TY - JOUR T1 - Enabling Robust and Rapid Raw Material Identification and Release by Handheld Raman Spectroscopy JF - PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology JO - PDA J Pharm Sci Technol DO - 10.5731/pdajpst.2018.009563 SP - pdajpst.2018.009563 AU - Thomas Earl Matthews AU - Christine Coffman AU - Dave Kolwyck AU - Dan Hill AU - Jason E Dickens Y1 - 2019/01/01 UR - http://journal.pda.org/content/early/2019/02/05/pdajpst.2018.009563.abstract N2 - A fast, reproducible, non-destructive method is desired to confirm raw material identification in real-time upon receipt within a warehouse environment. Current practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing often employs compendia methods for raw material identification tests, which require sample preparation prior to time consuming chemical analysis and often employ subjective spectral comparisons. We have developed, qualified and validated a rapid objective identity method (“Rapid ID”) by Raman spectroscopy using the Bruker BRAVO handheld Raman spectrometer for forty-six (46) common raw materials used in upstream and downstream biopharmaceutical cell culture based processes. Materials in the Raman identification library include amino acids and other solid neat organic chemicals, liquid organics, polyatomic salts, polymers, emulsifiers, peptides, aqueous solutions and buffers. Selection of reference spectra and hit quality index limit(s) was based upon a comprehensive spectral survey across multiple suppliers and lots to account for normal cause spectral variation. Method repeatability and reproducibility, selectivity, and robustness against various operational and environmental factors (e.g., instrumental variance, material packaging, and thermal effects) were evaluated. Benefits of a handheld Raman Rapid ID approach include significant time reduction of raw material quality release from weeks to minutes, enhanced objectivity, and robust data integrity via autonomous electronic reporting. Additionally, routine collection of rich spectroscopic data on raw materials can be leveraged to support further continuous improvement initiatives, including routine monitoring of method performance, continuous improvement of the library, proactively detecting shifts in raw material properties and providing data for investigations focused on raw materials. Rapid ID methods are consistent with the move toward the principles of Pharma 4.0: high automated processes with continuous process verification and a holistic control strategy. ER -