Hold Time Stability Studies in Pharmaceutical Industry Review 2167 7689.1000104
Hold Time Stability Studies in Pharmaceutical Industry Review 2167 7689.1000104
Hold Time Stability Studies in Pharmaceutical Industry Review 2167 7689.1000104
gula
tory Af
fai Mallu et al., Pharmaceut Reg Affairs 2012, 1:4
DOI: 10.4172/2167-7689.1000104
r
al
s:
armaceutic
ISSN: 2167-7689
Abstract
Stability studies are playing main role in the pharmaceutical industry. Stability studies for pharmaceutical drug
products are having all guidelines like ICH, USFDA, EMEA, WHO and etc. Hold time study data shall give the
assurance the maximum allowable hold times for bulk and in-process drug products. Generally one lot can be used for
validating hold times if any inconsistency results were observed then another two lots can be used for this study. Major
hold study required stages are mixing, blending, lubrication, binder solution, coating solution, uncoated tablets, coated
tablets, filled capsules, syrup solution, power for injection, liquid injection, bulk creams/ointments/gels. Hold study
samples need to pack with the regular used poly ethylene bags, sterilized containers, HDPE or Glass containers. Hold
samples need to store at GMP conditions i.e. where the lot or stage holds in the manufacturing area. All the regulatory
agencies also may expect the hold time study at critical stages to understand the trend of degradation during holding
at in-process stages.
Keywords: Hold time stability; Hold time study time intervals; i.e scale up stage and commercial validation stages. Before starting
Pharmaceutical drug products; Dosage forms; USFDA and EU the hold study, formulation scientist needs to select the critical stages
(where the study is required), time points and tests. The flow of hold
Introduction study has represented in the (Figure 1). In the pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceutical drug products stability studies are important the hold study can be carried with the following steps. i. Selection
for establishing the shelf life of the products. Stability studies can be of critical steps; ii. Hold study time points and tests; iii. Hold study
performed for finished drug substances and drug products with the protocol; iv. Hold study analysis; v. Hold study report and vi. Hold
real time, intermediate and accelerated storage conditions. All stability study results evaluation.
study guidelines are mentioned in ICH, FDA, EMEA and WHO
guidelines.
API/ Innovator characterization
Hold time study data shall give the assurance the maximum
allowable hold times for bulk and in-process drug products [1].
Generally one lot can be used for validating hold times if any Excipients Compatibility, Pre-formulation
inconsistency results were observed then another two lots can be used
for this study. Although there are no specific regulations or guidance Scale up Hold study
(GMP area)
documents on bulk product hold times, GMP dictates that hold times
should be validated to ensure that in-process and bulk product can be
held, pending the next processing step, without any adverse effect to Hold study
Pre-exhibit batch
(GMP area)
the quality of the material. Hold time study provides the re-assurance
of the quality at each in-process stages. Exhibit batch
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Hold Study Stages coated and coated tablets are manufacturing with direct compression,
dry granulation or wet granulation methods so each manufacturing
The selection of hold time stability study conditions is very process have different stages. Based on the manufacturing process the
important for starting the hold study. These conditions are same with hold time stability study can be decided.
the manufacturing area/hold area conditions, so these conditions are
may vary with the product to product. Based on the manufacturing Un-coated tablets
process of the dosage forms hold study stages can be decided. Hold Un-coated tablets are manufacturing with direct compression
study required stages are summarized in the table 1. All pharmaceutical method and wet granulation methods. Direct compression method is
dosage forms hold study stages and study time requirements are the uncomplicated and cost effective method for the manufacturing of
discussed in detail like tablets, capsules, liquids, semi solids and tablets because it requires less processing stages than other techniques
injections. such as wet granulation and roller compaction. Most API’s can’t be
compressed directly into desired tablets due to lack of flow, cohesion
Tablets properties and lubrication.
Hold studies can be proceeded in tablets are based on the Direct compression/Dry granulation: This category of tablets
manufacturing process. Generally tablets are two types i.e. 1. Un- are manufacturing with the following steps i.e. dispensing, sifting, dry
coated and 2. Coated tablets (film coating or enteric coating). Both un- mixing/roll compaction, blending, compression and packing. Hold
1. Blending
2. Dry mixing
3. Binder solution
4. Roll compaction
5. Un-coated tablets
6. Coated tablets
7. Wet granules
8. Coating solution
Tablets
1. Blending powder
2. Filled capsules
3. Binder solution
4. Pellets
5. Dry granulation sample
6. Wet granulation sample
7. Coated pellets
8. Un-coated pellets
9. MUFS tablets
Capsules
1. Un-filtered solution
2. Filtered solution
3. Sugar solution
4. Before pH adjustment stage
5. After pH adjustment stage
Liquids
1. Bulk sample
2. Before pH adjustment stage
3. After pH adjustment stage
Semi solids
1. Final solution
2. Water for injection sample
3. Lyophilized sample
4. Before pH adjustment stage
5. After pH adjustment stage
Injectable
Table 1: Hold stages in all type of dosage forms.
