Pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control

QC laboratory data informs some of the most critical decision-making in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Analytical solutions must be deployed to track CMAs in line with CMC documentation and, with a plethora of regulatory guidelines to work towards, workhorse instruments with easy, well-developed methodologies and rigorous data tracking are essential.

Malvern Panalytical has deep expertise in the relevance of different physicochemical analysis tools throughout the pharmaceutical lifecycle. We also understand the relationship of these techniques to, for example, the bioavailability strategies employed, including particle size and polymorph selection. 

As a result, our teams can support you at every stage in implementing solutions and developing methods that ensure robustness. Importantly, our analytical solutions offer data integrity and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, with enhancements in data security that provide confidence in meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring full data traceability.

While traditional end-product testing provides a measure of whether or not the required quality has been achieved, the application of process analytical technologies (PAT) enables the active maintenance of a product’s specifications within its design space. PAT tools provide the means to understand and monitor CPPs and, as continuous processing gains momentum in pharmaceutical manufacturing, these in- and online analysis tools are essential to its enablement.

Particle size distribution is a critical parameter throughout many pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Here, the application of fully-automated real-time particle size measurement enables the monitoring and control of processes such as milling and spray drying, from development through to commercial manufacture. 

In granulation operations, tracking particle size is important for endpoint detection and process control. Here, inline probes enable particle detection in batch granulation processes, and for real-time monitoring of continuous manufacturing processes.

Data integrity associated with analytical techniques has become one of the biggest regulatory concerns in recent years, and one of the most frequent subjects for FDA warning letters. Selection of a 21 CFR Part 11 compliant system, proper instrument qualification and the development of fit-for-purpose methods that are rigorously applied, are all essential.

Validation is a continual and often demanding process. Malvern Panalytical provides extensive support, tailored for users in the pharmaceutical industry, to help make it less onerous. We promote and assist with the correct and appropriate use of an instrument throughout its life, and the lifetime of the pharmaceutical product.

• Extensive instrument lifecycle documentation includes full Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ)
• Help with method development and selection ensures realistic application of the technology to achieve validated methods
• Support with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance ensures that a system is deployed correctly and that methods are being followed properly throughout the entire workflow. 

In-depth support is available through Amplify Analytics, a unique partnership between Malvern Panalytical and Concept Life Sciences, which brings together their collective expertise in chemistry and physicochemical analysis. Amplify Analytics offers a range of pharmaceutical contract services, from specific analytical capabilities such as method development and validation, through to provision of fully-integrated drug discovery and development programs.

Uncovering the root cause of any material or product QC failure is critical in preventing future recurrence. When dealing with a pharmaceutical product, it is essential to look at the final dosage form to understand the process of creating it and establishing where the variance lies. 

Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS®) , X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD)  and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry  are powerful technologies that deliver valuable insight for root cause analysis. 

MDRS is widely used in development and formulation. It also provides the detailed component-specific morphological descriptions of particulate blends that can help identify anomalies, contaminants and process deviations at the manufacturing stage.

XRPD also has applications in drug discovery, formulation and stability testing. In final product quality control and root cause analysis, it can be used to assess the crystalline structure of the final dosage form and to identify any changes.  

XRF enables non-destructive elemental analysis of impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients and final drug products.