Process Validation
Process Validation is generally accepted as a regulatory requirement for most life science industries / products. The primary goal of process validation is to ensure that a process is robust, reliable, and capable of consistently producing products that meet the desired quality standards. Below we have extracted a few key regulatory expectations related to process validation.
Know Your Process
Aligned with the thinking in ICH Q8, Q9 and Q10, there is an increased importance on credible product development and product transfer. All process validation should start with a thorough understanding of the tolerances of critical control points to quality parameters, i.e. how the process works BEFORE starting validation.
Risk Assessment
Step 1- Risk/criticality identification
The first step in process validation in manufacturing is to identify the risks and critical control points of the process. Which aspects of the process will impact product quality i.e. GMP risk, if they fail, or if they fall outside the control parameters?
Step 2 – Risk detection and impact
The second step is to assess the likelihood of detection and the impact of failure for each identified risk. This will then be documented in a matrix which indicates the level of qualification or validation recommended.
Development of a Validation Master Plan
Developing a Validation Master Plan (VMP) early in the validation activities will communicate the planned validation activities to the organisation. Process validation is probably the most critical element of any validation effort.
The VMP should:
- detail the validation approach,
- define the systems and equipment to be validated,
- set out the number and format of the protocols, and
- establish the standards for acceptance criteria.
The Validation Process
The PIC/S approach to process validation includes:
- Installation Qualification (IQ) – have the correct items have been delivered, have the site requirements for the system been met and is the system functioning according to specifications? Usually verification at this stage is with the power off, typically material contact surfaces, volumes etc are verified. Accurate records of equipment installed is important, as this facilitated easy like for like changes during operation and maintenance.
- Operational Qualification (OQ) – is the system meeting specification both in terms of functional tests performed on individual components of the system and as well operational tests of the whole system? At this stage the power is on, flows can be verified, RPM and other operational requirements.
- Performance Qualification (PQ) – does the system meet the requirements for which it was specified?
Protocols for Qualification/Testing
The boring bit that everyone dreads…. writing the protocols that will be used to test the process.
If you need help with writing the protocols, PharmOut can provide templates and guidance.
Alternatively, we can do all the testing for you – either on a fixed price or a time and materials basis. You can also choose to have our validation contractors work under your supervision or we can supply very experienced validation professionals to take on the project completely.
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