Standard Operating Procedure for Verification of Study Drug Dispensing by Pharmacist in BA/BE Studies
Department | BA-BE Studies |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/BA-BE/137/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/BA-BE/137/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 9 |
Issue Date | 17/04/2025 |
Effective Date | 20/04/2025 |
Review Date | 17/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define the procedure for verification and documentation of study drug dispensing by the pharmacist to ensure the correct investigational product (IP) or reference product is administered to each subject, in compliance with protocol and regulatory requirements.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, clinical investigators, and clinical staff involved in the dispensing
and verification of study drugs for bioavailability/bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies conducted at clinical research facilities.
3. Responsibilities
- Pharmacist: Dispenses the correct study drug as per randomization code and verifies dosing unit, expiry, and labeling.
- Study Coordinator: Cross-verifies and documents the dispensing records and maintains accountability logs.
- QA Officer: Reviews dispensing and verification records for audit readiness.
4. Accountability
The Clinical Trial Pharmacist is accountable for ensuring that study drug dispensing is accurate, documented, and traceable, with no deviation from the study protocol or blinding integrity.
5. Procedure
5.1 Preparation for Dispensing
- Verify receipt and storage of IPs and reference products as per SOP/BA-BE/132/2025.
- Ensure that temperature logs and expiry dates are reviewed before dispensing.
- Check that the clinical site has received the randomization schedule and drug code sheet from the sponsor or data manager.
5.2 Dispensing Process
- Identify subject ID and randomization code prior to dispensing.
- Match the assigned product with the appropriate randomization code and study period.
- Confirm:
- Product identity (Test or Reference)
- Correct strength and dosage form
- Labeling as per regulatory guidelines
- Dispense in pre-labeled units under clean conditions and document using Annexure-1: Drug Dispensing Log.
5.3 Double Verification and Documentation
- Second individual (clinical coordinator or trained study nurse) must perform independent verification.
- Both individuals must sign Annexure-2: Dispensing Verification Form indicating correctness of product, quantity, and subject assignment.
- Enter details into IMP Accountability Log (linked to SOP/BA-BE/81/2025).
5.4 Blinding Considerations
- For blinded studies:
- Ensure products are visually indistinguishable.
- Maintain blinding records separately and restrict access to unblinded staff.
- Use Annexure-3: Blinding Verification Checklist to document safeguards.
5.5 Post-Dispensing Reconciliation
- Reconcile dispensed, returned, and remaining doses after each study period.
- Document in Annexure-4: Post-Dispensing Reconciliation Sheet.
- Report any discrepancies to QA and document a deviation report if necessary.
5.6 Storage and Record Retention
- All logs and forms must be filed in the Trial Master File (TMF) and retained for at least 5 years.
- Ensure secure storage of documentation and restricted access.
6. Abbreviations
- IP: Investigational Product
- IMP: Investigational Medicinal Product
- QA: Quality Assurance
- TMF: Trial Master File
7. Documents
- Drug Dispensing Log – Annexure-1
- Dispensing Verification Form – Annexure-2
- Blinding Verification Checklist – Annexure-3
- Post-Dispensing Reconciliation Sheet – Annexure-4
8. References
- ICH E6(R2) – Good Clinical Practice
- Schedule Y – Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, India
- 21 CFR Part 312 – Investigational New Drug Application
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Drug Dispensing Log
Date | Subject ID | Period | Product | Batch No. | Dispensed By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
17/04/2025 | SUB102 | P1 | Test | B23T01 | Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-2: Dispensing Verification Form
Subject ID | Verified Product | Verified By | Date | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
SUB102 | Test | Sunita Reddy | 17/04/2025 | OK |
Annexure-3: Blinding Verification Checklist
Check | Criteria | Result | Initials |
---|---|---|---|
Visual similarity | Test vs Ref indistinguishable | Pass | SR |
Annexure-4: Post-Dispensing Reconciliation Sheet
Batch | Dispensed | Returned | Remaining | Reconciled By |
---|---|---|---|---|
B23T01 | 24 | 2 | 0 | QA Officer |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial version | Regulatory compliance | QA Head |
17/04/2025 | 2.0 | Added blinding checklist and reconciliation forms | Audit feedback | QA Head |