ICH Quality Guidelines

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HARMONISATION OF TECHNICAL

REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF PHARMACEUTICALS FOR HUMAN USE

ICH HARMONISED TRIPARTITE GUIDELINE

STABILITY TESTING OF NEW DRUG SUBSTANCES AND PRODUCTS

Q1A(R2)

Current Step 4 version

dated 6 February 2003

This Guideline has been developed by the appropriate ICH Expert Working Group and has been subject to consultation by the regulatory parties, in accordance with the ICH Process. At Step 4 of the Process the final draft is recommended for adoption to the regulatory bodies of the European Union, Japan and USA.

Q1A(R2)

Document History

COVER NOTE FOR REVISION OF Q1A(R)

STABILITY TESTING OF

NEW DRUG SUBSTANCES AND PRODUCTS

The purpose of this note is to outline the changes made in Q1A(R) that result from adoption of ICH Q1F “Stability Data Package for Registration Applications in Climatic Zones III and IV”. These changes are:

1. The intermediate storage condition has been changed from 30°C ± 2°C/60%

RH ± 5% RH to 30°C ± 2°C/65% RH ± 5% RH in the following sections:

    2.1.7.1 Drug Substance - Storage Conditions - General Case

    2.2.7.1 Drug Product - Storage Conditions - General Case

    2.2.7.3 Drug products packaged in semi-permeable containers

    3 Glossary - “Intermediate testing”

2. 30°C ± 2°C/65% RH ± 5% RH can be a suitable alternative long-term storage condition to 25°C ± 2°C/60% RH ± 5% in the following sections:

    2.1.7.1 Drug Substance - Storage Conditions - General Case

    2.2.7.1 Drug Product - Storage Conditions - General Case

3. 30°C ± 2°C/35% RH ± 5% RH has been added as a suitable alternative longterm storage condition to 25°C ± 2°C/40% RH ± 5% and the corresponding example for the ratio of water-loss rates has been included in the following section:

    2.2.7.3 Drug products packaged in semi-permeable containers

Mid-stream switch of the intermediate storage condition from 30°C ± 2°C/60% RH ± 5% RH to 30°C ± 2°C/65% RH ± 5% RH can be appropriate provided that the respective storage conditions and the date of the switch are clearly documented and stated in the registration application. It is recommended that registration applications contain data from complete studies at the intermediate storage condition 30°C ± 2°C/65% RH ± 5% RH, if applicable, by three years after the date of publication of this revised guideline in the respective ICH tripartite region.

STABILITY TESTING OF NEW DRUG SUBSTANCES AND PRODUCTS

ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guideline

First Recommended for Adoption at Step 4 of the ICH Process on 27 October 1993. Revised under Step 2 of the ICH Process on 7 October 1999 and Recommended for Adoption at Step 4 of the ICH Process on 8 November 2000.

This guideline has been Revised a second time and has reached Step 4 of the ICH Process at the ICH Steering Committee meeting on 6 February 2003. It is recommended for adoption to the three regulatory parties to ICH

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................... 1

1.1. Objectives of the Guideline ...................................................................................... 1

1.2. Scope of the Guideline.............................................................................................. 1

1.3. General Principles.................................................................................................... 1

2. GUIDELINES ..................................................................................................... 1

2.1. Drug Substance ..................................................................................................... 1

2.1.1. General ..................................................................................................... 1

2.1.2. Stress Testing ............................................................................................... 2

2.1.3. Selection of Batches ...................................................................................... 2

2.1.4. Container Closure System............................................................................ 2

2.1.5. Specification .................................................................................................. 2

2.1.6. Testing Frequency......................................................................................... 3

2.1.7. Storage Conditions........................................................................................ 3

2.1.8. Stability Commitment .................................................................................. 5

2.1.9. Evaluation..................................................................................................... 5

2.1.10.Statements/Labeling..................................................................................... 6

2.2. Drug Product .....................................................................................................6

2.2.1. General .....................................................................................................6

2.2.2. Photostability Testing ...................................................................................6

2.2.3. Selection of Batches.......................................................................................6

2.2.4. Container Closure System.............................................................................7

2.2.5. Specification...................................................................................................7

2.2.6. Testing Frequency .........................................................................................7

2.2.7. Storage Conditions ........................................................................................8

2.2.8. Stability Commitment.................................................................................12

2.2.9. Evaluation ...................................................................................................12

2.2.10.Statements/Labeling ...................................................................................13

3. GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................13

4. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................17

STABILITY TESTING OF NEW DRUG SUBSTANCES AND PRODUCTS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Objectives of the Guideline

The following guideline is a revised version of the ICH Q1A guideline and defines the stability data package for a new drug substance or drug product that is sufficient for a registration application within the three regions of the EC, Japan, and the United States. It does not seek necessarily to cover the testing for registration in or export to other areas of the world. 

