Application of the Quality-by-Design Approach at the Laboratory Stage of Tablet Development

INTRODUCTION. Quality by design (QbD) is a systematic approach to pharmaceu­tical development that begins with predefined objectives and emphasises product and process understanding and process control, based on sound science and quality risk management. The QbD approach facilitates the production of medicinal products with target characteristics and quality profiles. There are currently no specific guidelines for the application of QbD principles to the development of individual dosage forms.

AIM. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of and propose an algorithm for using QbD at the laboratory stage of pharmaceutical development for solid dosage forms, with tablets as a case study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study analysed publicly available regulatory documents, scientific publications, and guidelines on pharmaceutical development using general scientific methods, including comparative and logical analysis. The regula­tory documents analysed included those issued by the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH), the Eurasian Economic Commission, and the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation. The sources searched included electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, eLIBRARY.RU, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS. Developing the quality target product profile (QTPP) and composition of tablets requires a comprehensive study of the active substance, as well as an assessment of its compatibility with the excipients. At the laboratory stage of pharmaceu­tical development, it is necessary to select and optimise the medicinal product composition while assessing potential risks. This approach provides for the preliminary identification of critical quality attributes, critical process parameters, and critical material parameters. This article presents an algorithm for applying QbD to tablet formulations at the laboratory stage of pharmaceutical development.

CONCLUSIONS. When implemented at the laboratory stage, the proposed algorithm with QbD elements will improve the overall efficiency of pharmaceutical development.

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