Skip to main content

Main menu

  • Home
  • Content
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Accepted Articles
    • Email Alerts
    • RSS
    • Terms of Use
  • About PDA JPST
    • JPST Editors and Editorial Board
    • About/Vision/Mission
    • Paper of the Year
  • Author & Reviewer Resources
    • Author Resources / Submit
    • Reviewer Resources
  • JPST Access and Subscriptions
    • PDA Members
    • Institutional Subscriptions
    • Nonmember Access
  • Support
    • Join PDA
    • Contact
    • Feedback
    • Advertising
    • CiteTrack
  • .
    • Visit PDA
    • PDA Letter
    • Technical Reports
    • news uPDATe
    • Bookstore

User menu

  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • My alerts
  • Log in
  • My Cart

Search

  • Advanced search
PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
  • .
    • Visit PDA
    • PDA Letter
    • Technical Reports
    • news uPDATe
    • Bookstore
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • My alerts
  • Log in
  • My Cart
PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology

Advanced Search

  • Home
  • Content
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Accepted Articles
    • Email Alerts
    • RSS
    • Terms of Use
  • About PDA JPST
    • JPST Editors and Editorial Board
    • About/Vision/Mission
    • Paper of the Year
  • Author & Reviewer Resources
    • Author Resources / Submit
    • Reviewer Resources
  • JPST Access and Subscriptions
    • PDA Members
    • Institutional Subscriptions
    • Nonmember Access
  • Support
    • Join PDA
    • Contact
    • Feedback
    • Advertising
    • CiteTrack
  • Follow pda on Twitter
  • Visit PDA on LinkedIn
  • Visit pda on Facebook
Article CommentaryCommentary

Expanding the Use of Moist Heat for Terminal Sterilization

James Agalloco
PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology January 2025, 79 (1) 114-121; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5731/pdajpst.2023.012918
James Agalloco
Agalloco & Associates, PO Box 899, Belle Mead, NJ
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
  • Article
  • Figures & Data
  • References
  • Info & Metrics
  • PDF
Loading

