Artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of a computer to carry out tasks associated with human intelligence, including thinking, discovering, and learning from prior experience. AI can be integrated to simplify the complexity of pharmaceutical regulatory affairs. AI tools can be applied to automate regulatory processes such as administrative work, dossier filling, data extraction, auditing, the implementation of regulations, and quality management. AI creates process links and reduces complexity, resulting in a more efficient management system. Human-AI interaction opens up new opportunities in regulatory affairs. This article explores the potential role of AI in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.

Common chemistry, manufacturing, and control deficiencies in abbreviated new drug applications assessed by the US Food and drug administration: Hurdle to access cost-effective medicines.

To market a generic product in the United States, it must be registered in Common Technical Document (CTD) format with the US Food and Drug Administration. The Generic Drug User Fee Act went into force in 2012, to expedite the timely review of Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA) by communicating potential defects in the application to the applicant through deficiency letters at different time intervals during the review cycle. This often delays product approval since these deficiencies must be resolved before the product can be approved. In the present study, a study was performed to analyze the recurrent queries for ANDA applications in the CTD quality module from 2013 to 2020, and the probable corrective and preventive action to be taken was drafted. The most frequently occurring queries were observed in the sections titled "Description of manufacturing process and process controls", "Controls of critical steps and intermediates", "Specifications (Control of drug product)", and "Stability data".

An overview of regulations for bioequivalence assessment of locally acting orally inhaled drug products for the United States, Europe, Canada, and India.

INTRODUCTION: Bioequivalence is established by comparing the bioequivalence study results of generic drugs with the reference listed drug. Several global regulatory agencies have published the guidance for locally acting orally inhaled drug products (OIDPs) for bioequivalence approaches. AREAS COVERED: The prime intent of the present article is to compare the regulatory guidance for bioequivalence assessment of locally acting OIDPs published by global regulatory authorities. Regulatory recommendations on bioequivalence were based on assessment for different parameters such as inhaler device, formulation, reference product selection, in-vitro, and in-vivo studies. The United States Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada suggest an aggregated weight of evidence approach and the European Medicines Agency promotes a stepwise approach, whereas though the Indian authorities have not published guidance specifically on OIDPs but provided guidelines for bioavailability and bioequivalence studies. EXPERT OPINION: For OIDPs, currently, there is no universally adopted methodology, and regulatory guidance has not been globally harmonized. By understanding and comparing bioequivalence recommendations for different regions, we can create more sensitive, and economic evaluation methods for OIDPs. This could open more alternatives of safe, effective generic OIDPs to the public.

Development of lipoprotein-drug conjugates for targeted drug delivery.

Tumour targeting approaches used in cancer chemotherapy offers prolonged, localized, and protected drug interaction with the diseased tissue with minimal side effects and systemic toxicity, which are accountable for the failure of chemotherapy using conventional delivery systems. The purpose of the present study is to develop an anticancer targeted drug delivery system using synthesized lipoproteins with the integration of quality by design approach. Lipoprotein structures were designed, and quality by design approach was implemented to select variables for optimization. Further, the lipoproteins were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical properties. Physical composites of synthesized lipoproteins with the drug (tablets) were prepared and evaluated for post-compression parameters. Moreover, drug-lipoprotein chemical conjugates were synthesized and characterized for physicochemical properties, including cellular drug uptake and cytotoxicity study on HaCaT cancer cells. Synthesized lipoproteins showed good swelling capacity but poor flowability. Nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy of conjugates showed characteristic peaks. Tablets from all batches extended the drug release up to 12 h. All synthesized conjugates showed improved cellular drug uptake (up to 86.1%) and inhibition (87.39%) of HaCat cancer cells. These findings explored the possible use of synthesized lipoproteins in the development of anti-cancer drug formulation against HaCat cancer cells.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Global Pediatric Regulations: An Overview.

