A recent report by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed an increase in investigations of off-specification products in the pharmaceutical industry. The FDA cites deterioration in quality control as a major cause of these problems.
As the industry transitions to novel and more complex products, it is important that quality control measures are in place to ensure product quality. Out-of-specification products can have significant consequences for patients, including reduced efficacy and safety risks. It is therefore essential for investigators to identify these problems and take appropriate steps to correct them.
What is an out-of-spec investigation?
Out of specification investigation is a process used by pharmaceutical companies when a drug does not meet the specifications set by the manufacturer. This could be because the drug was manufactured incorrectly or there was an error in the labeling. Out-of-specification investigations can be costly to the company and result in lost sales and litigation.
Out-of-specification investigations typically begin with a customer or patient complaint. If the company can’t find a reason to go off the drug’s specification, they can open an investigation to find out what happened. During an investigation, technicians will test the medication to see if it meets specifications and also look for any clues as to what may be causing the problem. Sometimes, it is possible to determine why the drug is off specification and fix the problem. Other times production of drugs has to be stopped and new batches made.
Out-of-specification investigations can be costly for companies, especially if they have to restart production of large quantities of drugs. They can lead to lost sales and lawsuits.
Related: Specification
How to Investigate Out-of-Specification Product
When you receive a product that is out of specification, you should conduct an investigation to determine the cause. Some of the following steps should be taken during your investigation:
1. Inspect the product for any signs of tampering or misuse. If it appears that the product has been tampered with, you may need to contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
2. Check product ingredients and purity. Make sure all the ingredients are in their correct proportions and the purity is correct.
3. Analyze product performance using appropriate test methods. Be sure to check results against known standards.
4. Determine why the product is out of specification. Some common causes include faulty manufacturing processes, material substitution and contamination.
5. Find the root cause of the problem and solve it. Hint: Ideally, you want to determine exactly what went wrong so it doesn’t happen again.
6. Document your findings so that others can learn from them and so that others do not make the same mistakes in the future.
Consequences of out-of-specification products
Here are some common consequences of an out-of-spec:
1. Consumers may be exposed to unsafe products. If a pharmaceutical product is found to be out of specification, it may not meet the safety standards required by regulators. This could mean that the product is dangerous if used incorrectly, and could expose consumers to potentially harmful side effects.
2. The pharmaceutical industry may face significant financial losses. If a product is found to be out of specification, it may not meet the required safety standards. This can lead to legal penalties for the manufacturer, meaning they will not be able to sell their product in the market if it is not safe.
3. Compliance with regulations and standards may be compromised. If companies cannot deliver a product that meets safety standards, it can compromise ongoing compliance efforts for regulators and potential exposure to other products that are out of specification.
4. It can reduce brand equity due to potential liability related to unsafe products. Consumers who buy products outside of specifications or who do not follow instructions properly may experience harmful adverse effects. Misuse and improper use of a product can put consumers at risk of serious injury or death, which can significantly affect a company’s reputation, brand equity and business continuity.
5. It can adversely affect business by hurting customer service and causing product failure, resulting in expensive repair, replacement and disposal costs.
6. It may have a negative impact on customers’ perceptions of the company’s health, safety and environmental concerns and practices.
7. It can negatively impact the company’s sales and profits by deterring consumers from purchasing products that may be out of specification for fear of liability exposure or for other reasons such as lack of knowledge of the risks associated with that particular product or service.
Facilitation of out off-specification investigations in pharmaceuticals
Off-specification investigations in pharmaceuticals have many advantages. Out-of-specification investigations can help identify product defects and manufacturing defects, which can lead to improved efficiency and quality control. Additionally, specifications can help identify potential new markets for a product beyond the investigation.
If conducted properly, out-of-specification investigations can provide valuable information that can be used to improve manufacturing processes and increase product quality. By investigating products that fall outside their specified limits, manufacturers can avoid customer dissatisfaction or environmental damage.
There are many factors to consider when conducting out-of-specification investigations. First, it is important to identify the products that need to be investigated Second, it is necessary to determine the specific range within which the products should fall. Third, it is necessary to determine whether any corrective action needs to be taken. Fourth, results need to be tracked and adjusted as needed. Finally, it is important to report results and lessons learned so that future products can be developed with accuracy and precision.