References

  1. 1.↵
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Use of Aseptic Processing and Terminal Sterilization in the Preparation of Sterile Pharmaceuticals for Human and Veterinary Use. Fed. Regist. 1991, 56 (198), 51354–51358.
    OpenUrl
  2. 2.↵
    European Medicines Agency. Guideline on the Sterilisation of the Medicinal Product, Active Substance, Excipient and Primary Container; EMA/CHMP/CVMP/QWP/850374/2015; EMA: London, 2019.
  3. 3.↵
    World Health Organization. Good Manufacturing Practices for Pharmaceutical Products: Main Principles. WHO: Geneva, 2003.
  4. 4.↵
    Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare of Japan. Guidance on the Manufacture of Sterile Pharmaceutical Products Produced by Terminal Sterilization. MHLW: Tokyo, 2012.
  5. 5.↵
    U.S. Food and Drug Association. 21 CFR Part 212—Current Good Manufacturing Practices in the Manufacture, Processing, Packing or Holding of Large Volume Parenterals. Fed. Regist. 1976, 41 (106), 22202–22219.
    OpenUrl
  6. 6.↵
    U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. General Chapter <1117> Microbiological Best Laboratory Practices. In USP 35–NF 30, USP: Rockville, MD, 2012.
  7. 7.↵
    European Medicines Agency. Annex 1: Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products, EMA: London, 2022.
  8. 8.↵
    Council of Europe, Methods of Preparation of Sterile Products, Chapter 5.1.1. In European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), 6th Edition, Council of Europe: Strasbourg, France, 2008.
  9. 9.↵
    1. Agalloco J.
    Understanding Overkill Sterilization: Putting an End to the Confusion. Pharm. Technol. 2007, 30 (5, supplement), S18–S25.
    OpenUrl
  10. 10.↵
    1. Pflug I. J.,
    2. Odlaug T. C.
    Biological Indicators in the Pharmaceutical and the Medical Device Industry. J. Parenter. Sci. Technol. 1986, 40 (5), 242–248.
    OpenUrlPubMed
  11. 11.↵
    1. Gaughran E. R. L.,
    2. Kereluk K.
    1. Pflug I.,
    2. Smith G.
    The Use of Biological Indicators for Monitoring Wet Heat Sterilization Processes. In Sterilization of Medical Products; Gaughran E. R. L., Kereluk K., Eds.; Johnson & Johnson: New Brunswick, NJ, 1997; pp 193–230.
  12. 12.↵
    Parenteral Drug Association Inc. Technical Report No. 1 (Revised 2007). Validation of Moist Heat Sterilization Processes: Cycle Design, Development, Qualification and Ongoing Control, J. PDA J. Parenter. Sci. Technol. 2007, 61 (S-1).
  13. 13.↵
    U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. General Chapter <1229> Sterilization of Compendial Articles. In USP 40–NF 37, USP: Rockville, MD, 2013.
  14. 14.↵
    1. Agalloco J.
    Too Much by Half: Misapplication of the Half-Cycle Approach to Sterilization. Pharm. Manuf 2016, 15 (11), S2. Continued online at Pharmamanufacturing.com
    OpenUrl
  15. 15.↵
    1. Pflug I. J.
    Microbiology and Engineering of Sterilization Processes, 14th ed.; Environmental Sterilization Laboratory: Minneapolis, MN, 2010.
  16. 16.↵
    1. Avallone H.
    Current Regulatory Issues Regarding Parenteral Inspections. J. Parenter. Sci. Technol. 1989, 43 (1), 3–7.
    OpenUrlPubMed
  17. 17.↵
    1. Whyte W.,
    2. Bailey P.
    Reduction of Microbial Dispersion by Clothing. J. Parenter. Sci. Technol. 1985, 39 (1), 51–60.
    OpenUrlPubMed
  18. 18.↵
    1. Reinmuller B.
    Dispersion and Risk Assessment of Airborne Contaminants in Pharmaceutical Cleanrooms. Royal Institute of Technology, Building Services Engineering Bulletin 56, 2001.
  19. 19.↵
    1. Sandle T.
    A Review of Cleanroom Microflora: Types, Trends, and Patterns. PDA J. Pharm. Sci. Technol. 2011, 65 (4), 392–403.
    OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text
  20. 20.↵
    1. Cundell A.
    Microbial Testing in Support of Aseptic Processing. Pharm. Technol. 2004, 28 (6), 56–66.
    OpenUrl
  21. 21.↵
    Parenteral Drug Association Inc. Points to Consider for Aseptic Processing; Bethesda, MD, 2015.
  22. 22.↵
    1. Perkins J. J.
    Thermal Destruction of Microorganisms. In Principles and Methods of Sterilization in Health Sciences, 2nd ed.; Charles Thomas: Springfield, IL, 1983.
  23. 23.↵
    1. Agalloco J. P.
    Kill the Bioburden, Not the Biological Indicator. BioPharm Int. 2017, 30 (4), 50–52.
    OpenUrl
  24. 24.↵
    Kilmer Conference. Kilmer Glossary of Terms for Microbiological Quality and Sterility Assurance, 2021.
  25. 25.↵
    1. Jen Y.,
    2. Manson J. E.,
    3. Stumbo C. R.,
    4. Zahradnik J. W.
    A Procedure for Estimating Sterilization of and Quality Factor Degradation in Thermally Processed Foods. J. Food Sci. 1971, 36 (4), 693–698.
    OpenUrl
  26. 26.↵
    1. Smith J. M.
    Chemical Engineering Kinetics, Second Edition, McGraw Hill: New York, 1970.
  27. 27.↵
    1. Agalloco J.,
    2. De Santis P.,
    3. Grilli A.,
    4. Pavell A.
    1. DeSantis P.
    Steam Sterilization in Autoclaves. In Handbook of Validation of Pharmaceutical Processes, 4th Edition; Agalloco J., De Santis P., Grilli A., Pavell A., Eds.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 2021.
  28. 28.↵
    1. Agalloco J. P.,
    2. Akers J. E.,
    3. Madsen R. E.
    Moist Heat Sterilization—Myths and Realities. PDA J. Pharm. Sci. Technol. 1998, 52 (6), 346–350.
    OpenUrlFREE Full Text
  29. 29.↵
    1. Agalloco J.,
    2. Akers J.,
    3. Madsen R.
    Revisiting the Moist Heat Sterilization Myths. PDA J. Pharm. Sci. Technol. 2009, 63 (2), 89–102.
    OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text
  30. 30.↵
    1. Gedam K.,
    2. Prasad R.,
    3. Vijay V.
    The Study on UHT Processing of Milk: A Versatile Option for Rural Sector. World J.Dairy Food Sci. 2007, 2 (2), 49–53.
    OpenUrl
  31. 31.↵
    1. Bernuzzi M.
    Thermal Treatment of Hyaluronic Acid Prefilled Syringes: Challenges to Overcome. Presented at PDA Japan, 2017.
  32. 32.↵
    1. Agalloco J.
    Post-Aseptic Fill Lethal Treatment Task Force Looks at Safety and Operational Improvements in Injectable Drug Manufacturing. PDA Letter 2011, 47 (4), 14–16.
    OpenUrl
  33. 33.↵
    1. Agalloco J.
    Risk Based Thinking & Production of Sterile Products. Presented at PDA Italy, 2010.
  34. 34.↵
    1. Agalloco J.,
    2. Akers J.
    Achieving Balance in Sterile Product Manufacturing. Pharm. Technol. 2015, 39 (12), 36–41.
    OpenUrl
  35. 35.↵
    1. Izumi M.,
    2. Fujifuru M.,
    3. Okada A.,
    4. Takai K.,
    5. Takahashi K.,
    6. Udagawa T.,
    7. Miyake M.,
    8. Naruyama S.,
    9. Tokuda H.,
    10. Nishioka G.,
    11. Yoden H.,
    12. Aoki M.
    Evaluation of Bacillus oleronius as a Biological Indicator for Terminal Sterilization of Large-Volume Parenterals. PDA J. Pharm. Sci. Technol. 2016, 70 (1), 30–38.
    OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text
  36. 36.↵
    International Organization for Standardization, ISO 15883 Washer-Disinfectors—Part 1: General Requirements, Definitions and Tests. ISO: Geneva, 2006
  37. 37.↵
    1. McCormick P.,
    2. Schoene M. J.,
    3. Dehmler M. A.,
    4. McDonell G.
    Moist Heat Disinfection and Revisiting the A0 Concept. Biomed. Instrum. Technol. 2016, 50 (Suppl 3), 19–25.
    OpenUrlPubMed
  38. 38.↵
    1. Brock T. D.
    1. Stetter K. O.
    , Diversity of Extremely Thermophilic Archaebacteria. In Thermophiles: General, Molecular and Applied Microbiology; Brock T. D., Ed.; John Wiley & Sons, Inc: New York, 1986; pp 39–74
  39. 39.↵
    1. Brock T.
    Thermophilic Microorganisms and Life at High Temperatures; Springer-Verlag: New York, 1978.
  40. 40.↵
    1. Agalloco J.,
    2. Akers J.,
    3. Aydlett J.,
    4. Frieborn W.,
    5. Mestrandrea L.
    PDA Response. FDA Proposal to Amend cGMP’s Entitled: Use of Aseptic Processing and Terminal Sterilization in the Preparation of Sterile Pharmaceuticals for Human and Veterinary Use. J. Parenter. Sci. Technol. 1992, 46 (3), 65–68.
    OpenUrlPubMed
PreviousNext
Back to top