The purpose of the present review is to summarize the current pediatric regulatory requirements and also the regulatory efforts that need to be taken for the potential benefits of safety and efficacy to the pediatric patients. The importance of pediatric regulations came into existence as adult physiological conditions differ from that of children; therefore, the same dosage regimen cannot be recommended for both. Children deviate from adults with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, and hence the effect of the drug has to be reconfirmed for pediatrics. Drugs used in pediatric clinics are often considered as "therapeutic orphans" throughout the world as they are difficult to develop and are not provided with sufficient information. The number of clinical trials performed in children is not sufficient. At present, laws and regulations aimed at drug development in the pediatric field have not been focused significantly. There are different regulatory bodies that administrate the pediatric regulations for a particular region.

An Overview of the Drug Registration Requirements for Export to Tanzania, Nepal, and Cambodia.

In the semiregulated market, different countries have varying requirements of registration for export to such a specific country or region. The objective of the present study is to give a comparative overview of pharmaceutical registration requirements for export to Tanzania, Nepal, and Cambodia. In the African region especially, east Africa including Tanzania is an emerging market for pharmaceuticals. The Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority is the drug regulatory body in Tanzania and it follows the Common Technical Document (CTD) format for dossier submission. However, Nepal is still a developing country with respect to the pharmaceutical sector. The drug governing body in Nepal, Department of Drug Administration, has its own nation-specific guidelines for drug regulation, but the CTD format is also acceptable for dossier submission. In Cambodia, the Department of Drugs and Food is the drug regulatory authority that comes under the Ministry of Health of Cambodia. As Cambodia is included in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) body, it follows the ASEAN CTD (ACTD) format for dossier submission.

Regulatory Perspective of International Agencies for Development of Biosimilar Products (Monoclonal Antibodies): An Overview.

Biopharmaceutical medicines are complex molecules obtained from a living organism (plant or animal cells) and may contain components of a living organism using biotechnology. Biosimilars are closely similar to already approved biopharmaceutical products that could form a new generation of medicines that are available widely at an affordable cost. The expiry of patent and data protection of Remicade (infliximab) aggravated biosimilar acceptance in the open market. Analysis of data package submitted for infliximab biosimilar and assessment reports published by agencies shows the importance of European Medicines Agency (EMA) product-specific guidelines (monoclonal antibodies) that are being followed by different regulatory agencies worldwide. Considering utilization of case-by-case basis for biosimilar development, infliximab biosimilar product evaluation assessment report suggests similarity in nature and extent of data required in analytical, nonclinical, and clinical studies even on utilizing cell lines different from the reference product's. Specific additional clinical study (phase III) is required for a biosimilar to be authorized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). US Food and Drug Administration and EMA widely accept the concept of extrapolation to other indications approved for the reference product. However, the Ministry of Health, Labour andWelfare, Japan shows a conservative approach for extrapolation to other indications in the absence of direct or indirect safety and efficacy data.

QSPR Modeling of Biopharmaceutical Properties of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Cellulose Ethers) Tablets Based on Its Degree of Polymerization.

Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) approach has been widely used in predicting physicochemical properties of compounds. However, its application in the estimation of formulation properties based on the polymer used in it to achieve desired formulation characteristics is an extremely challenging process. In the present research, predictive QSPR models were developed by correlating the physicochemical properties of varying grades of cellulose ethers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, HPMC) with those of nateglinide (NTG) containing tablets (in vitro and in vivo properties). Sustained release tablets of NTG were prepared by using different grades and concentrations of HPMC and subsequently characterized for in vitro as well as in vivo parameters. Further, QSPR models for individual formulation property were developed by correlating the polymeric physicochemical properties with the formulation characteristics. Subsequently, a true external validation method was used to validate the predictability of developed models. The dissolution study indicated Korsmeyer-Peppas as the best fit model following non-Fickian as drug transport mechanism extending the drug release up to 12 h. In vivo studies showed limited absorption of the NTG. Developed QSPR models showed promising validated predictability for formulation characteristics. The applicability of present work in formulation development could significantly reduce the time and cost expenditure on design trials without actually formulating a delivery system.