The guideline seeks to exemplify the core stability data package for new drug substances and products, but leaves sufficient flexibility to encompass the variety of different practical situations that may be encountered due to specific scientific considerations and characteristics of the materials being evaluated. Alternative approaches can be used when there are scientifically justifiable reasons.

1.2. Scope of the Guideline

The guideline addresses the information to be submitted in registration applications for new molecular entities and associated drug products. This guideline does not currently seek to cover the information to be submitted for abbreviated or abridged applications, variations, clinical trial applications, etc. 

Specific details of the sampling and testing for particular dosage forms in their proposed container closures are not covered in this guideline.

Further guidance on new dosage forms and on biotechnological/biological products can be found in ICH guidelines Q1C and Q5C, respectively.

1.3. General Principles

The purpose of stability testing is to provide evidence on how the quality of a drug substance or drug product varies with time under the influence of a variety of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, and to establish are-test period for the drug substance or a shelf life for the drug product and recommended storage conditions.

The choice of test conditions defined in this guideline is based on an analysis of the effects of climatic conditions in the three regions of the EC, Japan and the United States. The mean kinetic temperature in any part of the world can be derived from climatic data, and the world can be divided into four climatic zones, I-IV. This guideline addresses climatic zones I and II. The principle has been established that stability information generated in any one of the three regions of the EC, Japan and the United States would be mutually acceptable to the other two regions, provided the information is consistent with this guideline and the labeling is in accord with national/regional requirements.

2. GUIDELINES

2.1. Drug Substance

2.1.1. General

Information on the stability of the drug substance is an integral part of the systematic approach to stability evaluation. 

2.1.2. Stress Testing

Stress testing of the drug substance can help identify the likely degradation products, which can in turn help establish the degradation pathways and the intrinsic stability of the molecule and validate the stability indicating power of the analytical procedures used. The nature of the stress testing will depend on the individual drug substance and the type of drug product involved. 

Stress testing is likely to be carried out on a single batch of the drug substance. It should include the effect of temperatures (in 10°C increments (e.g., 50°C, 60°C, etc.)

above that for accelerated testing), humidity (e.g., 75% RH or greater) where appropriate, oxidation, and photolysis on the drug substance. The testing should also evaluate the susceptibility of the drug substance to hydrolysis across a wide range of pH values when in solution or suspension. Photostability testing should be an integral part of stress testing. The standard conditions for photostability testing are

described in ICH Q1B.

Examining degradation products under stress conditions is useful in establishing degradation pathways and developing and validating suitable analytical procedures. However, it may not be necessary to examine specifically for certain degradation products if it has been demonstrated that they are not formed under accelerated or long term storage conditions. Results from these studies will form an integral part of the information provided to regulatory authorities.

2.1.3. Selection of Batches

Data from formal stability studies should be provided on at least three primary batches of the drug substance. The batches should be manufactured to a minimum of pilot scale by the same synthetic route as, and using a method of manufacture and procedure that simulates the final process to be used for, production batches. The overall quality of the batches of drug substance placed on formal stability studies should be representative of the quality of the material to be made on a production scale.

Other supporting data can be provided.

2.1.4. Container Closure System

The stability studies should be conducted on the drug substance packaged in a container closure system that is the same as or simulates the packaging proposed for storage and distribution.

2.1.5. Specification

Specification, which is a list of tests, reference to analytical procedures, and proposed acceptance criteria, is addressed in ICH Q6A and Q6B. In addition, specification for

degradation products in a drug substance is discussed in Q3A.

Stability studies should include testing of those attributes of the drug substance that are susceptible to change during storage and are likely to influence quality, safety, and/or efficacy. The testing should cover, as appropriate, the physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological attributes. Validated stability-indicating analytical procedures should be applied. Whether and to what extent replication should be performed will depend on the results from validation studies.

2.1.6. Testing Frequency

For long term studies, frequency of testing should be sufficient to establish the stability profile of the drug substance. For drug substances with a proposed re-test

period of at least 12 months, the frequency of testing at the long term storage condition should normally be every 3 months over the first year, every 6 months over

the second year, and annually thereafter through the proposed re-test period.

At the accelerated storage condition, a minimum of three time points, including the initial and final time points (e.g., 0, 3, and 6 months), from a 6-month study is recommended. Where an expectation (based on development experience) exists that results from accelerated studies are likely to approach significant change criteria, increased testing should be conducted either by adding samples at the final time point or by including a fourth time point in the study design.

