仿制药晶型思路指导-FDA
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化学仿制药晶型研究技术指导原则摘要:化学仿制药晶型研究是一项重要的技术工作,具有严密的操作规范和技术指导原则。
本文基于文献调研和实验实践,总结了化学仿制药晶型研究中的技术指导原则,包括样品的选择、实验条件的控制、仪器设备的选择等方面,旨在提供有益的指导和参考。
引言化学仿制药的晶型研究是制药工业中的一项重要技术,晶型的选择对药物的疗效、稳定性和品质都具有重要影响。
由于晶型的结构和物理性质可能会对药物的药代动力学、毒性等产生显著影响,因此,准确地确定药物的晶型对于研发过程中的药物稳定性和性能评估具有重要意义。
本文将结合化学仿制药晶型研究的实践经验,总结出以下的技术指导原则。
一、样品的选择样品的选择是化学仿制药晶型研究的起点。
为了确定合适的晶型研究对象,需要从多个角度全面了解样品的信息,包括其药代动力学特性、结构特点、已知晶型信息等。
同时,应注意样品的纯度和含水量,以确保研究结果的准确性和可靠性。
二、实验条件的控制实验条件的控制对于化学仿制药晶型研究至关重要。
首先,应注意温度和湿度的控制,以免发生晶型相转变或晶型不稳定的情况。
其次,应合理选择溶剂和溶剂浓度,以及搅拌速度等条件,以实现晶体的有效溶解和晶型的稳定。
此外,实验过程中还应注意对空气和光线的防护,以免受到氧化或光敏性的影响。
三、仪器设备的选择在化学仿制药晶型研究过程中,合适的仪器设备对于提高实验效率和准确性具有重要作用。
例如,X射线粉末衍射仪可以用于分析样品的晶体结构,热差示扫描仪可以用于测量晶体的热稳定性,气相色谱仪可以用于分析晶体的残留有机溶剂等。
合理选择并正确操作仪器设备可以提高实验结果的可靠性和准确性。
四、数据分析与解释化学仿制药晶型研究需要对实验数据进行准确分析和正确解释。
在数据分析的过程中,应注意消除实验误差和系统误差对结果的影响,并采用合适的统计方法进行数据处理。
同时,应结合已有的文献和理论知识对结果进行解释,以得出合理的结论。
结论化学仿制药晶型研究技术指导原则是保证实验结果准确性和可靠性的基础。
人工晶状体fda指导原则人工晶状体(Artificial intraocular lens, IOL)是一种用于替代人眼晶状体的医疗器械,常用于白内障手术后恢复患者的视力。
为了确保人工晶状体的安全性和有效性,美国食品药品监督管理局(FDA)发布了一系列的指导原则,以规范人工晶状体的研发、生产和使用。
FDA指导原则要求人工晶状体的研发和生产过程必须遵循严格的质量管理体系。
制造商需要建立标准化的生产工艺和质量控制程序,确保每一批次的人工晶状体都符合规定的质量标准。
此外,制造商还需要定期进行产品检测和评估,以确保人工晶状体的性能稳定和一致性。
FDA指导原则要求人工晶状体的材料必须符合安全性和生物相容性的要求。
人工晶状体通常由聚合物材料制成,如聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)、丙烯酸共聚物(Acrylic)等。
制造商需要对材料进行全面的生物相容性评估,确保人工晶状体在眼内的长期植入不会引发过敏反应或其他不良反应。
FDA指导原则还要求人工晶状体的设计和使用要考虑到不同患者的特殊需求。
人工晶状体的设计应根据患者眼球的特征和度数进行个性化选择,以达到最佳的视力矫正效果。
同时,制造商还需要提供详细的使用说明和操作指南,以帮助医生正确选择和植入人工晶状体,并指导患者术后的眼部护理和康复训练。
除了以上要求,FDA指导原则还强调了人工晶状体的安全性监测和报告。
制造商需要建立完善的不良事件报告系统,及时收集和汇总与人工晶状体相关的不良事件和安全问题,并向FDA提交定期的安全性报告。
这样可以及时发现和解决人工晶状体的安全问题,确保患者的用眼健康。
总结起来,FDA的人工晶状体指导原则对于保障人工晶状体的安全性和有效性起到了重要的作用。
通过严格的质量管理、生物相容性评估、个性化设计和安全性监测,可以确保患者在接受人工晶状体植入手术后获得良好的视力恢复效果,并减少手术风险和不良反应的发生。
未来,随着科技的不断进步和临床经验的积累,人工晶状体的质量和性能将得到进一步提升,为更多患者带来清晰明亮的视界。
药物多晶型与仿制药开发原料药的不同晶型可以有不同的化学和物理特性,包括熔点、化学反应性、表观溶解度、溶解速率、光学和机械性质、蒸汽压和密度等。
这些特性可以直接影响原料药和制剂的处理和生产,并且会影响制剂的稳定性、溶解度和生物利用度。
所以,多晶型可以影响药物制剂的质量、安全性和有效性。
FDA对仿制药多晶型的要求FDA对固体晶型药物是按照简化新药申请(ANDA)的申请程序进行管理,申请者必须提交化学、生产和质量控制(CMC)的资料以支持ANDA的评价。
FDA要求申请人必须提供相应的资料,以证明该药与其原研药或参比制剂(RLD)是药学等效和生物等效,以保证药物的治疗效果等同于RLD。
且能够按照GMP要求生产。
无需证明研究的晶型药物和RLD的活性成分表现同样的物理特征,也无需证明药物的固态形式未发生改变。
多年来,FDA批准了大量的ANDA,其中就包括与对应的原研药多晶型不同的仿制药(如华法林、法莫替丁和雷尼替丁)。
多晶型与生物利用度原料药的固态特性可能会对其表观溶解度有显著的影响。
具有多晶型现象的药物,其表观溶解度的不同是否会影响制剂的生物利用度,取决于影响药物吸收速度和程度的多种生理因素。
因此,当固体药物不同晶型的表观溶解度不同时,应当关注其对BA/BE的可能响。
药物的生物药剂学分类(BCS)可作为判断多晶型问题对BA/BE 影响程度的重要依据。
对于吸收仅受溶解影响的低渗透性药物,不同多晶型表观溶解度上的较大差别很可能影响其BA/BE。
对于吸收仅受肠渗透性影响的药物,不同多晶型在表观溶解度上的不同影响其BA/BE的可能性很小。
此外,若多晶型表观溶解度足够高,并且与胃排空速度相比药物溶解更加迅速,多晶型不同的溶解度影响药物的BA/BE可能性就更低。
多晶型与药品质量控制标准制定如果各种晶型具有相同的表观溶解度或者高溶解性,多晶型问题对BA/BE不太可能具有显著影响,一般不需要制定原料药及制剂的晶型控制标准。
仿制药晶型研究的技术指导原则英文Technical Guidance Principles for the Study of Generic Drug Polymorphs1. Comprehensive Literature Review:Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on the polymorphic forms of the reference drug substance. Identify the different polymorphs reported and their characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and spectroscopic techniques.2. Sample Preparation:Ensure that the sample preparation technique maintains the integrity and purity of the reference drug substance. Use appropriate methods such as crystallization, recrystallization, or solvent evaporation to obtain the desired polymorphs for characterization.3. Controlled Crystallization Conditions:Conduct crystallization experiments under controlled conditions to promote the formation of specific polymorphs. Factors such as temperature, solvent selection, cooling rate, and agitation should be considered and optimized to achieve reproducible results.4. Polymorph Characterization:Employ a combination of analytical techniques to characterize the obtained polymorphs. X-ray diffraction is essential to confirm the crystalline nature and determine the crystal structure. Use thermal analysis techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis to investigate thermal behavior. Complement these techniques with spectroscopic tools like infrared spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance to confirm structural differences.5. Physical Property Comparison:Compare the physical properties (e.g., melting point, solubility, density) of the newly formed