RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Design-for-Six-Sigma for Development of a Bioprocess Quality-by-Design Framework JF PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology JO PDA J Pharm Sci Technol FD Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) SP 254 OP 286 DO 10.5731/pdajpst.2011.00739 VO 65 IS 3 A1 Junker, Beth A1 Kosinski, Mike A1 Geer, David A1 Mahajan, Rajiv A1 Chartrain, Michel A1 Meyer, Brian A1 Dephillips, Peter A1 Wang, Yang A1 Henrickson, Randy A1 Ezis, Katie A1 Waskiewicz, Mark YR 2011 UL http://journal.pda.org/content/65/3/254.abstract AB An initial quality-by-design (QbD) framework was assembled for biopharmaceutical product, process, and analytical development using the design-for-six-sigma (DFSS) methodology. This technique was both streamlined and efficient, which permitted development of a QbD framework with minimized team leader and member resources. DFSS also highly emphasized voice-of-the-customer, information considered crucial to development and implementation of a bioprocess QbD framework appropriate for current development needs of the organization and its regulatory environment. The bioprocess QbD final design and implementation plan was comprised of seven teams, constructed from six QbD elements plus a communication/training team. Each element's detailed design was evaluated against internal and external established best practices, the QbD charter, and design inputs. Gaps were identified and risks mitigated to assure robustness of the proposed framework. Aggregated resources and timing were estimated to obtain vital implementation sponsorship. Where possible, existing governance and information technology efforts were leveraged to minimize additional bioprocess resources required. Finally, metrics were selected to track success of pilots and eventual implementation. LAY ABSTRACT: An initial quality-by-design (QbD) framework was assembled to guide biopharmaceutical product, process, and analytical development. QbD starts by defining the patient requirements which then are translated into required quality attributes for the product. The production process then is designed to consistently meet these quality requirements by identifying and understanding those parameters which influence them. A control strategy is developed that specifically relates each point of control to a desired quality measure. Overall, this approach results in a robust process, capable of reliably producing quality product. The bioprocess QbD framework was developed to guide implementation of the desired QbD strategy. It was comprised of seven teams, constructed from six QbD elements plus a communication/training team. Each element's detailed design was evaluated against internal and external established best practices, the charter, and design inputs. Gaps were identified and risks mitigated to assure robustness of the proposed framework. Aggregated resources and timing were estimated to obtain vital implementation sponsorship. Where possible, existing governance and information technology efforts were leveraged to minimize additional bioprocess resources required. Finally, metrics were selected to track success of pilots and eventual implementation.