When testing at the intermediate storage condition is called for as a result of significant change at the accelerated storage condition, a minimum of four time points, including the initial and final time points (e.g., 0, 6, 9, 12 months), from a 12-month study is recommended.

2.1.7. Storage Conditions

In general, a drug substance should be evaluated under storage conditions (with appropriate tolerances) that test its thermal stability and, if applicable, its sensitivity to moisture. The storage conditions and the lengths of studies chosen should be sufficient to cover storage, shipment, and subsequent use.

The long term testing should cover a minimum of 12 months’ duration on at least three primary batches at the time of submission and should be continued for a period of time sufficient to cover the proposed re-test period. Additional data accumulated during the assessment period of the registration application should be submitted to the authorities if requested. Data from the accelerated storage condition and, if appropriate, from the intermediate storage condition can be used to evaluate the effect of short term excursions outside the label storage conditions (such as might

occur during shipping).

Long term, accelerated, and, where appropriate, intermediate storage conditions for drug substances are detailed in the sections below. The general case applies if the drug substance is not specifically covered by a subsequent section. Alternative storage conditions can be used if justified.

**If 30°C  2°C/65% RH  5% RH is the long-term condition, there is no intermediate condition.

If long-term studies are conducted at 25°C ± 2°C/60% RH ± 5% RH and “significant change” occurs at any time during 6 months’ testing at the accelerated storage condition, additional testing at the intermediate storage condition should be conducted and evaluated against significant change criteria. Testing at the intermediate storage condition should include all tests, unless otherwise justified. The initial application should include a minimum of 6 months’ data from a 12-month study at the intermediate storage condition.

“Significant change” for a drug substance is defined as failure to meet its specification.

For drug substances intended for storage in a freezer, the re-test period should be based on the real time data obtained at the long term storage condition. In the absence of an accelerated storage condition for drug substances intended to be stored in a freezer, testing on a single batch at an elevated temperature (e.g., 5°C ± 3°C or 25°C ± 2°C) for an appropriate time period should be conducted to address the effect of short term excursions outside the proposed label storage condition, e.g., during shipping or handling. 

2.1.7.4. Drug substances intended for storage below -20°C

Drug substances intended for storage below -20°C should be treated on a case-by-case basis.

2.1.8. Stability Commitment

When available long term stability data on primary batches do not cover the proposed re-test period granted at the time of approval, a commitment should be made to continue the stability studies post approval in order to firmly establish the re-test period.

Where the submission includes long term stability data on three production batches covering the proposed re-test period, a post approval commitment is considered unnecessary. Otherwise, one of the following commitments should be made:

1. If the submission includes data from stability studies on at least three production batches, a commitment should be made to continue these studies through the proposed re-test period.

2. If the submission includes data from stability studies on fewer than three production batches, a commitment should be made to continue these studies through the proposed re-test period and to place additional production batches, to

a total of at least three, on long term stability studies through the proposed retest period.

3. If the submission does not include stability data on production batches, a commitment should be made to place the first three production batches on long term stability studies through the proposed re-test period. The stability protocol used for long term studies for the stability commitment should be the same as that for the primary batches, unless otherwise scientifically justified.

2.1.9. Evaluation

The purpose of the stability study is to establish, based on testing a minimum of three batches of the drug substance and evaluating the stability information (including, as appropriate, results of the physical, chemical, biological, and

microbiological tests), a re-test period applicable to all future batches of the drug substance manufactured under similar circumstances. The degree of variability of individual batches affects the confidence that a future production batch will remain within specification throughout the assigned re-test period.

The data may show so little degradation and so little variability that it is apparent from looking at the data that the requested re-test period will be granted. Under these circumstances, it is normally unnecessary to go through the formal statistical

analysis; providing a justification for the omission should be sufficient.

An approach for analyzing the data on a quantitative attribute that is expected to change with time is to determine the time at which the 95% one-sided confidence limit for the mean curve intersects the acceptance criterion. If analysis shows that

the batch-to-batch variability is small, it is advantageous to combine the data into one overall estimate. This can be done by first applying appropriate statistical tests (e.g., p values for level of significance of rejection of more than 0.25) to the slopes of the regression lines and zero time intercepts for the individual batches. If it is inappropriate to combine data from several batches, the overall re-test period should be based on the minimum time a batch can be expected to remain within acceptance criteria.

The nature of any degradation relationship will determine whether the data should be transformed for linear regression analysis. Usually the relationship can be represented by a linear, quadratic, or cubic function on an arithmetic or logarithmic

scale. Statistical methods should be employed to test the goodness of fit of the data on all batches and combined batches (where appropriate) to the assumed degradation line or curve.

