The objective of FDA’s PAT program is to facilitate adoption of PAT. In our 2004 guidance, we discuss FDA’s collaborative approach to promote industry uptake of new and beneficial technologies that modernize manufacturing operations and enhance process control. FDA recognizes that firms should be encouraged to promptly implement new systems that improve assurance of quality and process efficiency. Accordingly, our approach to PAT implementation is risk based and includes multiple options:
(1) PAT can be implemented under the facility’s own quality system. CGMP inspections by a PAT-certified investigator can precede or follow PAT implementation.
(2) As another quality system implementation option, FDA invites manufacturers to request a preoperational review of their PAT manufacturing facility and process (see ORA Field Management Directive No.135).
(3) A supplement (Changes Being Effected (CBE), CBE-30, or Prior Approval Supplement (PAS)) can be submitted to the Agency prior to implementation, and, if necessary, an inspection can be performed by a PAT-certified investigator before implementation. This option should be used, for example, when an end product testing specification established in the application will be changed.
(4) A comparability protocol can be submitted to the Agency outlining PAT research, validation and implementation strategies, and time lines. Following collaborative review of the general strategy outlined in the comparability protocol, the regulatory pathway can include implementation under the facility’s own quality system, a preoperational review, CGMP inspections (either before or after PAT implementation), a combination of these, or another flexible approach.
