1.1 This 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.

1.2 This 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 drug substance and drug product (DP) measurements.

1.3 The definitions of International Council for Harmonisation (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.

1.4 As 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.

1.5 Equipment 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.

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

1.7 Microbiological methods are out of scope.

1.8 This 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.