of the API. It can be an article of commerce, purchased from another supplier or manufactured in-house.
This definition is not sufficient from an assessment point of view
- Significant structural fragment incorporated into the structure of the API can be a very complex molecule
- Commercial availability is not sufficient justification in itself
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST23 |
3.2.S.2. ManufactureControl of Materials
3.2.S.2. ManufactureControl of Materials
Starting material of the API
Starting material for synthesis in the dossier may precede the ICH Q7 "API starting material" by several steps in the synthetic process (Pharmaceutical sciences- Questions and answers, Therapeutic Products Directorate, Health Canada, May 2007)
If the structure of the starting material is too complex and synthesis too short, the proposed starting material should be rather considered as the "key intermediate". The real starting material as a synthetic precursor- one or more synthetic steps prior to the final API intermediate should be asked for.
Exception to the above, when the API starting material is covered by a CEP,
Acids, bases, salts, esters and similar derivatives of the API are not considered final intermediates,
The starting material should be incorporated as a significant structural fragment into the structure of the final API,
The starting material should be well characterized, its structure fully elucidated,
The starting material should have well defined specifications including one or more specific identity tests, tests and limits for the assay, specified and unspecified impurities and total impurities.
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST24 |
3.2.S.2. ManufactureControl of Materials
3.2.S.2. ManufactureControl of Materials
Starting material of the API
In order to assess the presence of all potential impurities, a brief outline of the preparation of the starting material of the API beginning from simpler molecules should be presented including solvents and reagents in order to enable assessors to judge of the appropriateness of specifications of the starting material of the API.
If the APIMF holder is not in possession of the above information which may be considered confidential, then the starting material manufacturer/supplier can directly submit it to WHO PQ by referencing the APIMF number.
Indicate the name and address (preferably manufacturing site) of the starting material manufacturer.
If there are several starting material manufacturers, then clarify if the material obtained from different sources is prepared by the same route or different routes and if the specifications for the starting material can apply to the material sourced from all of them.
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST25 |
3.2.S.2. ManufactureControl of Materials
3.2.S.2. ManufactureControl of Materials
Specifications of materials
Specifications for solvents and reagents
- Solvents used in final stages require greater purity and control
- Control of residual benzene in solvents such as toluene, etc
Recovered solvents: specifications
Quantitative and qualitative composition of denatured solvents
Recovered materials: specifications
Any material used in the process which may be of biological origin, viral and/or TSE safety aspects should be addressed. Declaration on use/non use of material of biological origin.
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST26 |
3.2.S.2. Manufacture Controls of critical steps and Intermediates
3.2.S.2. Manufacture Controls of critical steps and Intermediates
Specifications for isolated intermediates
In-process controls
Identification of critical steps (examples)• Steps where significant impurities are removed or introduced, • Steps where an essential molecular structural element such as chiral
centres are introduced• Steps where a major chemical transformation is performed• Steps having an impact on solid-state properties and homogeneity
of the API (relevant for solid dosage forms)
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST27 |
3.2.S.3. Characterization3.2.S.3. Characterization
Elucidation of structure and other characteristics
Confirmation of structure based on synthetic route and spectral analyses
Pharmacopoeial APIs: comparison of spectral data between the pharmacopoeial reference standard and the test product
Non pharmacopoeial API: evidence of structure should be brought by elemental analysis, IR, NMR (proton and carbon), UV, mass with interpretation of spectra, X-ray and so on.
- Unequivocal proof of configuration of chiral centres (if applicable) and geometric isomerism (if applicable) e.g. by single X-ray crystal
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST28 |
3.2.S.3. Characterization3.2.S.3. Characterization
Elucidation of structure and other characteristics
Particle size distribution for poorly soluble API, routine testing to be justified according to ICH Q6A
Polymorphism – Discussion on polymorphic forms (if applicable)– Availability of analytical methods to distinguish between the forms– Demonstration of consistency of production– Routine control necessary or not, to be justified under 3.2.S.4.
according to ICH Q6A
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST29 |
3.2.S.3. CharacterizationImpurities
3.2.S.3. CharacterizationImpurities
Discussion on potential and actual impurities– Organic impurities
• Non pharmacopoeial APIs (name and origin of impurity, availability of actual samples for test procedures and structural analysis, suitability of the proposed analytical methods, batch results, justified limits given ICH Q3A identification and qualification thresholds)
• Pharmacopoeial APIs (whether the process actually leads to impurities described in individual monograph, whether new impurities may be present in comparison to those described in the monograph)
– Principle: different routes of synthesis may lead to different impurity profile– If new impurities present, same requirements as above for non pharmacopoeial APIs
– Residual solvents • Q3C (R3) and EU note for guidance CPMP/QWP/450/03• Limit for TEA NMT 320 ppm (option 1) or 3.2 mg/day intake as per EDQM
document PA/PH/ CEP (04) 1 4R
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST30 |
3.2.S.3. CharacterizationImpurities
3.2.S.3. CharacterizationImpurities
Discussion on potential and actual impurities (Cont.)
