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In Vitro Release Test Studies for Topical Drug Products Submitted in ANDAs

DraftCenter for Drug Evaluation and Research,Office of Regulatory Policy10/21/2022

Description

This guidance is intended to assist applicants who are submitting abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for liquid-based and/or other semisolid products applied to the skin, including integumentary and mucosal (e.g., vaginal) membranes, which are hereinafter calledtopical products.2Because of the complex route of delivery associated with these products, which are typically locally acting, and the potential complexity of certain formulations, topical products (other than topical solutions) are classified as complex products.3This guidance provides recommendations for in vitro release test (IVRT) studies that can be used to compare a proposed generic (test) topical product and its reference standard (RS) for the purpose of supporting a demonstration of bioequivalence (BE) to the reference listed drug (RLD). The reference standard ordinarily is the RLD.4

Scope & Applicability

Product Classes

3
Topical Drug Products

Subject of the guidance, including liquid-based and semisolid products applied to skin or membranes.; Subject of the characterization guidance for ANDAs

Complex Product

Products with complex active ingredients or formulations

RLD

Reference Listed Drug used as the basis for an ANDA submission.

Stakeholders

4
Reference Listed Drug

The listed drug identified by FDA upon which an applicant relies for ANDA approval.

Quality Control

QC personnel responsibilities within the quality management system

Quality Assurance

QA personnel responsibilities within the quality management system

Reference Standard

The specific drug product used by the applicant for bioequivalence testing.

Regulatory Context

Attributes

8
Linearity and Range

Validation parameter for IVRT method

Bioequivalence

Risk factor to be assessed during manufacturing changes

r² value ≥ 0.95

Minimum linearity requirement for IVRT specificity.

Precision and Reproducibility

Validation parameter for IVRT method

Robustness

Evaluation of robustness and parameter ranges of analytical procedures; Development of a robust multivariate analytical procedure includes scientifically justified sample selection; Capacity of an analytical procedure to meet performance criteria during normal use.; Assessed using retention time models; Performance characteristic to be validated

release kinetics

Linearity of drug release over time

membrane surface temperature

Critical parameter typically 32°C ± 1°C

Dose Depletion

Recovery of released drug in the receptor solution should be characterized; typically less than 30%.

Related CFR Sections (7)

See Also (8)

In Vitro Release Test Studies for Topical Drug Products Submitted in ANDAs | Guideline Explorer | BioRegHub