White paper
Contamination Control Strategy White Paper: Establishing an Effective CCS Framework
This white paper focuses on the importance, structure, and application of a Contamination Control Strategy (CCS), as guided by EudraLex, Vol. 4 Annex 1. A CCS is a document that integrates, evaluates, and records the adequacy of measures that ensure product purity and quality by managing contaminants. These contaminants may include microorganisms, endotoxin/pyrogen, and particulate matter, such as glass and other sub-visible particles.
The 2022 version of Annex 1 stipulates a CCS should be applied across manufacturing sectors, not just those producing sterile products. It emphasizes that CCS should be considered a living document, requiring regular reviews and updates for continuous improvement.
The CCS covers a wide range of factors, including design of the plant and processes, premises and equipment, personnel, utilities, raw material controls, product containers and closures, vendor approval, process risk management, validation processes, preventative maintenance, cleaning and disinfection, monitoring systems, and prevention mechanisms, among others.
Developing a CCS involves three primary criteria for success: prevention, remediation, and monitoring/continuous improvement (CI). Prevention refers to all possible sources of risk and variability in the manufacturing process. Remediation involves reacting to contamination events due to non-existent or non-robust preventive steps, which includes carrying out corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs). Monitoring involves continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of controls.
Genesis AEC’s approach to developing a CCS employs risk tools in a HACCP-style process. The process includes identifying and controlling risks, monitoring critical points, and assessing existing plans for these points. If any gaps are identified, they are addressed in the process. The final product of the process is a detailed report documenting the entire CCS process, philosophy, results, actions, and a long-term management plan.
Glossary:
- Contamination Control Strategy (CCS): A comprehensive plan developed to prevent, detect, and remediate contamination in the manufacturing process to ensure product purity and quality.
- EudraLex, Vol. 4 Annex 1: A set of guidelines provided by the European Union for the manufacture of sterile products.
- Microorganisms: Tiny organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can contaminate products during manufacturing.
- Endotoxin/Pyrogen: Toxic substances derived from bacteria that can cause fever when introduced into the body.
- Particulate Matter: Tiny solid or liquid particles that can contaminate products during manufacturing.
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points): A systematic approach to the identification, evaluation, and control of food safety hazards.
- CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions): Actions taken to correct the root cause of existing product or process nonconformities and to prevent their recurrence.
- Quality Risk Management (QRM): A systematic process for the assessment, control, communication, and review of risks to the quality of the drug product across the product lifecycle.
- Fishbone Diagrams: A visual tool used in industries to analyze the causes contributing to a particular problem or effect.