1.1This guide provides an overview to the risk-based validation of process analytical methods under a process analytical technology (PAT) paradigm for pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals and as such includes guidance on assessing risk to product quality from inappropriate method validation.

1.2This guide builds on existing standards on the topic of validation concentrating on applying such standards to analytical methods for on-line analysis. In particular, it addresses the validation of at-line, on-line, or in-line PAT measurements and covers both API and Drug Product (DP) measurements.

1.3The definitions of International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) validation parameters (such as specificity, precision, repeatability, etc.) apply; however, the method of demonstrating the validation parameters may vary from that described in ICH and is discussed.

1.4As consistent with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) process validation guidance, this document also briefly covers ongoing assurance that the method remains in a validated state during routine use.

1.5Equipment and instrument qualification are out of the scope of this guide but will be referenced as inputs to validation of analytical methods for PAT applications.

1.6The validation of multivariate prediction models is out of scope but will be referenced as inputs to validation of analytical methods for PAT applications.

1.7Microbiological methods are out of scope.

1.8This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.