In This Issue

PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology: 79 (1)
PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
Vol. 79, Issue 1
January/February 2025
  • Table of Contents
  • Index by Author
  • Complete Issue (PDF)
Print
Download PDF
Article Alerts
Sign In to Email Alerts with your Email Address
Email Article

Thank you for your interest in spreading the word on PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology.

NOTE: We only request your email address so that the person you are recommending the page to knows that you wanted them to see it, and that it is not junk mail. We do not capture any email address.

Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas.
Expanding the Use of Moist Heat for Terminal Sterilization
(Your Name) has sent you a message from PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
(Your Name) thought you would like to see the PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology web site.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
3 + 0 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.
Citation Tools
Expanding the Use of Moist Heat for Terminal Sterilization
James Agalloco
PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Jan 2025, 79 (1) 114-121; DOI: 10.5731/pdajpst.2023.012918

Citation Manager Formats

  • BibTeX
  • Bookends
  • EasyBib
  • EndNote (tagged)
  • EndNote 8 (xml)
  • Medlars
  • Mendeley
  • Papers
  • RefWorks Tagged
  • Ref Manager
  • RIS
  • Zotero
Share
Expanding the Use of Moist Heat for Terminal Sterilization
James Agalloco
PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Jan 2025, 79 (1) 114-121; DOI: 10.5731/pdajpst.2023.012918
Twitter logo Facebook logo Mendeley logo
  • Tweet Widget
  • Facebook Like
  • Google Plus One

Jump to section

  • Article
    • Introduction
    • Misdirection
    • Further Misdirection
    • Still More Misdirection
    • Terminal Sterilization Facility Considerations
    • Some Thoughts on Bioburden
    • Consequences of Focusing on the Bioburden
    • Broader Implementation Opportunities for Terminal Sterilization Cycles
    • The Objective Reality
    • Conclusion
    • Conflict of Interest Declaration
    • Footnotes
    • References
  • Figures & Data
  • References
  • Info & Metrics
  • PDF

Related Articles

  • No related articles found.
  • PubMed
  • Google Scholar

Cited By...

  • No citing articles found.
  • Google Scholar

More in this TOC Section

  • Retrospective Evaluation of Cycled Resin in Viral Clearance Studies—A Multiple Company Collaboration—Post ICH Q5A(R2) Review
  • A Risk Based Approach for Pre-Use/Post-Sterilization Integrity Test Simulation During Bacterial Retention Testing as Part of the Process Specific Filter Validation of Sterilizing Grade Filters
  • Challenges and Solutions to Manufacturing of Low-Viscosity, Ultra-High Concentration IgG1 Drug Products: From Late Downstream Process to Final Fill Finish Processing
Show more Commentary

Similar Articles

Readers

  • About
  • Table of Content Alerts/Other Alerts
  • Subscriptions
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Editors

Author/Reviewer Information

  • Author Resources
  • Submit Manuscript
  • Reviewers
  • Contact Editors

Parenteral Drug Association, Inc.

  • About
  • Advertising/Sponsorships
  • Events
  • PDA Bookstore
  • Press Releases

© 2025 PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Print ISSN: 1079-7440  Digital ISSN: 1948-2124

Powered by HighWire