polymorphs with those of the reference drug substance. Any significant differences may indicate a new polymorphic form.6. Stability Studies:Conduct stability studies to evaluate the stability of the polymorphs under different environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and light exposure. Monitor changes in physical properties and assess any potential degradation or transformation.7. Bioavailability Studies:Perform bioavailability studies to determine if the newly formedpolymorphs exhibit similar or improved bioavailability compared to the reference drug substance. In vitro dissolution testing and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies can provide valuable insights into the drug's performance.8. Regulatory Compliance:Ensure that the research and development of generic drug polymorphs adhere to applicable regulatory guidelines, such as those set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA). Demonstrate the equivalence or superiority of the polymorphs through rigorous scientific evidence.9. Documentation and Reporting:Maintain detailed records of all experimental procedures, data, and observations. Prepare comprehensive reports that summarize the research findings and provide sufficient evidence to support the conclusions drawn.10. Intellectual Property Considerations:Respect existing patents and intellectual property rights when conducting research on generic drug polymorphs. Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and consider seeking legal advicewhen necessary.Note: It is important to consult specific guidelines and requirements from regulatory authorities or professional organizations when conducting research on generic drug polymorphs.。
同⼀⼚家开发,最早报道晶型专利和原研化合物/制剂所有权⼈是否⼀致?同⼀⼚家开发,原研晶型专利⽐较容易确认。
如遇到不是同⼚家开发,请对不同不同所有权⼈之间的关系进⾏说明(收购?合作关系?授权使⽤?),以作为对原研晶型专利确认的依据。
晶型专利:专利号,所有权⼈,到期时间,是否有中国同族,是否已经授权?2)晶型⼀致性①此处主要⽐较⾃制与⽂献报道的区别,有条件可以⽐较⾃制⽚与原研⽚,可根据需要加⼊图表进⾏说明。
②晶型稳定性的初步研究:对湿、热、光照稳定性;空⽓中与密封条件下的稳定性数据的对⽐;粉碎前后的晶型变化等(制剂还要增加处⽅制备前后的晶型对⽐)。
3)多晶型根据⽂献调研情况来介绍可能的多晶型。
4)稳定性研究将测试的多批次稳定性数据进⾏⽐较,可根据需要加⼊图表进⾏说明。
4、申报资料中晶型部分的撰写呈现形式1)3.2.S.2:对于多晶型药物,申请⼈应在⽣产⼯艺开发阶段通过精制⼯艺的优化和筛选制备优势稳态晶型,保证原料药批间晶型⼀致性。
注:应包括结晶条件的考察,如:溶剂体系、降温速率、晶种加⼊考察、保温析晶温度及时间、搅拌⽅式等,提供说明⽬标晶型成为优势晶型的依据。
批间晶型的⼀致性:各阶段代表性批次的检测结果,如⼩中试,试⽣产,⼯艺验证批晶型的XRD,DSC,TG等晶型数据及对应图谱。
2)3.2.S.2、3、7:对药物制剂关键质量属性产⽣影响的多晶型药物,需研究证明批间晶型⼀致性(3.2.S.2)和晶型放置过程稳定性(3.2.S.7)。
共晶药物具有特殊的理化性质、确定的组分和化学计量⽐,可以通过X-射线单晶⾏射、X-射线粉末所射、固相核磁共振波谱、红外吸收光谱、差⽰扫描量热法和/成晶体形态等分析⽅法进⾏结构确证(不要求全部都做)。
3)3.2.S.4:如原料药的晶型和/或粒度分布对制剂质量产⽣影响,应被纳⼊原料药内控标准并制定专属的检测项⽬进⾏控制。
质量标准中晶型描述:⼀般仅对XRD的2θ⾓要求明确即可。
对于晶型质量研究的法规,⽬前为⽌,出台的不过以上⼏个,在吃透当前法规的要求,要结合⼯作⽇常的需求,领悟晶型研究换换相扣的逻辑关系,最后尘埃落地,落实到申报资料上,⼒求清晰完整,逻辑科学,交上⼀份满意的答卷。
化药共性问题解答——药学(仿制药相关解答)合成工艺:1.我们有一个化3.2类新药已拿到贵中心下发的生产现场核查通知书,但是在开展相关准备工作时,发现其中一家原料供应商已停产,无法提供原料,我公司是否可以更换另外的一家原料供应商,并将相应的研究资料以补充资料的形式提交给贵中心,待贵中心批准后再进行生产现场检查,不知道这样做是否妥当?答:对于使用已上市原料药并在药物制剂注册过程中变更原料药来源的情况,如确属原料药供应商停产等无法抗拒原因,需要在注册过程中变更制剂使用的原料药来源的,申请人一般应在申报生产时一并提出变更申请,并提交按照相关技术指导原则进行的变更前后的对比研究资料,最迟应当在药品技术审评结束前提出原料药变更申请并同时提交相关支持性研究资料。
变更中涉及管理方面问题应符合注册管理的相关规定。
2. 某个药物,国外研究结果表明存在多晶型及晶型专利,如何对本品晶型进行相关研究。
答:对于仿制多晶型药物时,首先要保证与被仿药物的物质基础一致,晶型也应该和原研产品一致;如果该晶型存在知识产权问题,在进行开发时要对多晶型进行相关的研究,明确晶型的不一致会影响药物的哪些特性(生物学还是物理学特性),在此基础上选择合理的晶型。
3.有一原料药采用进口原料中间体,在国内完成最后一步的合成。
据了解,目前FDA要求合成原料药的反应步数至少应为三步;欧盟要求至少有一步化学反应是在申报企业生产。
我们这样做是否可行?答:这个问题实质上是如何选择起始原料。
起始原料的选择不仅仅是根据反应步骤的长短来选择,由于起始原料的质量对原料药的制备工艺有较大的影响,特别是起始原料结构较复杂,或合成路线较短时更会产生重要影响,一方面起始原料引入的杂质可能会参与后续反应形成一系列副反应杂质或直接残留在终产品中,进而影响终产品的质量;另一方面,外购起始原料的工艺与过程控制的不完善或变更都可能会影响到起始原料的质量。
所以,对起始原料的质量进行控制是原料药质量控制体系的重要组成部分,药物的质量需要从源头考虑的充分体现。
仿制药晶型研究的技术指导原则2007年7月 美国FDA发布2009年6月 药审中心组织翻译西安杨森制药有限公司翻译北核协会审核药审中心最终核准目录I.简介 (1)II.术语定义:多晶型和多形态 (2)III.药物固体多晶型基本原理 (2)A.药物固体多晶型的重要性 (2)B.多晶型的特征 (2)C.多形态对原料药和制剂的影响 (3)1.对溶解性、溶解度、生物利用度和生物等效性的影响 (3)2.对药物制剂生产的影响 (4)3.对稳定性的影响 (5)IV.简略申请中的多形态和同一性 (5)V.简略申请中对多形态的考虑 (6)A.建立多晶型质量标准必要性的评价 (6)B.原料药多晶型质量标准的建立 (6)C.建立药物制剂中多晶型质量标准必要性的评价 (7)附件1 – 决策图表1建立多晶型质量标准必要性的评价 (8)附件2 – 决策图表2原料药多晶型质量标准的建立 (9)附件3 – 决策图表3口服固体和混悬剂型多晶型制定质量标准的评价 (10)仿制药晶型研究的技术指导原则I.简介2申请者必须提交化学、生产和质量控制的资料以支持简略新药申请(ANDA)3的批准。
该指南旨在协助原料药4存在着多晶型时5的简略新药申请。
具体地,该指南提供了:z FDA关于当原料药存在多晶型时如何评价其同一性6的建议z决策图表,对原料药和/或制剂中的多晶型进行监测和控制7的建议FDA指南性文件,包括该指南,并非具有强制执行的法律职能。
实际上,指南陈述了管理部门对某一个问题当前的看法,并且仅作为建议,除非当具体的法规或法令要求被援引时。
在指南中用到的词语“应该”,是指建议,并非要求的意思。
1该指南是由美国联邦食品药品管理局药品评价和研究中心药物科学办公室下属的仿制药办公室制定的。
