All companies need to classify the risks various types of visible particles provide. This is not a simple task and without a well supported, scientific basis companies lay themselves open to regulatory challenges and sometimes have to commit to questionable controls. The proof of concept, developed by a large group of industry practitioners, allows companies to underpin their particle classification practices with a rational, risk-based approach. It will not change how companies classify visible particles, but will provide a framework to support their current classifications. The methodology assesses a range of patient risk factors, such as the route of administration, and applies a simple scoring system to calculate an overall risk score for a visible particle in a product or presentation. When challenged by regulators or internal QA teams, the methodology helps companies respond to demands to change particle classifications using an assessment of risk, which in turn may save batches from being destroyed if a classification is unnecessarily severe.
Particle classification: An industry-wide standardized methodology and risk classification tool for PC in biopharmaceutical parenteral products
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