Limited extrapolation of the real time data from the long term storage condition beyond the observed range to extend the re-test period can be undertaken at approval time, if justified. This justification should be based on what is known about the mechanism of degradation, the results of testing under accelerated conditions, thegoodness of fit of any mathematical model, batch size, existence of supporting stability data, etc. However, this extrapolation assumes that the same degradation relationship will continue to apply beyond the observed data.

Any evaluation should cover not only the assay, but also the levels of degradation products and other appropriate attributes.

2.1.10. Statements/Labeling

A storage statement should be established for the labeling in accordance with relevant national/regional requirements. The statement should be based on the stability evaluation of the drug substance. Where applicable, specific instructions

should be provided, particularly for drug substances that cannot tolerate freezing. Terms such as “ambient conditions” or “room temperature” should be avoided.

A re-test period should be derived from the stability information, and a retest date should be displayed on the container label if appropriate.

2.2. Drug Product

2.2.1. General

The design of the formal stability studies for the drug product should be based on knowledge of the behavior and properties of the drug substance and from stability studies on the drug substance and on experience gained from clinical formulation studies. The likely changes on storage and the rationale for the selection of attributes to be tested in the formal stability studies should be stated.

2.2.2. Photostability Testing

Photostability testing should be conducted on at least one primary batch of the drug product if appropriate. The standard conditions for photostability testing are described in ICH Q1B.

2.2.3. Selection of Batches

Data from stability studies should be provided on at least three primary batches of the drug product. The primary batches should be of the same formulation and packaged in the same container closure system as proposed for marketing. The

manufacturing process used for primary batches should simulate that to be applied to production batches and should provide product of the same quality and meeting the same specification as that intended for marketing. Two of the three batches should be at least pilot scale batches and the third one can be smaller, if justified. Where possible, batches of the drug product should be manufactured by using different batches of the drug substance.

Stability studies should be performed on each individual strength and container size of the drug product unless bracketing or matrixing is applied. Other supporting data can be provided.

2.2.4. Container Closure System

Stability testing should be conducted on the dosage form packaged in the container closure system proposed for marketing (including, as appropriate, any secondary packaging and container label). Any available studies carried out on the drug product outside its immediate container or in other packaging materials can form a useful part of the stress testing of the dosage form or can be considered as supporting information, respectively.

2.2.5. Specification

Specification, which is a list of tests, reference to analytical procedures, and proposed acceptance criteria, including the concept of different acceptance criteria for release and shelf life specifications, is addressed in ICH Q6A and Q6B. In addition,

specification for degradation products in a drug product is addressed in Q3B.

Stability studies should include testing of those attributes of the drug product that are susceptible to change during storage and are likely to influence quality, safety, and/or efficacy. The testing should cover, as appropriate, the physical, chemical,

biological, and microbiological attributes, preservative content (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial preservative), and functionality tests (e.g., for a dose delivery system). Analytical procedures should be fully validated and stability indicating. Whether and to what extent replication should be performed will depend on the results of validation studies.

Shelf life acceptance criteria should be derived from consideration of all available stability information. It may be appropriate to have justifiable differences between the shelf life and release acceptance criteria based on the stability evaluation and the changes observed on storage. Any differences between the release and shelf life acceptance criteria for antimicrobial preservative content should be supported by a validated correlation of chemical content and preservative effectiveness demonstrated during drug development on the product in its final formulation (except for preservative concentration) intended for marketing. A single primary stability batch of the drug product should be tested for antimicrobial preservative effectiveness (in addition to preservative content) at the proposed shelf life for verification purposes, regardless of whether there is a difference between the release and shelf life acceptance criteria for preservative content.

2.2.6. Testing Frequency

For long term studies, frequency of testing should be sufficient to establish the stability profile of the drug product. For products with a proposed shelf life of at least 12 months, the frequency of testing at the long term storage condition should

normally be every 3 months over the first year, every 6 months over the second year, and annually thereafter through the proposed shelf life. 

At the accelerated storage condition, a minimum of three time points, including the initial and final time points (e.g., 0, 3, and 6 months), from a 6-month study is recommended. Where an expectation (based on development experience) exists that results from accelerated testing are likely to approach significant change criteria, increased testing should be conducted either by adding samples at the final time

point or by including a fourth time point in the study design.

When testing at the intermediate storage condition is called for as a result of significant change at the accelerated storage condition, a minimum of four time points, including the initial and final time points (e.g., 0, 6, 9, 12 months), from a 12-

month study is recommended.

Reduced designs, i.e., matrixing or bracketing, where the testing frequency is reduced or certain factor combinations are not tested at all, can be applied, if justified.

