SOP Guide for Pharma

Analytical Method Development: SOP for Execution of Method Transfer Studies – V 2.0

Analytical Method Development: SOP for Execution of Method Transfer Studies – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Execution of Method Transfer Studies in Analytical Method Development


Department Analytical Method Development
SOP No. SOP/AMD/297/2025
Supersedes SOP/AMD/297/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 11
Issue Date 21/05/2025
Effective Date 23/05/2025
Review Date 21/05/2026

1. Purpose

To define a systematic approach for executing analytical method transfer (AMT) studies between a Sending Unit (SU) and Receiving Unit (RU), ensuring reproducibility and equivalence of validated analytical methods across

laboratories.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all method transfer studies conducted between internal QC labs or external contract testing laboratories for drug substances, drug products, and related materials.

3. Responsibilities

  • SU Scientist: Coordinates with RU, sends samples, reference standards, and method documents.
  • RU Analyst: Executes the AMT as per protocol and records all observations.
  • QA Representative: Reviews compliance and approves results as per protocol acceptance criteria.

4. Accountability

The Head of Analytical Method Development is accountable for ensuring method transfer studies are performed, evaluated, and reported according to regulatory guidelines and approved protocols.

5. Procedure

5.1 Pre-Execution Requirements

  1. Ensure approval of the Method Transfer Protocol (refer SOP/AMD/296/2025).
  2. Ensure both labs are qualified and analysts are trained in the method.
  3. Verify calibration status of instruments and availability of all reagents.

5.2 Sample and Standard Handling

  1. Receive sample and standard materials from SU along with CoAs.
  2. Store materials under recommended conditions until analysis.
  3. Log samples in the Sample Receipt Log (Annexure-1).

5.3 System Suitability and Method Execution

  1. Conduct system suitability tests prior to each run.
  2. Perform analysis in triplicate or as per protocol (e.g., 3 batches × 3 replicates).
  3. Record chromatograms, calibration curves, raw data, and observations.

5.4 Data Evaluation

  1. Compare RU results with SU historical or concurrent data.
  2. Assess results based on acceptance criteria outlined in the protocol:
    • Assay: % difference NMT ±2.0%
    • Impurities: NMT 20% difference per impurity
    • RSD: NMT 2.0% (system and method precision)
  3. Use statistical tools (e.g., Student’s t-test, f2 for dissolution) if needed.

5.5 Handling Deviations

  1. Document all deviations from the protocol.
  2. Investigate root cause and propose corrective actions.
  3. Record deviation summary in Annexure-2.

5.6 Completion and Reporting

  1. Summarize findings in the Method Transfer Report (Annexure-3).
  2. Attach all raw data, chromatograms, and summary tables.
  3. Route the report for QA and final approval.

6. Abbreviations

  • AMT: Analytical Method Transfer
  • SU: Sending Unit
  • RU: Receiving Unit
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • RSD: Relative Standard Deviation

7. Documents

  1. Sample Receipt Log – Annexure-1
  2. Deviation Log – Annexure-2
  3. Method Transfer Summary Report – Annexure-3

8. References

  • ICH Q2(R1): Validation of Analytical Procedures
  • WHO TRS 961, Annex 7
  • FDA Guidance on Analytical Procedure Transfers

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

Prepared By Checked By Approved By
Signature
Date
Name Rajat Sinha Meera Chavan Sunita Reddy
Designation Transfer Coordinator QA Reviewer Head – AMD
Department Analytical Method Development QA Analytical Method Development

11. Annexures

Annexure-1: Sample Receipt Log

Sample ID Material Batch No. Qty Received Date Storage
AMT297-01 API – Ibuprofen IBU00123 25 g 15/05/2025 Room Temp

Annexure-2: Deviation Log

Deviation ID Description Root Cause Corrective Action Status
DEV/297/001 Unexpected peak in blank Contamination Used fresh diluent Closed

Annexure-3: Method Transfer Summary Report

Method transfer completed for assay and impurity testing of Ibuprofen Tablets. Results met predefined criteria. RSD values ≤1.8%. No OOS or significant deviations observed.

Revision History:

Revision Date Revision No. Details Reason Approved By
21/05/2025 2.0 Expanded execution steps and statistical interpretation section Annual SOP Review Sunita Reddy
05/11/2022 1.0 Initial SOP Release New SOP QA Head
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