Analytical method validation reports form an integral part of product dossiers for the approval of pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical substances.

Nowadays all countries require that analytical method validation reports with complete chromatograms and raw data must be submitted along with the dossiers for evaluation and approval of the products.

Method validation is defined as the generation of documented evidence which establishes the suitability of the method for its intended use. As part of the method validation, a number of parameters are required to be established and must meet the global acceptance criteria laid down under the ICH guidelines and in the various pharmacopoeia.

Why Method Validation Is Important?

The primary objective of analytical method validation is to ensure the method is fit for purpose and continues to perform effectively , through the products shelf life; and can correctly evaluate the products compliance to various specifications that were produced during the product developmental phase.

With validation, there will be a sure-shot way of determining that the selected method yields results that are reproducible, reliable, and consistent. Hence it must also be ensured that the procedure to be used should be defined with absolute clarity.

There are a few objectives of the method validation study:
• Keeping in mind the acceptance criteria, extensive testing must be done to ensure and guarantee a certain level of consistency.
• Post defining the operating limits, variables must be assessed depending on the effect they have on the testing method.
• It is also essential to find ways to increase productivity and quality while identifying any issues faced during the testing phase.

Method Validation Protocols

Among the method validation protocols, we see the two types of methods that need to be validated ; pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial.

Pharmacopoeial Methods:
Pharmacopoeial methods undergo through evaluation and multi lab studies before being published and are expected to perform perfectly in any laboratory. However even when such methods are used, they must be initially tested thoroughly to see if it can adapt to being routinely used in the laboratory for the specific product being analysed.

A key aspect that needs to be evaluated is to establish the specificity of the method for the content present even in the presence of a placebo which changes from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Non-pharmacopoeial Methods
The simple rule with such methods is that they to be validated appropriately.

Validation in the pharmaceutical laboratory is critical to ensure that they are suitable for the analysis being carried out. In this aspect, there are a few general rules or criteria that can be followed for fruitful execution.

1. A clear demarcation and specifications must be laid out for products and materials.
2. Every test performed must be explained in the documentation on standard test methods.
3. The standard test methods to be used must be in accordance with the specifications set by regulatory bodies in the case of pharmacopoeial methods and non-pharmacopoeial methods.
4. The validation of the study must contain clear reference material, documented in a concise manner.
5. An important aspect of the method validation is that the results should be accurate, reliable and, crucially, reproducible.
6. Re-validations must be attempted only when there are procedural changes in the synthesis of the substance, when the final product has changed in composition, a change in the analysis method, or when there is a need for the equipment to be modified.
7. It must also be ensured that stringent checks are done on the qualifications of the analysts responsible for certain tests.

Why Choose Us for Method Validation?

All follow a systematic process for conducting validation studies so that the correct data can be submitted in a time bound manner.

All follow these steps –

• The exact analytical method to be followed is shared in the form of a standard testing procedure for approval.
• After the approval of the standard testing procedure a draft method validation protocol is developed.
• The draft method validation protocol is submitted to the client for approval.
• If there are any recommendations from the client these are incorporated into the method validation protocol.
• A final method validation protocol is issued.
• Method validation studies are initiated and carried out as per the protocol.
• After completion of the method validation or draft method validation report is prepared and submitted to the client along with the raw data.
• Once the client gives the go-ahead for preparation of final report the final report incorporating any suggestions a correction this prepared.
• The final report along with all raw data as well as soft copy of the chromatographic data is submitted to the client.
• If there are any queries from the regulatory bodies on the method validation is data submitted we help our clients answer these queries and also carry out additional experiment work if there is a need.

The table below provides a list of some of the common parameters along with their acceptance criteria which are evaluated as part of a method validation exercise.

S.No	Validation Parameter	Acceptance Criteria
1	System Suitability
	%RSD	NMT10.0
2	Limit of Detection(Signal to Noise Ratio)	NLT 3:1
3	Limit of Quantification(Signal to Noise ratio)	NLT 10:1
4	Specificity	There should not be any interference between the responses of blank, sample and standard.
5	Precision
5.1	System Precision	RSD NMT 10.0%
5.2	Method Precision	RSD NMT 10.0%
5.3	Intermediate Precision	Overall RSD NMT 10.0%
5.3	Intermediate Precision	Overall RSD NMT 10.0%
6	Linearity	Coefficient Correlation NLT 0.99
7	Range	Linear
	(Between 50 to 150 % of the specification limit)
8	Accuracy	50-150 %
	(Individual Recovery)
9	Robustness
9.1	Dilution Integrity	NMT 15.0%
	(%RSD)
9.2	Stabilty	NMT 10.0%
	(%RSD)