2.2.7. Storage Conditions

In general, a drug product should be evaluated under storage conditions (with appropriate tolerances) that test its thermal stability and, if applicable, its sensitivity to moisture or potential for solvent loss. The storage conditions and the lengths of studies chosen should be sufficient to cover storage, shipment, and subsequent use.

Stability testing of the drug product after constitution or dilution, if applicable, should be conducted to provide information for the labeling on the preparation, storage condition, and in-use period of the constituted or diluted product. This testing should be performed on the constituted or diluted product through the proposed inuse period on primary batches as part of the formal stability studies at initial and final time points and, if full shelf life long term data will not be available before submission, at 12 months or the last time point for which data will be available. In general, this testing need not be repeated on commitment batches.

The long term testing should cover a minimum of 12 months’ duration on at least three primary batches at the time of submission and should be continued for a period of time sufficient to cover the proposed shelf life. Additional data accumulated during the assessment period of the registration application should be submitted to the authorities if requested. Data from the accelerated storage condition and, if appropriate, from the intermediate storage condition can be used to evaluate the effect of short term excursions outside the label storage conditions (such as might occur during shipping).

Long term, accelerated, and, where appropriate, intermediate storage conditions for drug products are detailed in the sections below. The general case applies if the drug product is not specifically covered by a subsequent section. Alternative storage conditions can be used, if justified.

**If 30°C  2°C/65% RH  5% RH is the long-term condition, there is no intermediate condition.

If long-term studies are conducted at 25°C ± 2°C/60% RH ± 5% RH and “significant change” occurs at any time during 6 months’ testing at the accelerated storage condition, additional testing at the intermediate storage condition should be

conducted and evaluated against significant change criteria. The initial application should include a minimum of 6 months’ data from a 12-month study at the

intermediate storage condition.

In general, “significant change” for a drug product is defined as:

1. A 5% change in assay from its initial value; or failure to meet the acceptance criteria for potency when using biological or immunological procedures;

2. Any degradation product’s exceeding its acceptance criterion;

3. Failure to meet the acceptance criteria for appearance, physical attributes, and functionality test (e.g., color, phase separation, resuspendibility, caking, hardness, dose delivery per actuation); however, some changes in physical attributes (e.g., softening of suppositories, melting of creams) may be expected under accelerated conditions; and, as appropriate for the dosage form:

4. Failure to meet the acceptance criterion for pH; or

5. Failure to meet the acceptance criteria for dissolution for 12 dosage units.

2.2.7.2. Drug products packaged in impermeable containers

Sensitivity to moisture or potential for solvent loss is not a concern for drug products packaged in impermeable containers that provide a permanent barrier to passage of moisture or solvent. Thus, stability studies for products stored in impermeable containers can be conducted under any controlled or ambient humidity condition.

2.2.7.3. Drug products packaged in semi-permeable containers Aqueous-based products packaged in semi-permeable containers should be evaluated for potential water loss in addition to physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological stability. This evaluation can be carried out under conditions of low relative humidity, as discussed below. Ultimately, it should be demonstrated that aqueous-based drug products stored in semi-permeable containers can withstand low relative humidity environments.

Other comparable approaches can be developed and reported for non-aqueous, solvent-based products.

For long-term studies conducted at 25°C ± 2°C/40% RH ± 5% RH, additional testing at the intermediate storage condition should be performed as described under the general case to evaluate the temperature effect at 30°C if significant change other than water loss occurs during the 6 months’ testing at the accelerated storage condition. A significant change in water loss alone at the accelerated storage condition does not necessitate testing at the intermediate storage condition. However, data should be provided to demonstrate that the drug product will not have significant water loss throughout the proposed shelf life if stored at 25°C and the reference relative humidity of 40% RH.

A 5% loss in water from its initial value is considered a significant change for a product packaged in a semi-permeable container after an equivalent of 3 months’ storage at 40°C/NMT 25% RH. However, for small containers (1 mL or less) or unitdose products, a water loss of 5% or more after an equivalent of 3 months’ storage at 40°C/NMT 25% RH may be appropriate, if justified.

An alternative approach to studying at the reference relative humidity as recommended in the table above (for either long term or accelerated testing) is performing the stability studies under higher relative humidity and deriving the water loss at the reference relative humidity through calculation. This can be achieved by experimentally determining the permeation coefficient for the container closure system or, as shown in the example below, using the calculated ratio of water loss rates between the two humidity conditions at the same temperature. The permeation coefficient for a container closure system can be experimentally determined by using the worst case scenario (e.g., the most diluted of a series of

concentrations) for the proposed drug product.

