PDA Technical Glossary

A method for carrying out carefully planned experiments on a process. Usually, DoE involves a series of experiments that initially involves evaluating many variables and then focuses on a few critical ones. (TR54-4) A structured, organized method for determining the relationship between factors affecting an assay and output of that assay. (TR57) (TR57-2) (TR74) A structured, organized method for determining the relationship between factors affecting a process and the output of that process (8). (TR60)

Documentation and description of work done during the early phases of development. The goal is to document information about the way the process works and to document why key choices were made in selecting the specifics of the process (e.g., flow rate or temperature). These documents can serve as a reference during investigations of discrepancies and during the design of specific Validation and characterization studies.(TR14) (TR 42) Documentation and description of work done during the early phases of development (Stage 1). The goal is to document information about the way the process works and to document why key choices were made in selecting the specifics of the process (e.g., flow rate or temperature). These documents can serve as a reference during investigations of deviations and during the design of specific validation and process characterization studies.(TR60)

The active ingredient that is subsequently formulated with excipients to produce the drug product. It can be composed of the desired product, product-related substances, and product- and process-related impurities. It may also contain excipients, including buffers and other components. [Synonyms: bulk drug substance, bulk material, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)] (TR14) (TR57) (TR74) (TR60) Active pharmaceutical ingredient in a drug product that is responsible for that product’s therapeutic activity.(TR67) (TR82) (TR88) See Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). (TR56)

A structured, organized method for determining the relationship between factors affecting a process and the output of that process. (TR60)

All phases in the life of a product from the initial development through marketing until the product’s discontinuation. (TR54) (TR60) All phases in the life of a product, from the initial development through marketing until the prod­uct is discontinued. (TR60-2)

A process parameter whose variability has an impact on a critical quality attribute and therefore should be monitored or controlled to ensure the process produces the desired quality. (TR60) A process parameter whose variability has an impact on critical quality attribute and therefore should be monitored or controlled to ensure the process produces the desired quality. (TR74)

An input process parameter that should be carefully controlled within a narrow range and is essential for process performance. A key process parameter does not affect product quality attributes. If the acceptable range is exceeded, it may affect the process (e.g. yield, duration) but not product quality. (TR60)

An input variable or condition of the manufacturing process that can be directly controlled in the process. Typically, these parameters are physical or chemical (e.g. temperature, process time, column flow rate, column wash volume, reagent concentration, or buffer pH). (TR60)

A system for designing, analyzing, and controlling manufacturing through timely measurements (i.e., during processing) of critical quality and performance attributes of raw and in-process materials and processes with the goal of ensuring final product quality. (TR60) (TR60-2)

Studies performed during process development to establish acceptable ranges for key input vari­ables and critical operational parameters that de­fine the process design space. (TR56) A study that evaluates the process to increase process knowledge and examines proposed ranges and their individual and/or combined impact on target protein quality. Process characterization studies include deliberate variation of parameters to determine their effect on product quality attributes, often conducted as small-scale studies. (Also known as process evaluation studies, process justification studies, engineering studies, development studies, robustness studies, or process design studies. (TR60)

Documented verification that a system is capable of consistently performing or controlling the activities of the processes it is required to perform or control, according to written and preapproved specifications, while operating in its specified operating environment. (TR3) Confirming that the manufacturing process as designed is capable of reproducible commercial manufacturing. (TR54) (TR60) (TR54-5)

Ability of a process to tolerate variability of materials and changes of the process and equipment without negative impact on quality. (TR60)

The documented evidence that the process, operated within established parameters, can perform effectively and reproducibly to produce a medicinal product meeting its predetermined specifications and quality attributes. (TR60) (TR54-5)

A document that defines the process validation scope and rationale and that contains the list of process validation studies to be performed (Synonym: Validation Master Plan). (TR42) (TR60) The plan that documents rationale for the approach to validation and lists all systems and their validation status. (Note: The VMP can be used to document the rationale for number of monitors and revalidation frequency, as well as other system justifications). (TR52)

A prospective summary of the quality characteristics of a drug product that ideally will be achieved to ensure the desired quality, taking into account safety and efficacy of the drug product. (TR60) (TR54-4)(TR 81)(T60-3)

A format for a summary of a drug development program described in terms of labeling concepts to facilitate communication regarding a particular drug development program. (TR60) (TR60-2)

A set of conditions encompassing upper and lower processing limits and circumstances, including those within standard operating procedures, that pose the greatest chance of process or product failure (when compared to ideal conditions). Such conditions do not necessarily induce product or process failure. (TR60) A set of conditions encompassing upper and lower processing limits and circumstances, including those within standard operating procedures, that pose the greatest chance of process or product failure (when compared to ideal conditions). Such conditions do not necessarily induce product or process failure. (TR62) (TR60-2)