2尽管新药申请(NDAs)同样涉及多晶型的问题,但是该指南仅涉及在简略新药申请情况下多晶型的问题。
3参见21 CFR 314.94 (a)(9); 参见联邦食品、药品和化妆品法令505(j)(4)(A)4在此指南中,术语原料药和活性成分可互换使用5术语多晶型/多晶态polymorphic forms和polymorphs是同义词,并且在该指南中可以互换使用6参见章节IV以获得更多的资料7该指南旨在为企业就最常见的多晶型问题提供帮助。
仿制药晶型研究的技术指导原则2007年7月 美国FDA发布2009年6月 药审中心组织翻译西安杨森制药有限公司翻译北核协会审核药审中心最终核准目录I.简介 (1)II.术语定义:多晶型和多形态 (2)III.药物固体多晶型基本原理 (2)A.药物固体多晶型的重要性 (2)B.多晶型的特征 (2)C.多形态对原料药和制剂的影响 (3)1.对溶解性、溶解度、生物利用度和生物等效性的影响 (3)2.对药物制剂生产的影响 (4)3.对稳定性的影响 (5)IV.简略申请中的多形态和同一性 (5)V.简略申请中对多形态的考虑 (6)A.建立多晶型质量标准必要性的评价 (6)B.原料药多晶型质量标准的建立 (6)C.建立药物制剂中多晶型质量标准必要性的评价 (7)附件1 – 决策图表1建立多晶型质量标准必要性的评价 (8)附件2 – 决策图表2原料药多晶型质量标准的建立 (9)附件3 – 决策图表3口服固体和混悬剂型多晶型制定质量标准的评价 (10)仿制药晶型研究的技术指导原则I.简介2申请者必须提交化学、生产和质量控制的资料以支持简略新药申请(ANDA)3的批准。
该指南旨在协助原料药4存在着多晶型时5的简略新药申请。
具体地,该指南提供了:z FDA关于当原料药存在多晶型时如何评价其同一性6的建议z决策图表,对原料药和/或制剂中的多晶型进行监测和控制7的建议FDA指南性文件,包括该指南,并非具有强制执行的法律职能。
实际上,指南陈述了管理部门对某一个问题当前的看法,并且仅作为建议,除非当具体的法规或法令要求被援引时。
在指南中用到的词语“应该”,是指建议,并非要求的意思。
1该指南是由美国联邦食品药品管理局药品评价和研究中心药物科学办公室下属的仿制药办公室制定的。
2尽管新药申请(NDAs)同样涉及多晶型的问题,但是该指南仅涉及在简略新药申请情况下多晶型的问题。
3参见21 CFR 314.94 (a)(9); 参见联邦食品、药品和化妆品法令505(j)(4)(A)4在此指南中,术语原料药和活性成分可互换使用5术语多晶型/多晶态polymorphic forms和polymorphs是同义词,并且在该指南中可以互换使用6参见章节IV以获得更多的资料7该指南旨在为企业就最常见的多晶型问题提供帮助。
行业指南ANDAs: 药物固体多晶现象化学,制造和控制信息美国健康和公共卫生服务部食品药品管理局药品评审和研究中心仿制药办公室2007年7月目录I.简介 (3)II.术语定义:多晶型和多晶现象 (4)III.药物固体多晶现象的基本原则 (4)A.药物固体多晶现象的重要性 (4)B.多晶型的鉴定 (4)C.多晶现象对药物物质和制剂的影响 (4)1.对溶解性,溶出度和生物利用度和生物等效性的影响 (5)2.对药品制造的影响 (5)3.对于稳定性的影响 (6)IV.ANDA中的多晶型和相同性 (7)V.ANDA中的多晶型的问题 (7)A.研究制定多晶型质量标准的重要性 (8)B.为药物物质中的多晶型建立质量标准 (8)C.对制剂多晶型质量标准的重要性进行调查 (8)附件一决策树1 (9)附件二决策树2 (10)附件三决策树3 (11)行业指南1ANDAs: 药物固体多晶现象化学,制造和控制信息本指南代表食品药品管理局就这个问题的现行想法,并不赋予任何人任何权利,用其限制FDA或公众.可以使用替代的程序, 只要证明该程序满足使用的法规要求.I.简介2在进行简略新药申请时必须提交相应的化学,制造和控制信息(CMC)3。
当要进行简略新药申请的药物物质4存在多晶型5时,本指南可以为申请人提供以下指导:•FDA建议对于存在多晶型的药物物质需评价其相同性6;•决策树提供了监测和控制药物物质和制剂多晶型的建议。
7FDA指导文件,包括本指南,不具备法律约束力。
而表明FDA当局对于一个问题的当前考虑,若没有相关法规的要求,则可以作为一种建议,在FDA的指南中“应”代表建议或推荐,而不是“必须”。
1本指南是由食品药品监督局(FDA)的药物审评和研究中心(CDER),制药科学办公室(OPS)中的仿制药办公室(OGD)起草的。
2尽管多晶型相关的问题与新药申请(NDAs)相关,但是本指南只针对ANDA批准所需的多晶型的内容。
3见联邦食品,药品和化妆品法CFR314.94 (a)(9)章节; 505(j)(4)(A)章节4本指南中的药物物质与活性成分术语可以相互代替5本指南的多晶型和多晶性的术语可以互换。
Guidance for Industry ANDAs: PharmaceuticalSolid Polymorphism Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls InformationU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesFood and Drug AdministrationCenter for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)July 2007OGDGuidance for Industry ANDAs: PharmaceuticalSolid Polymorphism Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls InformationAdditional copies are available from:Office of Training and CommunicationDivision of Drug Information, HFD-240Center for Drug Evaluation and ResearchFood and Drug Administration5600 Fishers LaneRockville, MD 20857(Tel) 301-827-4573/cder/guidance/index.htmU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesFood and Drug AdministrationCenter for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)July 2007OGDTABLE OF CONTENTSI. INTRODUCTION (1)II. DEFINITION OF TERMS: POLYMORPHIC FORMS AND POLYMORPHISM (2)III. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACEUTICAL SOLID POLYMORPHISM (2)A. I MPORTANCE OF P HARMACEUTICAL S OLID P OLYMORPHISM (2)B. C HARACTERIZATION OF P OLYMORPHS (2)C. I NFLUENCE OF P OLYMORPHISM O N D RUG S UBSTANCE A ND D RUG P RODUCT (3)1. Influence on Solubility, Dissolution, and Bioavailability (BA) and Bioequivalence (BE) (3)2. Influence on Manufacturing of the Drug Product (4)3. Influence on Stability (5)IV. POLYMORPHISM AND SAMENESS IN ANDAs (5)V. CONSIDERATIONS FOR POLYMORPHISM IN ANDAs (6)A. I NVESTIGATING THE I MPORTANCE OF S ETTING S PECIFICATIONS FOR P OLYMORPHS (6)B. S ETTING S PECIFICATIONS FOR P OLYMORPHS IN D RUG S UBSTANCES (6)C. I NVESTIGATING THE I MPORTANCE OF S ETTING S PECIFICATIONS FOR P OLYMORPHS IN D RUG P RODUCTS (7)ATTACHMENT 1 – DECISION TREE 1 (8)ATTACHMENT 2 – DECISION TREE 2 (9)ATTACHMENT 3 – DECISION TREE 3 (10)Guidance for Industry1ANDAs: Pharmaceutical Solid PolymorphismChemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls InformationThis guidance, represents the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) current thinking on this topic. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public. You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. If you want to discuss an alternate approach, contact the appropriate FDA staff. If you cannot identify the appropriate FDA staff, call the appropriate number listed on the title page of this document.I. INTRODUCTION2Chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) information must be submitted to support the approval of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA).3 This guidance is intended to assist applicants with the submission of ANDAs when a drug substance4 exists in polymorphic forms.5 Specifically, this guidance provides:• FDA recommendations on assessing sameness6 when the drug substance exists in polymorphic forms.• Decision trees that provide recommendations on monitoring and controlling polymorphs in drug substances and/or drug products.7FDA’s guidance documents, including this guidance, do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities. Instead, guidances describe the Agency’s current thinking on a topic and should be viewed only as recommendations, unless specific regulatory or statutory requirements are1 This guidance has been prepared by the Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) in the Office of Pharmaceutical Science (OPS), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).2 Although issues relating to polymorphic forms may be relevant to new drug applications (NDAs), this guidance only addresses polymorphic forms in the context of ANDA approvals.3 See 21 CFR 314.94 (a)(9); see also section 505(j)(4)(A) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act).4 For the purposes of this guidance the terms drug substance and active ingredient are used interchangeably.5 The terms polymorphic forms and polymorphs are synonymous and are used interchangeably in this guidance.6 Refer to Section IV for more information.7 This guidance is intended to help industry with the most common types of polymorphs. A drug substance may exist in many polymorphic forms, but some forms may be rare and not likely to form. For example, in one approved drug product, the drug substance can exist in at least twenty polymorphic forms, but in reality only a subset of polymorphic forms has the potential to develop under the process conditions used to manufacture the drug substance and drug product. Therefore, we recommend that you consider only those polymorphs that are likely to form during manufacture of the drug substance, manufacture of the drug product, or while the drug substance or drug product is in storage.cited. The use of the word should in Agency guidances means that something is suggested or recommended, but not required.II. DEFINITION OF TERMS: POLYMORPHIC FORMS AND POLYMORPHISMWe recommend that ANDA applicants investigate whether the drug substance in question can exist in polymorphic forms. Polymorphic forms in the context of this guidance refer to crystalline and amorphous forms as well as solvate and hydrate forms, which are described below.8• Crystalline forms have different arrangements and/or conformations of the molecules in the crystal lattice.• Amorphous forms consist of disordered arrangements of molecules that do not possess a distinguishable crystal lattice.• Solvates are crystal forms containing either stoichiometric or nonstoichiometric amounts of a solvent.9 If the incorporated solvent is water, the solvate is commonly known as ahydrate.When a drug substance exists in polymorphic forms, it is said to exhibit polymorphism.III. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACEUTICAL SOLID POLYMORPHISMA. Importance of Pharmaceutical Solid PolymorphismPolymorphic forms of a drug substance can have different chemical and physical properties, including melting point, chemical reactivity, apparent solubility,10 dissolution rate, optical and mechanical properties, vapor pressure, and density. These properties can have a direct effect on the ability to process and/or manufacture the drug substance and the drug product, as well as on drug product stability, dissolution, and bioavailability. Thus, polymorphism can affect the quality, safety, and efficacy of the drug product.B. Characterization of PolymorphsThere are a number of methods that can be used to characterize polymorphs of a drug substance.11 Demonstration of a nonequivalent structure by single crystal X-ray diffraction is8 Guidance for industry, Q6A Specifications: Test Procedures and Acceptance Criteria for New Drug Substances and New Drug Products: Chemical Substances, International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH), December 2000.9 SR Byrn, RR Pfeiffer, and JG Stowell. Solid-State Chemistry of Drugs. 