Example of an approach for determining water loss:

For a product in a given container closure system, container size, and fill, an appropriate approach for deriving the water loss rate at the reference relative humidity is to multiply the water loss rate measured at an alternative relative humidity at the same temperature by a water loss rate ratio shown in the table below. A linear water loss rate at the alternative relative humidity over the storage period should be demonstrated.

For example, at a given temperature, e.g., 40°C, the calculated water loss rate during storage at NMT 25% RH is the water loss rate measured at 75% RH multiplied by 3.0, the corresponding water loss rate ratio.

If the drug product is packaged in a semi-permeable container, appropriate information should be provided to assess the extent of water loss.

Data from refrigerated storage should be assessed according to the evaluation section of this guideline, except where explicitly noted below.

If significant change occurs between 3 and 6 months’ testing at the accelerated storage condition, the proposed shelf life should be based on the real time data available from the long term storage condition.

If significant change occurs within the first 3 months’ testing at the accelerated storage condition, a discussion should be provided to address the effect of short term excursions outside the label storage condition, e.g., during shipment and handling. This discussion can be supported, if appropriate, by further testing on a single batch of the drug product for a period shorter than 3 months but with more frequent testing than usual. It is considered unnecessary to continue to test a product through 6months when a significant change has occurred within the first 3 months.

2.2.7.6. Drug products intended for storage below -20°C

Drug products intended for storage below -20°C should be treated on a case-by-case basis.

2.2.8. Stability Commitment

When available long term stability data on primary batches do not cover the proposed shelf life granted at the time of approval, a commitment should be made to continue the stability studies post approval in order to firmly establish the shelf life.

Where the submission includes long term stability data from three production batches covering the proposed shelf life, a post approval commitment is considered unnecessary. Otherwise, one of the following commitments should be made:

1. If the submission includes data from stability studies on at least three production batches, a commitment should be made to continue the long term studies through the proposed shelf life and the accelerated studies for 6 months.

2. If the submission includes data from stability studies on fewer than three production batches, a commitment should be made to continue the long term studies through the proposed shelf life and the accelerated studies for 6 months, and to place additional production batches, to a total of at least three, on long term stability studies through the proposed shelf life and on accelerated studies

for 6 months.

3. If the submission does not include stability data on production batches, a commitment should be made to place the first three production batches on long term stability studies through the proposed shelf life and on accelerated studies for 6 months.

The stability protocol used for studies on commitment batches should be the same as that for the primary batches, unless otherwise scientifically justified.

Where intermediate testing is called for by a significant change at the accelerated storage condition for the primary batches, testing on the commitment batches can be conducted at either the intermediate or the accelerated storage condition. However, if significant change occurs at the accelerated storage condition on the commitment batches, testing at the intermediate storage condition should also be conducted.

2.2.9. Evaluation

A systematic approach should be adopted in the presentation and evaluation of the stability information, which should include, as appropriate, results from the physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological tests, including particular attributes of the dosage form (for example, dissolution rate for solid oral dosage forms).

The purpose of the stability study is to establish, based on testing a minimum of three batches of the drug product, a shelf life and label storage instructions applicable to all future batches of the drug product manufactured and packaged under similar circumstances. The degree of variability of individual batches affects the confidence that a future production batch will remain within specification throughout its shelf life.

Where the data show so little degradation and so little variability that it is apparent from looking at the data that the requested shelf life will be granted, it is normally unnecessary to go through the formal statistical analysis; providing a justification for the omission should be sufficient.

An approach for analyzing data of a quantitative attribute that is expected to change with time is to determine the time at which the 95 one-sided confidence limit for the mean curve intersects the acceptance criterion. If analysis shows that the batch-tobatch variability is small, it is advantageous to combine the data into one overall estimate. This can be done by first applying appropriate statistical tests (e.g., pvalues for level of significance of rejection of more than 0.25) to the slopes of the regression lines and zero time intercepts for the individual batches. If it is inappropriate to combine data from several batches, the overall shelf life should be based on the minimum time a batch can be expected to remain within acceptance

criteria.

The nature of the degradation relationship will determine whether the data should be transformed for linear regression analysis. Usually the relationship can be represented by a linear, quadratic, or cubic function on an arithmetic or logarithmic

scale. Statistical methods should be employed to test the goodness of fit on all batches and combined batches (where appropriate) to the assumed degradation line or curve.

Limited extrapolation of the real time data from the long term storage condition beyond the observed range to extend the shelf life can be undertaken at approval time, if justified. This justification should be based on what is known about the mechanisms of degradation, the results of testing under accelerated conditions, the goodness of fit of any mathematical model, batch size, existence of supporting stability data, etc. However, this extrapolation assumes that the same degradation

relationship will continue to apply beyond the observed data.

