Navigating the AQbD Landscape: Enhancing Quality Management in Liquid Chromatography Method Development

Abstract

The implementation of ‘Analytical Quality by Design’ (AQbD) is currently recognised as a methodical and scientific approach to liquid chromatographic (LC) method development. It begins with defining the Analytical Target Profile (ATP), identifying Critical Method Parameters (CMPs) and Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) or responses. This process also includes risk assessment study by Design of Experiment (DoE) and to optimise LC effectively. The next step is to create an analytical design space and implement a control strategy that will allow for continuous method improvement over the life of the method. Understanding the AQbD principles, methodologies, techniques and applications towards the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method lifecycle is considered as essential in today's pharmaceutical landscape. As industry demands for quality assurance and regulatory compliance, this review paper briefly discusses the AQbD principles and methodology in HPLC method lifecycle. Also, the paper covers AQbD components such as identification of ATP, CQA, MODR (method operable design region), control strategies and continuous method monitoring. In addition, it also covers regulatory perspectives on AQbD, obstacles and potential outcomes in the development of pharmaceutical analytical methods. These aspects provide valuable insights into the application of AQbD in the field of LC.