Global Pediatric Regulations: An Overview.

The purpose of the present review is to summarize the current pediatric regulatory requirements and also the regulatory efforts that need to be taken for the potential benefits of safety and efficacy to the pediatric patients. The importance of pediatric regulations came into existence as adult physiological conditions differ from that of children; therefore, the same dosage regimen cannot be recommended for both. Children deviate from adults with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, and hence the effect of the drug has to be reconfirmed for pediatrics. Drugs used in pediatric clinics are often considered as "therapeutic orphans" throughout the world as they are difficult to develop and are not provided with sufficient information. The number of clinical trials performed in children is not sufficient. At present, laws and regulations aimed at drug development in the pediatric field have not been focused significantly. There are different regulatory bodies that administrate the pediatric regulations for a particular region.

Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship Approach in Formulation Development: an Overview.

Chemoinformatics is emerging as a new trend to set drug discovery which correlates the relationship between structure and biological functions. The main aim of chemoinformatics refers to analyzing the similarity among molecules, searching the molecules in the structural database, finding potential drug molecule and their property. One of the key fields in chemoinformatics is quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR), which is an alternative process to predict the various physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. This methodology expresses molecules via various numerical values or properties (descriptors), which encodes the structural characteristics of molecules and further used to calculate physicochemical properties of the molecule. The established QSPR model could be used to predict the properties of compounds that have been measured or even have been unknown, which ultimately accelerates the development process of a new molecule or the product. The formulation characteristics (drug release, transportability, bioavailability) can be predicted with the integration of QSPR approach. Therefore, QSPR modeling is an emerging trend to skip conventional drug as well as formulation development process. The current review highlights the overall process involved in the application of the QSPR approach in formulation development.

Development of High-Strength Extended-Release Multiparticulate System by Crystallo-co-agglomeration Technique with Integration of Central Composite Design.

The number of unit operations to be followed in the preparation of tablets was cumbersome and may introduce material as well as process-related critical parameters which may negatively affect the quality of final formulation. The hypothesis of the present research was to develop directly compressible, high-strength extended-release spherical agglomerates of talc containing indapamide by crystallo-co-agglomeration technique. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 15 cps and polyethylene glycol 6000 were used to impart the desired sphericity, strength, and deformability to agglomerates, respectively. Ethyl cellulose 10 cps was used to improve the strength of agglomerates and achieve extended release. Design of experiment (rotatable central composite design) was implemented for the elucidation of the effect of type and quantity of polymers on quality attributes of agglomerates. Prepared agglomerates were evaluated for morphological, micromeritic, mechanical, and drug release properties. A satisfactory yield (> 97%, wt/wt), better crushing strength, and low friability of agglomerates indicated good processing and handling characteristics. Compatibility and reduced crystallinity of indapamide in agglomerates were confirmed by spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction studies. Formation of the miniscular dosage form and hydrophobicity of talc were the key factors observed in controlling and extending the drug release (up to 6 h) from agglomerates. Hence, the developed crystallo-co-agglomeration technique could be successfully used for the preparation of directly compressible high-strength extended-release spherical agglomerates of indapamide.

Development of stability-indicating HPLC method and accelerated stability studies for osmotic and pulsatile tablet formulations of Clopidogrel Bisulfate.

The purpose of the present study is to develop a simple, rapid and sensitive stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for Clopidogrel Bisulfate (CBS) and further extending it for assessment of CBS stability in osmotic and pulsatile tablet formulations tested under accelerated conditions. A stability-indicating HPLC method for quantitative determination of CBS in gastro-retentive formulations is developed by using a C18 HPLC column, acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid (60:40 v/v) as mobile phase, with a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min, UV detection at 222 nm and subsequently validated. The key objective was to analyze the stability profile of formulations under accelerated conditions. The retention time (Rt) of CBS was observed as 5.9 min with the linearity range between 0.06-1.95 µg/mL. Forced degradation studies were performed on bulk samples of CBS using acidic, basic, oxidative, thermal (80 °C) and photolytic (under sunlight) conditions. The resulting method was validated as per ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. Moreover, an attempt has been made to identify the degradation products by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The proposed method was successfully applied to novel gastro-retentive tablet formulations (osmotic tablet and pulsatile tablet) for assessment of stability under accelerated conditions.