2nd Edition, SSCI, Inc., West Lafayette, Indiana, 1999.10 Apparent solubility refers to the concentration of material at apparent equilibrium (supersaturation). Apparent solubility is distinct from true thermodynamic solubility, which is reached at infinite equilibrium time.11 H Brittain. "Methods for the characterization of polymorphs and solvates." In HG Brittain (ed.) Polymorphism in Pharmaceutical Solids. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1999, pp. 227-278.currently regarded as the definitive evidence of polymorphism. X-ray powder diffraction can also be used to provide unequivocal proof of polymorphism. Other methods, including microscopy, thermal analysis (e.g., differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, and hot-stage microscopy), and spectroscopy (e.g., infrared [IR], Raman, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance [ssNMR]) are helpful to further characterize polymorphic forms.C. Influence of Polymorphism On Drug Substance And Drug Product1. Influence on Solubility, Dissolution, and Bioavailability (BA) andBioequivalence (BE)The solid-state properties of a drug substance can have a significant influence on the apparent solubility of the drug substance. Since polymorphic forms differ in their internal solid-state structure, a drug substance that exists in various polymorphic forms can have different aqueous solubilities and dissolution rates.12 When there are differences in the apparent solubilities of the various polymorphic forms, we recommend that you focus on the potential effect such differences can have on drug product bioavailability (BA) and bioequivalence (BE).13Whether drug product BA/BE can be affected by the differences in apparent solubilities of the various polymorphic forms depends on the various physiological factors that govern the rate and extent of drug absorption including gastrointestinal motility, drug dissolution, and intestinal permeability. In this context, the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS)14, 15 provides a useful scientific framework for regulatory decisions regarding drug substance polymorphism. For a drug whose absorption is only limited by its dissolution, large differences in the apparent solubilities of the various polymorphic forms are likely to affect BA/BE. On the other hand, for a drug whose absorption is only limited by its intestinal permeability, differences in the apparent solubilities of the various polymorphic forms are less likely to affect BA/BE. Furthermore, when the apparent solubilities of the polymorphic forms are sufficiently high and drug dissolution is rapid in relation to gastric emptying, differences in the solubilities of the polymorphic forms are unlikely to affect BA/BE.12 HG Brittain and DJW Grant. "Effect of polymorphism and solid-state solvation on solubility and dissolution rate." In HG Brittain (ed.) Polymorphism in Pharmaceutical Solids. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1999,pp. 279-330.13 Bioavailability (BA) is defined in 21 CFR 320.1(a) as “the rate and extent to which the active ingredient or active moiety is absorbed from a drug product and becomes available at the site of action." Bioequivalence (BE) is defined in 21 CFR 320.1(e) as “the absence of a significant difference in the rate and extent to which the active ingredient or active moiety in pharmaceutical equivalents or pharmaceutical alternatives becomes available at the site of drug action when administered at the same molar dose under similar conditions in an appropriately designed study.”14 GL Amidon, H Lennernas, VP Shah, and JR Crison. "A theoretical basis for a biopharmaceutic drug classification: the correlation of in vitro drug product dissolution and in vivo bioavailability," Pharm. Res. 