4.1 This guide is intended to provide guidance regarding the use of risk management in the development, day-to-day running, and continuous improvement of pharmaceutical processes incorporating Process Analytical Technology (PAT). Since PAT is defined as being “risk-based” (see FDA Guidance for Industry), it is important that a consistent approach to the use of risk methodologies is adopted, to ensure rapid transfer of process understanding within the development and manufacturing teams, and to the regulators where that is appropriate.

4.2 This guidance only covers those aspects of risk assessment related to “risk to product quality.” Other aspects (such as “risk to patient”) should be covered in the conventional manner.

1.1 This document provides guidance on the assessment of risks to product quality within and related to PAT processes in the pharmaceutical industry. It addresses those risks to product quality arising from, associated with, identified by, or modified by the implementation of PAT in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing for primary, secondary, and biotech sectors of the industry. It does not replace those assessments of risk currently undertaken by pharmaceutical companies, but is, rather, an additional component focused specifically upon the evaluation and design of PAT processes. See Practice E2474, Guide E2500, and ICH Q8.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Note that safety in this context refers to operational and operator safety, not to patient safety.