Any evaluation should consider not only the assay but also the degradation products and other appropriate attributes. Where appropriate, attention should be paid to reviewing the adequacy of the mass balance and different stability and degradation performance.

2.2.10. Statements/Labeling

A storage statement should be established for the labeling in accordance with relevant national/regional requirements. The statement should be based on the stability evaluation of the drug product. Where applicable, specific instruction should

be provided, particularly for drug products that cannot tolerate freezing. Terms such as “ambient conditions” or “room temperature” should be avoided.

There should be a direct link between the label storage statement and the demonstrated stability of the drug product. An expiration date should be displayed on the container label.

3. GLOSSARY

The following definitions are provided to facilitate interpretation of the guideline.

Accelerated testing

Studies designed to increase the rate of chemical degradation or physical change of a drug substance or drug product by using exaggerated storage conditions as part of the formal stability studies. Data from these studies, in addition to long term stability studies, can be used to assess longer term chemical effects at non-accelerated conditions and to evaluate the effect of short term excursions outside the label storage conditions such as might occur during shipping. Results from accelerated testing studies are not always predictive of physical changes.

Bracketing

The design of a stability schedule such that only samples on the extremes of certain design factors, e.g., strength, package size, are tested at all time points as in a full design. The design assumes that the stability of any intermediate levels is

represented by the stability of the extremes tested. Where a range of strengths is to be tested, bracketing is applicable if the strengths are identical or very closely related in composition (e.g., for a tablet range made with different compression weights of a similar basic granulation, or a capsule range made by filling different plug fill weights of the same basic composition into different size capsule shells). Bracketing can be applied to different container sizes or different fills in the same container closure system.

Climatic zones

The four zones in the world that are distinguished by their characteristic prevalent annual climatic conditions. This is based on the concept described by W. Grimm (Drugs Made in Germany, 28:196-202, 1985 and 29:39-47, 1986).

Commitment batches

Production batches of a drug substance or drug product for which the stability studies are initiated or completed post approval through a commitment made in the registration application.

Container closure system

The sum of packaging components that together contain and protect the dosage form. This includes primary packaging components and secondary packaging components, if the latter are intended to provide additional protection to the drug product. A packaging system is equivalent to a container closure system.

Dosage form

A pharmaceutical product type (e.g., tablet, capsule, solution, cream) that contains a drug substance generally, but not necessarily, in association with excipients.

Drug product

The dosage form in the final immediate packaging intended for marketing.

Drug substance

The unformulated drug substance that may subsequently be formulated with excipients to produce the dosage form.

Excipient

Anything other than the drug substance in the dosage form.

Expiration date

The date placed on the container label of a drug product designating the time prior to which a batch of the product is expected to remain within the approved shelf life specification if stored under defined conditions, and after which it must not be used.

Formal stability studies

Long term and accelerated (and intermediate) studies undertaken on primary and/or commitment batches according to a prescribed stability protocol to establish or confirm the re-test period of a drug substance or the shelf life of a drug product.

Impermeable containers

Containers that provide a permanent barrier to the passage of gases or solvents, e.g., sealed aluminum tubes for semi-solids, sealed glass ampoules for solutions.

Intermediate testing

Studies conducted at 30°C/65% RH and designed to moderately increase the rate of chemical degradation or physical changes for a drug substance or drug product intended to be stored long term at 25°C.

Long term testing

Stability studies under the recommended storage condition for the re-test period or shelf life proposed (or approved) for labeling.

Mass balance

The process of adding together the assay value and levels of degradation products to see how closely these add up to 100% of the initial value, with due consideration of the margin of analytical error.

Matrixing

The design of a stability schedule such that a selected subset of the total number of possible samples for all factor combinations is tested at a specified time point. At a subsequent time point, another subset of samples for all factor combinations is tested. The design assumes that the stability of each subset of samples tested represents the stability of all samples at a given time point. The differences in the samples for the same drug product should be identified as, for example, covering

different batches, different strengths, different sizes of the same container closure system, and, possibly in some cases, different container closure systems.

Mean kinetic temperature

A single derived temperature that, if maintained over a defined period of time, affords the same thermal challenge to a drug substance or drug product as would be experienced over a range of both higher and lower temperatures for an equivalent defined period. The mean kinetic temperature is higher than the arithmetic mean temperature and takes into account the Arrhenius equation. When establishing the mean kinetic temperature for a defined period, the formula of

J. D. Haynes (J. Pharm. Sci., 60:927-929, 1971) can be used.

New molecular entity

An active pharmaceutical substance not previously contained in any drug product registered with the national or regional authority concerned. A new salt, ester, or non-covalent-bond derivative of an approved drug substance is considered a new

molecular entity for the purpose of stability testing under this guidance.