12:413-420, 1995.15 LX Yu, GL Amidon, JE Polli, H Zhao, M Mehta, DP Conner, VP Shah, LJ Lesko, M-L Chen, VHL Lee, and AS Hussain. "Biopharmaceutics Classification System: The scientific basis for biowaiver extension." Pharm. Res. 19:921-925, 2002.Upon demonstration of in-vivo bioequivalence between the generic drug product16 and the reference listed drug (RLD),17 in-vitro dissolution testing is then used to assess the lot-to-lot quality of the generic drug product. Drug product dissolution testing frequently provides a suitable means to identify and control the quality of the product from both the bioavailability and physical (stability) perspectives. In particular, inadvertent changes to the polymorphic form that may affect drug product BA/BE can often be detected by drug product dissolution testing.2. Influence on Manufacturing of the Drug ProductDrug substance polymorphic forms can also exhibit different physical and mechanical properties, including hygroscopicity, particle shape, density, flowability, and compactibility, which in turn may affect processing of the drug substance and/or manufacturing of the drug product. Since an ANDA applicant should demonstrate that the generic drug product can be manufactured reliably using a validated process, we recommend that you pay close attention to polymorphism as it relates to pharmaceutical processing.18The effect of polymorphism on pharmaceutical processing also depends on the formulation and the manufacturing process.19 For a drug product manufactured by direct compression, the solid-state properties of the active ingredient will likely be critical to the manufacture of the drug product, particularly when it constitutes the bulk of the tablet mass. On the other hand, for a drug product manufactured by wet granulation, the solid-state properties of the active ingredient are often masked by the resultant granulation, and the solid-state properties of the active ingredient are less likely to affect the manufacture of the drug product. In the context of the effect of polymorphism on pharmaceutical processing, what is most relevant is the ability to consistently manufacture a drug product that conforms to applicable in-process controls and release specifications.Polymorphic forms of the drug substance can undergo phase conversion when exposed to a range of manufacturing processes, such as drying, milling, micronization, wet granulation, spray-drying, and compaction. Exposure to environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature can also induce polymorph conversion. The extent of conversion generally depends on the relative stability of the polymorphs, kinetic barriers to phase conversion, and applied stress.20 Nonetheless, phase conversion generally is not of serious concern, provided that the conversion occurs consistently, as a part of a validated manufacturing process where critical manufacturing process variables are well understood and controlled, and when drug productBA/BE has been demonstrated.16 The term generic drug product refers to a new drug product for which approval is sought in an ANDA submitted under section 505(j) of the Act.17 See 21 CFR 314.3 (b) (providing that reference listed drug means the listed drug identified by FDA as the drug product upon which an applicant relies in seeking approval of its abbreviated application).18 Section 505(j)(4)(A) provides that FDA must approve an ANDA if, among other things, the methods used in, or the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, processing, and packing of the drug are adequate to assure and preserve its identity, strength, quality, and purity.19 DA Wadke, ATM Serajuddin, and H Jacobson. "Preformulation testing." In HA Lieberman, L Lachman, and JB Schwartz (eds.) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets (Vol. 1). Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1989,pp. 1-73.20 SR Vippagunta, HG Brittain, DJW Grant. "Crystalline solids," Adv. Drug Del. Rev. 48:3-26, 2001.3. Influence on StabilityPolymorphs can have different physical and chemical (reactivity) properties. The most thermodynamically stable polymorphic form of a drug substance is often chosen during development based on the minimal potential for conversion to another polymorphic form and on its greater chemical stability. However, a metastable form can be chosen for various reasons, including bioavailability enhancement. Since an ANDA applicant must demonstrate that the generic drug product exhibits adequate stability,21 we recommend that you focus on the potential effect that a polymorphic form can have on drug product stability. Nonetheless, because drug product stability is affected by a multitude of other factors, including formulation, manufacturing process, and packaging, it is the stability of the drug product and not stability of the drug substance polymorphic form that should be the most relevant measure of drug quality.SAMENESS IN ANDAsIV. POLYMORPHISMANDSection 505(j)(2) of the Act specifies that an ANDA must contain, among other things, information to show that the active ingredient in the generic drug product is the "same as" that of the RLD. Under section 505(j)(4) of the Act, FDA must approve an ANDA unless the agency finds, among other things, that the ANDA contains insufficient information to show that the active ingredient is the same as that in the RLD. FDA regulations implementing section 505(j) of the Act provide that an ANDA is suitable for consideration and approval if the generic drug product is the "same as" the RLD. Specifically, 21 CFR 314.92(a)(1) provides that the term "same as" means, among other things, "identical in active ingredient(s)." The drug substance in a generic drug product is considered to be the same as the drug substance in the RLD if it meets the same standards for identity.22When a United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph exists for a particular drug substance, standards for identity generally refer to the definition (e.g. chemical name, empirical formula, molecular structure, description) at the beginning of the monograph. However, FDA may prescribe additional standards that are material to the sameness of a drug substance.23 Polymorphic forms of a drug substance differ in internal solid-state structure, but not in chemical structure. In the context of sameness of active ingredient(s) in the preamble to the 1992 final rule, FDA specifically rejected a proposal that would have required an ANDA applicant to show that the active ingredient in its generic drug product and the active ingredient in the RLD "exhibit the same physical and chemical characteristics, that no additional residues or impurities can result from the different manufacture or synthesis process and that the stereochemistry characteristics and solid state forms of the drug have not been altered."24 Therefore, differences in drug substance polymorphic forms do not render drug substances different active ingredients for the purposes of ANDA approvals within the meaning of the Act and FDA regulations.21 See footnote 18.22 See preamble to the 1992 final rule (57 FR 17958; April 28, 1992).23 See footnote 22.24 See footnote 22.In addition to meeting the standards for identity, each ANDA applicant is required to demonstrate that, among other things, the drug product exhibits sufficient stability and is bioequivalent to the RLD.25 While the polymorphic form can affect drug product stability and bioequivalence, these performance characteristics are also dependent on the formulation, the manufacturing process, and other physicochemical properties (e.g., particle size, moisture) of both the drug substance and formulation excipients. Using a drug substance polymorphic form that is different from that of the RLD may not preclude an ANDA applicant from formulating a generic drug product that exhibits bioequivalence and stability, and the drug substance in the generic drug product need not have the same polymorphic form as the drug substance in the RLD.Over the years, FDA has approved a number of ANDAs in which the drug substance in the generic drug product had a different polymorphic form from the drug substance in the respective RLD (e.g., warfarin sodium, famotidine, and ranitidine). FDA also has approved some ANDAs in which the drug substance in the generic drug product differed in solvate or hydrate forms from the drug substance in the corresponding RLD (e.g., terazosin