Reduction in the use of Dichloromethane in Tablet Coating Operations
1997-07-21
Therapeutic Products Directorate
Tunney's Pasture
Address Locator # 0702A
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
97-023722
July 21, 1997
Letter to Main Trade Associations
Dear Sir or Madame:
Subject: Reduction in the Use of Dichloromethane in Tablet Coating Operations
Subsequent to the passage of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) in 1993, Environment Canada, Health Canada, industry representatives and stakeholders have been working collaboratively in a Strategic Options Process to develop a program to reduce environmental releases of dichloromethane (DCM) in Canada. Recent statistics identify the continued use of DCM in tablet coating processes as a significant point source of DCM emissions.
The Therapeutic Products Directorate supports efforts to reduce workplace exposure and environmental releases of DCM. The principle focus in the pharmaceutical sector has been the conversion from DCM-based to aqueous coating processes. In order to assist pharmaceutical companies in this endeavour, a summary of the current Directorate information and filing requirements associated with a change in tablet coatings has been prepared and is appended to this letter.
If you have any questions related to the attachment, please do not hesitate to contact the Division of Pharmaceutical Quality, Bureau of Pharmaceutical Assessment, Therapeutic Products Directorate at (613) 941-3184
(Fax: (613) 941-0571). Questions pertaining to the Strategic Option Process should be directed to Mr. Stephen MacDonald, Toxic Substances Section, Environmental Health Directorate at 957-0382 (Fax: (613) 941-4546).
Original Signed By Barb Benning
(for)Dann M. Michols
Director General
Enclosure
Change in Tablet Coating: Information and Filing Requirements Pursuant to the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations
This guidance addresses data and filing requirements related to changes in the tablet coating formulation/procedure/equipment that result from a switch from an organic to an aqueous coating process. For guidance on additive requirements for changes to the formulation of the tablet core that are necessitated by a conversion to an aqueous coating, please consult the Drugs Directorate Policies entitled Bioequivalence of Proportional Formulations - Solid Oral Dosage Forms and Stability Requirements for Changes to Marketed New Drugs (available under Policies on the Therapeutic Products Website.
Table of Contents
1. New Drugs
1.1 Conventional Release Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
Covers immediate release products where the coating does not play a role in the release of the drug from the drug product.
1.1.1 Test Documentation
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scientific justification for waiver of bioequivalence testing. Comparative dissolution profiles must also be an integral part of any justification. Individual and mean dissolution profile values must be provided on at least one batch produced according to the current and the proposed formulations.
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master documents for a typical production size batch for the current and the proposed formulations. All differences should be highlighted.
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certificates of analysis for at least one batch produced according to the current and the proposed formulations.
- stability data:(1)
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pre-market: the amount of pre-market stability data necessary to support a change from an organic-based to an aqueous coating process will depend on a number of factors, including the moisture and light sensitivity of the drug substance and the drug product.Where a drug is known to be stable, no pre-market data stability data may be necessary. In the case of a less stable drug, however, some accelerated data (e.g. a minimum of 3 months at 40°C/75% RH on two batches of drug product) should be available prior to submission filing. Long term data developed at recommended storage conditions (e.g. 25°C/60% RH for recommended storage at 15°- 30°C) should also be provided, if available.
post-market: first two production batches should be tested in accordance with the approved stability protocol.
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- in accordance with GMP principles, validation/re-validation of the manufacturing process. Studies may be conducted on initial commercial batches.
Note: While pre-approval by the Directorate is required for a change in the coating material and/or coating procedure for a new drug, as described below, companies planning to convert to an aqueous-based coating for multiple products are encouraged to consult with the Directorate to discuss the possibility of developing a matrix testing plan that might lessen overall product testing while still providing adequate assurance of product equivalence for all products covered by the matrix design.
1 Adapted from the Drugs Directorate Policy entitled Stability Requirements for Changes to Marketed New Drugs.
1.1.2 Filing Level
Notifiable change, provided the above information establishes the equivalence of drug product characteristics.
Note: In accordance with the Drugs Directorate Policy entitled Sufficient Time (also available on the Therapeutic Products (TP) Website), companies are not required to file notifiable changes with the Directorate once sufficient experience has been acquired with a specific drug product. "Sufficient time", according to the policy, represents a minimum of seven years from the initial date of marketing in Canada (drug notification). However, if "significant changes" are contemplated after the seven year period that alter or may be expected to alter the safety and effectiveness of the drug product, e.g. changes that require supporting clinical or bioequivalence data, the filing of a supplement is required and the product returns to new drug status for an additional three years.
It is also important to note that, irrespective of whether or not pre-approval by the Therapeutic Products Directorate is required for a proposed change to a drug product, all manufacturer/distributors or importers are expected to have adequate supporting data, as described above, prior to the implementation of the change.
1.2 Modified-Release Dosage Forms
The requirements stated in section 1.1 above also apply to modified release products, with the exception of products where the coating affects drug release.
In the case of delayed-release or other modified-release preparations whose coatings affect drug release, the following conditions apply:
1.2.1 Test Documentation
As described in section 1.1.1, with the exception that bioequivalence studies must additionally be undertaken to demonstrate product equivalence.
1.2.2 Filing Level
Supplement required.
2. Drugs not in New Drug Status
Covers drugs that are subject to the filing requirements of the Drugs Directorate Guideline on the Preparation of Drug Identification Number Submissions (available on TP Website under Guides).
2.1 Test Documentation
As described above for New Drugs, subject to the exemptions on the conduct of bioequivalence studies, as discussed in Sections VII and VIII of the above mentioned Guideline.
2.2 Filing Level
Manufacturers are expected to have on hand adequate supporting data prior to the implementation of a proposed change, and to update the information previously provided to the Directorate, as specified in section C.01.014.4 of the Regulations to the Food and Drugs Act.
Distribution List
Mr. Charles Low
President
Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
5090 Explorer Drive Suite 510
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 4T9
Ms Brenda Drinkwalter
President
Canadian Drug Manufacturers Association
4120 Yonge Street Suite 606
North York, Ontario
M2P 2B8
Mr. Serge Lavoie
Executive Director
Canadian Health Food Association
550 Alden Road, Suite 205
Markham, Ontario
L3R 6A8
Mr. Mario Ménard
Director General
Canadian Homeopathic Pharmaceutical Association
43 Balsam Street
Baie d'Urfé, Quebec
H9X 3K6
Mr. Stephen Chambers
Chair
Antimicrobial Chemicals Division Canadian Manufacturers of Chemical Specialties Association
56 Sparks Street Suite 500
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5A9
Mr. Ross Creber
President
Direct Sellers Association
100 West Beaver Creek Road,
#3 Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 1H4
Ms Joyce Groote
President
Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada
130 Albert Street Suite 420
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Mr. Dennis Bryant
President
Medical Devices Canada 401
The West Mall, Suite 510
Etobicoke, Ontario
M9C 5J5
Mr. David Skinner
President
Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association of Canada
1111 Prince of Wales Drives Suite 406
Ottawa, Ontario
K2C 3T2
Mr. Henri Vienneau
Co-Chairman Nuclear Medicine Alliance
President-General Manager Mallinckrodt Medical Inc.
7500 route Trans-Canadienne
Pointe-Claire, Quebec
H9R 5H8
The Honourable Judy Erola P.C.
President
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada
302-1111 Prince of Wales Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K2C 3T2
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