Latest Analytical Techniques in Extractable and Leachables

In contrast to other impurities the control of extractable and leachables is not well defined yet. Currently guidance is provided e.g. by USP and PQRI, but there is room for interpretation. New guidance (ICHQ3E) is being developed. In general, comprehensive screening is applied, using gas- and liquid chromatography techniques hyphenated with mass spectrometry, to aim for complete coverage on E&L. Although considered to be the state-of-the -art approach, in practice this approach is not as straightforward as it may seem. Many assumptions are made and for effective approach an E&L database is deemed necessary. Moreover, the strategy is completely opposite compared to the strategy applied for potential mutagenic impurities which is highly relying on a theoretical assessment (Risk based approach). The presentation will focus on the analytical technique selection, challenges of coverage of E&L in the current strategy and finally a perspective on E&L analysis.