Stability studies prove the quality of a drug. They serve as a basis for determining specifications and shelf-life information. The influence of storage time, temperature, humidity and light on the product quality is investigated. Long-term studies then make it possible, for example, to label temperature-sensitive products with storage instructions. Even after approval, follow-up studies can be done to make adjustments to specifications, labelling or shelf life.
The selection of the suitable climatic zone is made according to the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use Guidelines Q1A(R2) "Stability testing of new drug substances and products" and ICH Q1F "Stability data Package for Registration in Climatic Zones III and IV". Climatic Zones I and II are relevant for registrations in Europe, USA and Japan. For Brazil, for example, stability data must be determined in climate zone IVb. The WHO Stability Guideline covers the requirements for all climate zones. Annex 2, Table 2 of the Guideline describes about 200 countries with their country-specific climatic conditions. Companies must take these into account for long-term storage when approving their products.
The WHO guideline describes the following climate zones:
Similarly, climate zones III, IVa and IVb can be combined into a worst case condition with 30°C/75% RH. In addition to these two long-term stability programs, we also offer accelerated studies at 40°C/75% RH.
DSI-pharm supports you with the approval of your product. Together, we plan your stability study and support you with analytical expertise using our many years of experience until your product is launched and beyond, in on-going stability studies!
The selection of the suitable climatic zone is made according to the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use Guidelines Q1A(R2) "Stability testing of new drug substances and products" and ICH Q1F "Stability data Package for Registration in Climatic Zones III and IV". Climatic Zones I and II are relevant for registrations in Europe, USA and Japan. For Brazil, for example, stability data must be determined in climate zone IVb. The WHO Stability Guideline covers the requirements for all climate zones. Annex 2, Table 2 of the Guideline describes about 200 countries with their country-specific climatic conditions. Companies must take these into account for long-term storage when approving their products.
The WHO guideline describes the following climate zones:
- Zone I: "temperatures" 21°C/45% RH (relative humidity)
- Zone II: "subtropical" 25°C/60% RH
- Zone III: "hot/dry" 30°C/35% RH
- Zone IVa: "hot/humid" 30°C/65% RH
- Zone IVb: "hot/very humid" 30°C/75% RH
Similarly, climate zones III, IVa and IVb can be combined into a worst case condition with 30°C/75% RH. In addition to these two long-term stability programs, we also offer accelerated studies at 40°C/75% RH.
DSI-pharm supports you with the approval of your product. Together, we plan your stability study and support you with analytical expertise using our many years of experience until your product is launched and beyond, in on-going stability studies!