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study required for this formulation is Dry mixing, roll compaction, Wet granulation: Wet granulation procedure is involves the
blending and un-coated tablets. The required tests and time points addition of a liquid solution (with or without binder) to powders, to
are listed in the (Table 2) and flow chart, hold study requirements are form a wet mass or it forms granules by adding the powder together
represented in (Figure 2). with an adhesive. It improves flow property and compression
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Table 2: Hold time study requirements for all types of dosage forms.
characteristics and increases density of granules, reduction of dust insoluble and poorly soluble drugs for making oral, topical and
hazardous, increase the color distribution. Hold study required stages parenteral products.
are dry mixing, wet granulation, binder solution, blending and un-
Development of stable suspensions over the shelf life of the
coated tablets. The details of manufacturing process and hold study
drug product continues to be a challenge on many fronts. A good
details are represented in (Figure 3 and Table 2) [3].
understanding of the fundamentals of disperse systems is essential
Coated tablets in the development of a suitable pharmaceutical suspension. The
development of a suspension dosage form follows a very complicated
Coated tablets are tablets covered with one or more layers of path. The selection of the proper excipients (surfactants, viscosity
mixtures of various substances such as natural or synthetic resins, gums, imparting agents, etc.) is important. The particle size distribution in
gelatin, inactive and insoluble fillers, sugars, plasticizers, polyols, waxes, the finished drug product dosage form is a critical parameter that
coloring matter authorized by the competent authority and sometimes significantly impacts the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of
flavoring substances and active substances. The substances used as the product. Appropriate analytical methodologies and instruments
coatings are usually applied as a solution or suspension in conditions (chromatographs, viscometers, particle size analyzers, etc.) must be
in which evaporation of the vehicle occurs. This class of tablets also utilized to properly characterize the suspension formulation. (Figures
manufactured with direct compression/dry granulation and wet 10-16).
granulation procedures. Direct compression/dry granulation method
tablets manufacturing process and hold time stability requirements are Fixed Dose Combinations
represented in (Figure 3). Wet granulation manufacturing process and Fixed dose combination drug products contain more than one
hold study requirements represented in (Figure 4). API in a fixed dose, allowing the patient to reduce the number of drug
Dispersible Tablets/Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) products to be taken. Improved patient compliance is the fundamental
purpose of the fixed dose combination concept. Different APIs (e.g.
Dispersible tablets are typically dispersed in water or another
liquid before they are administered to the patient. This drug product
is for patients having difficulties in swallowing solid dosage forms like Dispensing
tablets or capsules. ODTs can be taken without water – a benefit for
“dry” situations where water or other liquid drinks are not available. Sifting
A pleasant taste is achievable with appropriate taste-masking and
flavoring, which is most often a mandatory requirement for such drug
Blending HS: 60days
products [4]. The micro pellet dosage form concept easily allows the
combination of the taste masking approach with a modified drug release
approach. Therefore, dispersible tablets and ODT formulations can be Roll compaction
applied for both immediate release and for modified release products.
Manufacturing process and hold study requirements represented in Pre-lubrication
(Table 2 and Figures 2-6).
Capsules Lubrication
HS: 60days
Suspensions
Finished product
Suspension dosage form is a preferred and widely accepted dosage
forms for insoluble or poorly soluble drugs for various therapeutic Figure 2: Un-coated tablets (direct compression/ dry granulation)
manufacturing process and hold time study requirements.
applications. The suspension dosage form has long been used for
Page 5 of 8
Dispensing Dispensing
HS: 72hours
Sifting
Sifting
Drying
Pre-lubrication
HS: 60days
Blending
Lubrication HS: 60days
Coating
Packing
HS: 60days
Coated Tablets
Finished product
Figure 3: Un-coated tablets (wet granulation) manufacturing process and hold Packing
time study requirements.
Finished product
Sifting
Dispensing
Dry Mixing
Mixing
Binder solution
HS: 60days
Drying Blending
Coated Tablets HS: 60days Figure 6: Dispersible/ Orally disintegrating tablets manufacturing process and
hold time study requirements.
Packing
in the form of granules, pellets, micro-pellets) can be processed into
tablets, capsules, stick packs, sachets, etc.
Finished product
Hold Study Time Points and Tests
Figure 4: Coated tablets (wet granulation) manufacturing process and hold
time study requirements. The selection of hold study stages are important for the evaluation
Page 6 of 8
Sifting
Coating solution Sifting
HS: 30days
HS: 60days
Mixing
Drug Pellets
Blending
Coating
solution
Pre-lubrication
HS: HS: 60days
Compression 60days
HS: 72hours
Lubrication HS:
60days Capsule Filling
Un-coated Tablets
Figure 7: Capsules (powder filling) manufacturing process and hold time study
requirements.