Pilot scale batch

A batch of a drug substance or drug product manufactured by a procedure fully representative of and simulating that to be applied to a full production scale batch. For solid oral dosage forms, a pilot scale is generally, at a minimum, one-tenth that of a full production scale or 100,000 tablets or capsules, whichever is the larger.

Primary batch

A batch of a drug substance or drug product used in a formal stability study, from which stability data are submitted in a registration application for the purpose of establishing a re-test period or shelf life, respectively. A primary batch of a drug

substance should be at least a pilot scale batch. For a drug product, two of the three batches should be at least pilot scale batch, and the third batch can be smaller if it is representative with regard to the critical manufacturing steps. However, a primary batch may be a production batch.

Production batch

A batch of a drug substance or drug product manufactured at production scale by using production equipment in a production facility as specified in the application.

Re-test date

The date after which samples of the drug substance should be examined to ensure that the material is still in compliance with the specification and thus suitable for use in the manufacture of a given drug product.

Re-test period

The period of time during which the drug substance is expected to remain within its specification and, therefore, can be used in the manufacture of a given drug product, provided that the drug substance has been stored under the defined conditions. After this period, a batch of drug substance destined for use in the manufacture of a drug product should be re-tested for compliance with the specification and then used immediately. A batch of drug substance can be re-tested multiple times and a different portion of the batch used after each re-test, as long as it continues to comply with the specification. For most biotechnological/biological substances known to be labile, it is more appropriate to establish a shelf life than a re-test period. The same may be true for certain antibiotics.

Semi-permeable containers

Containers that allow the passage of solvent, usually water, while preventing solute loss. The mechanism for solvent transport occurs by absorption into one container surface, diffusion through the bulk of the container material, and desorption from the other surface. Transport is driven by a partial-pressure gradient. Examples of semipermeable containers include plastic bags and semi-rigid, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pouches for large volume parenterals (LVPs), and LDPE ampoules, bottles, and vials.

Shelf life (also referred to as expiration dating period)

The time period during which a drug product is expected to remain within the approved shelf life specification, provided that it is stored under the conditions defined on the container label.

Specification

See Q6A and Q6B.

Specification – Release

The combination of physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological tests and acceptance criteria that determine the suitability of a drug product at the time of its release.

Specification - Shelf life

The combination of physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological tests and acceptance criteria that determine the suitability of a drug substance throughout its re-test period, or that a drug product should meet throughout its shelf life.

Storage condition tolerances The acceptable variations in temperature and relative humidity of storage facilities for formal stability studies. The equipment should be capable of controlling the storage condition within the ranges defined in this guideline. The actual temperature and humidity (when controlled) should be monitored during stability storage. Short term spikes due to opening of doors of the storage facility are accepted as unavoidable. The effect of excursions due to equipment failure should be addressed, and reported if judged to affect stability results. Excursions that exceed the defined tolerances for more than 24 hours should be described in the study report and their effect assessed.

Stress testing (drug substance)

Studies undertaken to elucidate the intrinsic stability of the drug substance. Such testing is part of the development strategy and is normally carried out under more severe conditions than those used for accelerated testing.

Stress testing (drug product)

Studies undertaken to assess the effect of severe conditions on the drug product. Such studies include photostability testing (see ICH Q1B) and specific testing on certain products, (e.g., metered dose inhalers, creams, emulsions, refrigerated

aqueous liquid products).

Supporting data

Data, other than those from formal stability studies, that support the analytical procedures, the proposed re-test period or shelf life, and the label storage statements. Such data include (1) stability data on early synthetic route batches of drug

substance, small scale batches of materials, investigational formulations not proposed for marketing, related formulations, and product presented in containers and closures other than those proposed for marketing; (2) information regarding test

results on containers; and (3) other scientific rationales.

4. REFERENCES

ICH Q1B: “Photostability Testing of New Drug Substances and Products”

ICH Q1C: “Stability Testing of New Dosage Forms”

ICH Q3A: “Impurities in New Drug Substances”

ICH Q3B: “Impurities in New Drug Products”

ICH Q5C: “Stability Testing of Biotechnological/Biological Products”

ICH Q6A: “Specifications: Test Procedures and Acceptance Criteria for New Drug

Substances and New Drug Products: Chemical Substances”

ICH Q6B: “Specifications: Test Procedures and Acceptance Criteria for New Drug

Substances and New Drug Products: Biotechnological/Biological Products”

Source for ICH