hydrochloride, ampicillin, and cefadroxil).FORPOLYMORPHISM IN ANDAsV. CONSIDERATIONSThe decision trees shown in Attachments 1 to 3 provide ANDA applicants with a suggested process for evaluating the importance of and approaches to setting specifications for polymorphic forms in solid oral drug products and oral suspensions. Although the conceptual framework adopted by these decision trees is based primarily on the potential for polymorphic forms to affect drug product BA/BE, we recommend that you still consider the influence polymorphic forms may have on the ability to manufacture the drug product and on the stability of the drug product.The following sections describe each of the decision trees.A. Investigating the Importance of Setting Specifications for PolymorphsDecision Tree 1 provides recommendations on when specifications for polymorphic form(s)26 for the drug substance and/or the drug product may be appropriate. Polymorphs are unlikely to have a significant effect on BA/BE when all forms have the same apparent solubilities or all forms are highly soluble.ANDA applicants are expected to have adequate knowledge about drug substance polymorphs. Information on polymorphism can come from the scientific literature, patents, compendia, other references, or in some cases, polymorph screening.B. Setting Specifications for Polymorphs in Drug Substances25 See 505(j)(4) of the Act and 21 CFR 314.127.26 See footnote 7.Decision Tree 2 provides an approach for setting specifications for polymorphs in the drug substance when at least one form is known to have low solubility based on the BCS. If relevant and adequate specifications for polymorphs are included in the USP, ANDA applicants may adopt these specifications for the drug substance polymorphic form. Otherwise, we recommend that a new specification for the drug substance polymorphic form be established.C. Investigating the Importance of Setting Specifications for Polymorphs inDrug ProductsDecision Tree 3 provides an approach when considering whether to set specifications for polymorphs in the drug product. Generally, specifications for polymorphs in drug products are not necessary if the most thermodynamically stable polymorphic form is used or if the same form is used in an approved product of the same dosage form. However, since manufacturing processes can affect the polymorphic form, we recommend that you use caution if a metastable form is used.Drug product performance testing (e.g., dissolution testing) can also generally provide adequate control of polymorph ratio changes that can influence drug product BA/BE for poorly soluble drugs. In such instances, setting specifications for polymorphs in the drug product would generally not be considered important for ensuring adequate product performance. Only in rare cases would we recommend setting specifications for polymorphic forms in drug products.ATTACHMENT 1 – DECISION TREE 1Decision Tree 1 Investigating whether to set specifications for polymorphs for solid oraland suspension dosage form products.*We recommend that you consider only those polymorphs that are likely to form during manufacture of the drug substance, manufacture of the drug product, or while the drug substance or drug product is in storage. See footnote 7 in this guidance document.ATTACHMENT 2 – DECISION TREE 2Decision Tree 2 Setting specifications for polymorphs in drug substances for solid oral and suspension dosage form products.ATTACHMENT 3 – DECISION TREE 3Decision Tree 3 Investigating whether to set specifications for polymorphs in drugproducts for solid oral and suspension dosage form products.Set a polymorph specification in the drug productusing other approaches, such as a solid-state characterization method.***In general, there may not be a concern if the most thermodynamically stable polymorphic formis used or the same form is used in a previously approved product of the same dosage form.**Drug product performance testing (e.g., dissolution testing) can generally provide adequatecontrol of polymorph ratio changes for poorly soluble drugs, which may influence drug productBA/BE. Only in rare cases would polymorphic form characterization in the drug product be recommended.。