Dispensing
Sifting
HS: 7days
Before �ilter solution
HS: 60days
Dry Mixing
Filtration
HS: 72hours
HS: 60days
HS: 7days
Wet granulation Final solution
Binder solution
Filling
Drying
HS: 60days
Figure 10: Liquid syrups manufacturing process and hold time study
Filled capsules requirements.
Packing of hold study, after selecting the stage then time points and tests need
to select. Hold study time points are generally
Finished product Hours: 1, 3, 5, 7, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 hours
Figure 8: Capsules (wet granulation) manufacturing process and hold time Days: 1, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 days
study requirements.
Page 7 of 8
Filtration Figure 14: Injectable (Powder for injection) manufacturing process and hold
time study requirements.
HS: 7days
Final solution
Dispensing
Filling
Sterilization Mixing
Finished product
Labeling
Lyophilized
Dispensing / sifting
Finished product
Filtration
Bottles cleaning Figure 15: Injectable (Lyophilized) manufacturing process and hold time study
HS: requirements.
72hours
Filtered liquid
Sterilization
Dispensing
Filling
HS: 7days HS:
72hours
Sifting HS:
Product sterilization
72hours
Mixing
Packing
Tubes cleaning
Figure 12: Injectable (Liquid-Terminally sterilized) manufacturing process and pH adjustment
HS:
hold time study requirements. 72hours
Filling
Dispensing Packing
Figure 13: Injectable (Liquid) manufacturing process and hold time study Hold Time Study Results Evaluation
requirements.
Each manufacturing stage shelf life can be determined based on the
Page 8 of 8
Hold study Stage Hold study time points passed Proposed shelf life
Dry mixing/ Roll compaction 7, 15 and 30 days Description, LOD or water content and assay.
Coating solution Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description
Lubricating solution Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description
Un-coated tablets Initial, 7, 15 and 30, 45 and 60days Description, LOD or water content, assay and dissolution.
Coated tablets Initial, 7, 15 and 30, 45 and 60days Description, LOD or water content, assay and dissolution.
Filled capsules Initial, 7, 15 and 30, 45 and 60days Description, LOD or water content, assay and dissolution.
Un-filtered solution Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description, pH value, wt. per mL and assay
Filtered solution Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description, pH value, wt. per mL and assay
Final solution (injection) Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description, pH value, wt. per mL and assay
Final powder (injection) Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description and assay
Final Lyophilized sample (injection) Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description, pH value, wt. per mL and assay
Bulk sample (semi solids) Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description, pH value, wt. per mL and assay
Final sample (Ointments, Gels, Creams) Initial, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours Description, pH value, wt. per mL and assay
Un-coated pellets (capsules) Initial, 7, 15 and 30, 45 and 60days Description, LOD or water content, assay and dissolution.
Coated pellets (capsules) Initial, 7, 15 and 30, 45 and 60days Description, LOD or water content, assay and dissolution.
Table 3: Hold time study time points and shelf life considerations.
hold study results. If the hold time samples are passing at 60 days time References
point then the shelf life of the particular stage can be considered up to 1. Ali H, Khatri AM, Modi AR, Patel A (2011) Standard Practice of sampling, storage
45 days. All hold study time points and shelf life considerations were and hold time for pharmaceutical tablet and injection during manufacturing
represented in table 3. process, Drug Invention Today 3: 157-159.
Hold study evaluation plays a main role for manufacturing the 3. QC Bulk Pharmaceuticals Work Group (1995) PhRMA Guidelines for the
new products in GMP conditions. Based on the hold time study Production, Packing, Repacking or Hold of Drug Substances. Quality Steering
Committee, PhRMA Science and Regulatory Section, Part I and Part II,
establishment and shelf life product manufacturing plan can be Pharmaceutical Technology.
decided. Hold time study results are passing the 60 days time interval
4. European Medicines Agency (2010) Guideline on the requirements for quality
then 45 days limit is good for general practice. In the same way if the documentation concerning biological investigational medicinal products in
stage is passing the 72 hours interval then 48 hours limit is general clinical trials. Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, London,
practice. If not performed the hold study in the product development United Kingdom.
stage then in commercial level need to perform the hold study for first 5. Lee AS, Chou JH (2009) Case Studies for Stability of In-Process Pools.
three commercial batches [6,7]. Genentech, Inc.
6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2010) Guidance for Industry
Disclaimer Drug Substance Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls Information.
The purpose of this hold time study review is solely educational. 7. In-Process and Bulk Drug Product Holding Times.
This review article is built from authors work and experience.