Computational Modeling of Polymeric Physicochemical Properties for Formulation Development of a Drug Containing Basic Functionality.

In the present research, predictive models were developed by correlating polymeric properties with characteristics of a formulation containing a drug with basic heterocycle (glipizide). Glipizide tablets containing different polymers from 3 categories (immediate, moderate, and extended release) were prepared and evaluated. Dissolution kinetics indicated Korsmeyer-Peppas as the best-fit model, whereas transportability was influenced by release rate and hydrophobicity of the drug. Calculated polymeric descriptors were correlated with formulation properties for the development of predictive quantitative structure-property relationship models. Regression coefficients and subsequent validation of developed models indicated potential predictability of the model for formulation properties containing any drug with basic heterocycle. Such models could also help to decide the formulation composition for desired characteristics with saving of time and formulation cost.

Quantitative structure property relationship modeling of excipient properties for prediction of formulation characteristics.

Quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) is used to relate the excipient descriptors with the formulation properties. A QSPR model is developed by regression analysis of selected descriptors contributing towards the targeted formulation properties. Developed QSPR model is validated by the true external method where it showed good accuracy and precision in predicting the formulation composition as experimental t90% (61.35min) is observed very close to predicted t90% (67.37min). Hence, QSPR approach saves resources by predicting drug release from an unformulated formulation; avoiding repetitive trials in the development of a new formulation and/or optimization of existing one.

Experimental and chemoinformatics evaluation of some physicochemical properties of excipients influencing release kinetics of the acidic drug ibuprofen.

In the present study, ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug was used in the formulation of tablets using three polymers representing different categories (immediate, moderate and extended release). Prepared tablets were evaluated for different post-compression parameters including dissolution and transportability studies. In vitro dissolution studies indicated Korsmeyer-Peppas as a best fit model, however, the transport of the drug was found to be influenced by its rate of release. A total of 118 molecular descriptors representing physicochemical and topological properties of polymeric structure was calculated and correlated with formulation characteristics for model generation. Further, predictive quantitative-structure property relationship models were developed for correlating polymeric descriptors with formulation properties containing acidic drug (ibuprofen). Developed models exhibited good predictability for formulation characteristics as indicated by squared correlation coefficients (>0.9). Such models could have an ability to predict the formulation properties as well as composition for desired characteristics with saving of time, material and cost.

Polymers influencing transportability profile of drug.

Drug release from various polymers is generally governed by the type of polymer/s incorporated in the formulation and mechanism of drug release from polymer/s. A single polymer may show one or more mechanisms of drug release out of which one mechanism is majorly followed for drug release. Some of the common mechanisms of drug release from polymers were, diffusion, swelling, matrix release, leaching of drug, etc. Mechanism or rate of drug release from a polymer or a combination of polymers can be predicted by using different computational methods or models. These models were capable of predicting drug release from its dosage form in advance without actual formulation and testing of drug release from dosage form. Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) is an important tool used in the prediction of various physicochemical properties of actives as well as inactives. Since last several decades QSPR has been applied in new drug development for reducing the total number of drugs to be synthesized, as it involves a selection of the most desirable compound of interest. This technique was also applied in predicting in vivo performance of drug/s for various parameters. QSPR serves as a predictive tool to correlate structural descriptors of molecules with biological as well as physicochemical properties. Several researchers have contributed at different extents in this area to modify various properties of pharmaceuticals. The present review is focused on a study of different polymers that influence the transportability profiles of drugs along with the application of QSPR either to study different properties of polymers that regulate drug release or in predicting drug transportability from different polymer systems used in formulations.