SOP for Conducting Accelerated Stability Studies for Aerosol Products
Department | Aerosol |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/Aerosol/101/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/Aerosol/101/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of Y |
Issue Date | 06/02/2025 |
Effective Date | 16/02/2025 |
Review Date | 06/02/2028 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedure for conducting accelerated stability studies for aerosol products. The objective is to assess the potential long-term stability of aerosol products in a reduced time frame by subjecting them to elevated temperature and humidity conditions to simulate real-world storage conditions. The results of these studies will help determine the shelf life and establish the appropriate storage conditions for aerosol products.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all aerosol products manufactured at [Company Name] that require accelerated stability testing. The procedure covers the preparation, testing, and analysis of aerosol products under accelerated conditions, as well as the documentation of the results.
3. Responsibilities
- Production Team: Responsible for preparing aerosol products for stability testing and ensuring that the correct samples are selected for testing.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Team: Responsible for overseeing the stability testing process, verifying compliance with the established protocol, and ensuring proper documentation of results.
- Stability Testing Team: Responsible for conducting the accelerated stability tests, monitoring the environmental conditions, and recording data throughout the study.
- Regulatory Affairs Team: Ensures that the
4. Accountability
The Manufacturing Manager is accountable for ensuring that the accelerated stability studies are conducted as per this SOP. The overall compliance with this SOP is overseen by the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager.
5. Procedure
5.1. Preparation for Accelerated Stability Testing
- The QA team will prepare the accelerated stability study protocol, specifying the conditions to be applied (e.g., temperature, humidity, and duration). The conditions should be based on product characteristics and regulatory guidelines.
- The products to be tested should be selected in consultation with the production and formulation teams. A representative batch of aerosol products should be chosen for testing.
- Ensure that the stability chambers or environmental test chambers are calibrated to maintain the desired accelerated conditions. Calibration records should be reviewed and verified (see Annexure-1: Calibration Log).
- The aerosol cans should be labeled and recorded according to their batch number, production date, and any other necessary identifiers.
5.2. Conducting the Accelerated Stability Study
- The selected aerosol products should be placed in the stability chambers under the pre-determined accelerated conditions (typically 40°C and 75% relative humidity for 6 months). If alternative conditions are specified by regulatory bodies, those should be followed.
- Samples should be taken at regular intervals (e.g., 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) during the study for analysis.
- During the study, environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) should be continuously monitored and documented. Any deviations from the set conditions should be reported and corrected immediately.
- The stability chambers should be inspected regularly to ensure they are functioning properly and that the testing environment remains within the specified conditions.
5.3. Monitoring and Analyzing the Samples
- At each time point, the samples should be removed from the stability chambers and analyzed for key quality attributes such as:
- Appearance (e.g., color, clarity, and aerosol can integrity)
- Performance (e.g., spray rate, valve function, actuator performance)
- Chemical composition (e.g., propellant concentration, formulation stability)
- Physical properties (e.g., viscosity, pH if applicable)
- The analysis results should be recorded in the Accelerated Stability Study Log (Annexure-2). Any changes observed in the product characteristics should be noted, and further analysis may be needed to investigate the cause of any significant changes.
- If the products meet the required specifications at the end of the accelerated stability study, they will be considered stable for the period evaluated under the accelerated conditions.
5.4. Documentation and Record Keeping
- All data generated from the accelerated stability study, including environmental conditions, product performance, and laboratory analysis results, should be documented and stored securely.
- Records should include:
- Accelerated Stability Study Log (Annexure-2)
- Calibration Log (Annexure-1)
- Analysis and Test Results Log (Annexure-3)
- The results should be reviewed by the QA team to ensure accuracy and completeness. Any discrepancies should be investigated and resolved before finalizing the stability report.
- Documentation should be retained for a minimum of 3 years or as required by regulatory guidelines.
5.5. Reporting of Stability Study Results
- The final stability study report should be prepared, including all observed data, analysis results, and conclusions about the stability of the aerosol products under accelerated conditions.
- The report should include recommendations for the shelf life of the product, based on the findings of the accelerated stability study. If any products fail to meet the specifications, corrective actions or reformulations may be necessary.
- The stability report should be reviewed and approved by the QA team and relevant departments (e.g., Regulatory Affairs, Production). The finalized report should be stored in the company’s records for regulatory compliance and future reference.
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- ICH: International Council for Harmonisation
- CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
7. Documents
- Accelerated Stability Study Log (Annexure-2)
- Calibration Log (Annexure-1)
- Analysis and Test Results Log (Annexure-3)
8. References
This SOP is based on the following regulatory guidelines and industry standards:
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines
- FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Part 211
- International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Guidelines
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Calibration Log
Equipment ID | Calibration Date | Next Calibration Due | Operator Name | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
ST-001 | 01/02/2025 | 01/05/2025 | Rajesh Patel | Calibrated and ready for use |
Annexure-2: Accelerated Stability Study Log
Batch Number | Test Date | Temperature | Humidity | Operator Name | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batch-001 | 10/02/2025 | 40°C | 75% | Rajesh Patel | Stable under test conditions |
Annexure-3: Analysis and Test Results Log
Batch Number | Test Type | Result | Operator Name | Test Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Batch-001 | Fill Weight | 500g | Rajesh Patel | 10/02/2025 |
12. Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By | Page No. | Ref. Point No. | Details of Revision |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | V 1.0 | Initial Release | First Issue | Anjali Sharma | Page 1 | [Ref Point] | First Release |
01/01/2025 | V 2.0 | Updated stability study protocol | To comply with updated GMP regulations | Anjali Sharma | Page 1 | [Ref Point] | Updated procedures |