– Metal catalysts• Residues of metal catalysts to be monitored and acceptance criteria set according to
relevant guidelines e.g. EU note CPMP/SWP/QWP/4446/00
– Genotoxic impurities• Absence of known, established highly toxic impurities used in the process or formed
as by-product is to be discussed.• Otherwise, suitable limits for their control are to be proposed. • Limits to be justified by appropriate reference to specific available guidances (EU
CPMP/SWP/5199/02 or USFDA draft December 2008) or to experimental safety data or to published data in peer-reviewed journals.
• L. Müller et al. article (Elsevier, 2006) can be used to have examples of known alerting structures.
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST31 |
3.2.S.4. Control of the APISpecifications
3.2.S.4. Control of the APISpecifications
Recognised Pharmacopoeias by WHO PQ are Ph. Int., Ph. Eur., (BP) and USP
APIs described in a pharmacopoeia
Requirements of the monograph claimed apply + those of general monographs and chapters of that pharmacopoeia (if applicable)
e.g. for Ph. Eur.: requirements of individual monograph + general monograph (2034)+ general chapter residual solvents (5.4.) + general monograph (1483) on products with TSE risk,.. all together apply
Pharmacopoeial monograph available but the applicant/manufacturer claims in-house standards, these can be acceptable only if they are demonstrated as to be at least equivalent or more stringent than the pharmacopoeial monograph.
Non pharmacopoeial APIs Justification according to ICH Q6A
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3.2.S.4. Control of the API3.2.S.4. Control of the API
Analytical procedures
When a pharmacopoeial related substances method is used, demonstration should be done that the method is actually suitable for determination of impurities of the manufacturer's specific route of synthesis.
Use of a pharmacopoeial method for related substances is not mandatory, an in-house method can be accepted.
In case an in-house method is used, the presence or absence of impurities listed in the transparency list of the pharmacopoeial monograph should be checked and their relevance for the manufacturer's specific route of synthesis has to be discussed.
Batch analyses
Results of at least 3 consecutive recent primary batches from each sitePrimary batches should be at least of pilot size, 10% of maximum
commercial batch size at time of acceptance of the APIMF
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST33 |
3.2.S.4. Control of the API3.2.S.4. Control of the API
Justification of specifications
inclusion OR omission of certain main/ critical tests and acceptance criteria,
any difference with pharmacopoeial limits if wider,
any modification of pharmacopoeial tests,
Specifications of non pharmacopoeial APIs to be justified as per ICH Q6A
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST34 |
3.2.S.5. Reference Standards or Materials
3.2.S.5. Reference Standards or Materials
For pharmacopoeial APIs: use an official Reference Standard. Working standard to be qualified against the official RS
For non pharmacopoeial APIs A primary and/or a working standard are to be established Description of how this RS/WS has been set in terms of Identity (full structural
analyses) and Assay The purity must be determined using an absolute procedure as follows: 100% minus organic impurities (determined by an absolute assay procedure) minus inorganic impurities, minus water content and minus residual solvents.
Certificate of Analysis + instructions for storage and duration of use
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST35 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing3.2.S.7. Stability testing
WHO guideline on stability testing of APIs and FPPs, TRS 953, 2009, annex 2
Forced degradation studies in stress condition
– Help to know about the intrinsic stability of the API
– Help to know about the degradation pathways and degradation products formed
– Help to know whether the analytical method is suitable to determine degradation products/ and whether it is stability-indicating
It is possible not to perform stress testing if the information can be found in scientific literature
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST36 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing3.2.S.7. Stability testing
Forced degradation studies in stress condition
Requirement: 1 API batch
Stress Conditions
- temperature, in 10° increments above accelerated (i.e. 50°C, 60°C …)
- humidity (75% or greater)
- oxidation and photolysis, where appropriate
- susceptibility of the API to hydrolysis across a justified range of pH values when in solution or suspension
- photostability testing: generally as per Q1B,
Omission of photostability testing can be justified if pharmacopoeial monograph for the API states, "Protect from light"
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST37 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing3.2.S.7. Stability testing
Regulatory stability testing serves to define a re-test period for the API to recommend a storage condition
Definition of re-test periodPeriod of time during which the API is expected to remain within its specifications and can be used in the manufacture of a given product (without control prior to manufacture of Drug Product) in condition that the API has been stored under defined conditions
If a re-test period cannot be defined, The API is to be tested before manufacture of each lot of drug product
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST38 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing3.2.S.7. Stability testing
Re-test period of the API
Selection of batches (at least 3 primary)– Primary batch of API should be at least pilot scale– Manufactured by the same synthesis as production batches and the same
manufacturing procedure simulating the final process
Same packaging than that proposed for storage /distribution
Parameters to be tested: those susceptible to change during storage such as assay, degradation products, physico-chemical characteristics if relevant
Analytical methods same as release OR if different, should be validated and demonstrated to be stability indicating
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST39 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing3.2.S.7. Stability testing
Retest period of the APIGeneral case
StudyStorage conditionMinimum time period covered by data at submission
Long term*25°C± 2°C / 60% RH ± 5% RH30°C± 2°C / 65% RH ± 5% RH30°C± 2°C / 75% RH ± 5% RH
12 months or 6 months as appropriate
Intermediate30°C± 2°C / 65% RH ± 5% RH6 months
Accelerated40°C± 2°C / 75% RH ± 5% RH6 months
*The storage condition of long term stability testing is determined by the climatic condition under which the API is intended to be stored
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST40 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing3.2.S.7. Stability testing
Climatic zones and long term testing conditions
Long term stability testing conditions are determined by the climatic condition under which the API is intended to be stored.
