Particle Technology Labs is pleased to announce we are now offering USP <788> Particulate Matter in Injections testing, USP <789> Particulate Matter in Ophthalmic Solutions testing, and USP <787> Subvisible Particulate Matter in Therapeutic Protein Injections testing. Parenteral drug infusions for intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous (IV) injection should be virtually free of subvisible particles that can be harmful when introduced to the bloodstream. To ensure these products meet or exceed standards, particles are detected and measured using light obscuration analysis or microscopic inspection after capturing the particles on a filter.
USP <787> Subvisible Particulate Matter in Therapeutic Protein Injections
Investigating protein aggregation phenomenon is required to evaluate shelf life, stability and efficacy. USP Chapter 787 outlines testing of more sensitive therapeutic protein formulations and allows a smaller sample volume testing framework to address proteinaceous particles in samples with small volume dosage forms. Protein injections are often only available in single milliliter dosages, so their testing requires modified USP 788 testing procedures.
USP <788> Particulate Matter in Injections
The USP <788> Particulate Matter in Injections general chapter is used to determine the count and size of undissolved particles in injection solutions ≥ 10 and ≥ 25 µm. This general chapter provides an overview for the use of two procedures; Method 1, Light Obscuration Particle Count Test, and Method II, Microscopic Particle Count Test. Chapter <788> of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is harmonized with Chapter 2.9.19 of the European Pharmacopoeia, and Japanese Pharmacopoeia. These standards apply to most small- and large-volume parenteral products.
Method 1
Light Obscuration Particle Count Test is used to examine injections and parenteral infusions for subvisible particles, other than gas bubbles, unintentionally present in the product. A vial or a pooled sample of vials from the product are sampled by the instrument in a clean environment. The instrument measures the number and size of particles in the injectable formulation and the results compared to USP requirements. PTL’s instrument is performance verified on a routine basis to ensure counting and sizing accuracy specifically for this important test.
In some cases, it may be necessary to further test some products by the Microscopic Particle Count Test to prove conformance to requirements. For example, products that produce air or gas bubbles when drawn into the sensor, are of high viscosity, or are optically opaque may require microscopic particle count testing. The Microscopic Particle Count Test is also used to reach a conclusion on conformance to the requirements if an unexpected result is obtained from the Light Obscuration test.
Method 2
Microscopic Particle Count Test is conducted by retaining particulate on a membrane filter for examination under a microscope. The filter is then scanned visually by a trained chemist using a microscope with proper illumination capabilities. The observed particles are compared against a USP defined reticle to determine if they are ≥ 10 and ≥ 25 µm. The microscopy count test is used for unique products which are not appropriate for Method 1 or as a secondary check for unexpected results from the Light Obscuration Test. Should a sample have reduced clarity or increased viscosity, such as in emulsions, colloids, or liposomal preparations for example, Method 2 should be utilized rather than Method 1.
USP <789> Particulate Matter in Ophthalmic Solutions
Ophthalmic solutions are used in the treatment of eye conditions and the determination of foreign particles in these products is of obvious importance to prevent irritation and possible damage to a patient’s vision in extreme cases. This general chapter is closely related to USP <788> in that the same analytical techniques are used, however a ≥ 50 µm size criterion is added to the product acceptance criteria.
For questions, or to find out more about this, or other particle size and characterization testing at PTL, please contact our sales team by calling (630) 403-0127, or email us.
