Standard Operating Procedure for Development of Powdered Nasal Formulations
1) Purpose
The purpose of this SOP is to outline the procedures for the development of powdered nasal formulations, including the selection of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and quality control measures. This method is used for dry powder nasal sprays, which are an alternative to liquid-based formulations.
2) Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the formulation, testing, and quality control of powdered nasal formulations at [Company Name]. It covers ingredient selection, formulation, blending, and testing procedures.
3) Responsibilities
- Operators: Responsible for weighing, blending, and testing powdered nasal formulations as per the batch manufacturing record (BMR).
- Quality Assurance (QA): Ensures that the formulation meets regulatory and quality standards, including homogeneity and particle size distribution.
- Maintenance Team: Ensures that all equipment used in the formulation process is cleaned and calibrated regularly.
4) Procedure
4.1 Selection of Ingredients
4.1.1 Selection of Active Ingredients
- Select APIs that are stable in a dry powder form and suitable for nasal delivery. Record the chosen API in the BMR, ensuring the concentration is appropriate for
the intended therapeutic use.
Choose excipients that are safe for nasal administration and will enhance the powder flowability and stability. Common excipients include lactose, mannitol, and starch.
4.1.2 Weighing of Ingredients
- Weigh the API and excipients using a calibrated balance. Record the weights in the BMR, ensuring that all ingredients are within ±2% of the target weight.
4.2 Blending and Mixing
4.2.1 Mixing Process
- Add the API and excipients into a clean and sterile blending vessel. Use a low-shear mixer to blend the powders for a specified time (e.g., 15 minutes) to ensure homogeneity. Document the mixing parameters in the BMR.
- Periodically sample the powder blend to test for homogeneity. Use validated analytical methods (e.g., HPLC or UV spectrophotometry) to measure the concentration of the API in each sample.
4.2.2 Testing for Homogeneity
- Test the homogeneity of the powder blend by taking samples from different points in the blending vessel (top, middle, bottom). Ensure the API concentration is uniform across samples with a deviation of no more than 2%.
- Document the test results in the homogeneity testing log.
4.3 Filling and Packaging
4.3.1 Filling Process
- Transfer the blended powder into a filling machine. Set the machine to dispense the required amount of powder into the nasal spray devices (e.g., 10 mg per dose). Ensure that the device is compatible with the powder formulation.
- Test the fill accuracy by weighing 10 randomly selected filled devices. The variation should not exceed ±5% of the target dose. Record the results in the BMR.
4.3.2 Packaging
- Seal the filled devices and ensure the packaging protects the powder from moisture and environmental degradation. Label the devices with batch numbers, expiration dates, and storage instructions.
- Package the filled nasal spray devices in secondary packaging to protect them during shipping and storage. Record the packaging details in the BMR.
4.4 Quality Control Testing
4.4.1 Particle Size Testing
- Test the particle size distribution of the powder formulation using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer or dynamic light scattering. Ensure the particle size falls within the range of 1-10 microns for optimal nasal delivery.
- Document the particle size distribution in the particle size testing log and ensure the results meet product specifications.
4.4.2 Stability Testing
- Conduct long-term stability testing on the powder formulation. Store samples under controlled conditions (e.g., 25°C, 60% RH) and test them at regular intervals (e.g., 1 month, 3 months, 6 months) for changes in API concentration, moisture content, and particle size.
- Document all stability test results in the stability testing log and adjust the product expiration date if necessary.
4.5 Documentation
- Document all steps of the formulation process in the BMR, including the weighing, blending, filling, and packaging procedures.
- Ensure all quality control test results, including homogeneity, particle size, and stability, are recorded in the appropriate logs. QA personnel must review and sign off on the documentation before product release.
4.6 Equipment Cleaning and Calibration
- Clean and sterilize all equipment used in the formulation process, including blending and filling machines, according to the cleaning validation protocol.
- Calibrate all equipment as per the calibration schedule and record the results in the cleaning and calibration logs.
5) Abbreviations, if any
- API: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
- QA: Quality Assurance
- BMR: Batch Manufacturing Record
6) Documents, if any
- Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR)
- Homogeneity Testing Log
- Particle Size Testing Log
- Stability Testing Log
- Cleaning Log
- Calibration Log
7) References, if any
- ICH Q1A – Stability Testing Guidelines
- FDA Guidance for Nasal Drug Products
8) SOP Version
Version 1.0
Annexure
1. Homogeneity Testing Log Template
Date | Formulation | Test Point (Top/Middle/Bottom) | API Concentration (%) | Operator Initials | QA Approval |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DD/MM/YYYY | Formulation Name | Test Point | Concentration | Operator Name | QA Name |
2. Particle Size Testing Log Template
Date | Formulation | Particle Size (µm) | Test Method | Operator Initials | QA Approval |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DD/MM/YYYY | Formulation Name | Size | Method | Operator Name | QA Name |
3. Stability Testing Log Template
Date | Formulation | Storage Conditions | Time Interval | Stability Results | Operator Initials | QA Approval |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DD/MM/YYYY | Formulation Name | Temperature and Humidity | 1 month, 3 months, etc. | Pass/Fail | Operator Name | QA Name |
4. Cleaning Log Template
Date | Equipment ID | Cleaning Procedure | Operator Initials | QA Approval | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DD/MM/YYYY | Equipment Name/ID | Cleaning Method | Operator Name | QA Name | |
5. Calibration Log Template
Date | Equipment ID | Calibration Procedure | Calibration Results | Operator Initials | QA Approval |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DD/MM/YYYY | Equipment Name/ID | Procedure | Pass/Fail | Operator Name | QA Name |