Zone I: temperate 21°C/45%RH
Zone II: subtropical/mediterranean 25°C/60%RH
Zone III: hot/dry 30°C/35%RH
Zone VIa: hot/humid 30°C/65%RH
Zone VIb: hot/very humid 30°C/75%RH
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST41 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing3.2.S.7. Stability testing
- Testing frequency: every 3 months the first year, every 6 months the second year and then annually
- For an API, “significant change” is failure to meet the specification for any parameter
- Extrapolation: possible either according to WHO PQ supplement 2 or according to ICH Q1E
Exception for NOT easily degradable APIs, see the list in Supplement 2 6 months long term data at submission (either ICH condition 25°C/60% RH OR
30°C/65% RH OR 30°C/75% RH) + 6 months accelerated ICH 40°C/75% RH A re-test period of 24 months can be accorded
Stability study should be continued to cover the re-test period accordedcommitment will be requested to submit complementary data
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST42 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing3.2.S.7. Stability testing
Definition of stable APIAn API is considered as stable if it remains within the defined/regulatory specifications when stored for at least 2 years at 25°C/60% RH or at the alternative storage condition 30°C/65% RH and for at least 6 months at 40°C/75% RH (Main generic guide)
0°C / 75% RH.
Recommended labelling statementsA storage statement should be established for the labelling based on the stability evaluation of the pharmaceutical product
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST43 |
3.2.S.7. Stability testing Recommended labelling statements for APIs
appendix 3 to WHO stability guideline
3.2.S.7. Stability testing Recommended labelling statements for APIs
appendix 3 to WHO stability guideline
Testing conditions under which stability of API is demonstrated
Recommended labelling statement
25°C /60 % RH (long term)40°C/ 75% RH (accelerated)
Do not store above 25°C
25°C /60 % RH (long term)30°C /65 % RH (intermediate, failure of accelerated)
Do not store above 25°C
30°C /65 % RH (long term) OR30°C /75 % RH (long term) 40°C/ 75% RH (accelerated)
Do not store above 30°C
5°C ± 3°CStore in a refrigerator(2 to 8°C)
-20°C± 5°CStore in a freezer
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST44 |
Prequalification of APIsPrequalification of APIs
New project in the pipeline of WHO PQ
Procedure adopted by the WHO EC in October 2008 and published in WHO Technical Report Series, N0. 953, 2009 as annex 4.
Listing of Prequalified APIs and their manufacturer/ site
Principles of the procedure similar to Prequalification of Medicines– Publication of list of APIs in Expression of Interest– Assessment of API dossier – Inspection of manufacturing sites– Random sampling and testing– Handling of complaints and recalls– Maintenance of Prequalification status
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST45 |
Prequalification of APIsPrequalification of APIs
Stand-alone API dossier as per CTD (no relation with an FPP in contrary to an APIMF)
Requirements for assessment of quality as for the APIMFs
Holders of APIMFs can request to switch to this new procedure, without dossier assessment, in condition:
– Positive outcome of assessment of their APIMFs have been notified– Positive outcome of inspection of the site
Changes to be documented as per relevant change control procedures and communicated to WHO
Recognition of evaluation of relevant APIs by Competent authorities applying stringent standards such as USFDA, EMEA and EDQM but not limited to.
– Share of certain information with WHO PQ
Alternatively, a drug master file as prepared for and submitted to a Drug Regulatory Authority of the ICH region can be submitted to WHO PQ.
Quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Hyderabad, September 2009WHO Prequalification and API Requirements – Maryam MEHMANDOUST46 |
Thank you for your attention