Comparison Table: ICH Q1A(R2) and FDA Guidance Q1A(R2) for Stability Testing
| ICH Q1A(R2) | FDA Guidance Q1A(R2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Establish guidelines for stability testing of drug substances and products. | Provide recommendations for conducting stability studies to ensure drug safety, efficacy, and quality. |
| Stability Testing Conditions | Specifies long-term, accelerated, and intermediate testing conditions. | Outlines testing conditions to simulate real-world storage situations, including temperature, humidity, and light. |
| Study Duration | Provides minimum duration recommendations under different conditions. | Recommends study durations that reflect the intended shelf-life and storage patterns of the product. |
| Batch Selection | Recommends testing at least three primary batches that simulate commercial production. | Emphasizes selecting batches that represent the product’s range, manufactured using processes similar to commercial production. |
| Sampling and Testing |
Stresses representative sampling and stability-indicating methods. | Advocates for representative sampling and provides insights into appropriate analytical techniques. |
| Data Interpretation | Guidance on data interpretation, trend analysis, and shelf-life determination. | Provides recommendations on analyzing data trends, establishing acceptance criteria, and extrapolating shelf-life based on stability data. |
| Labeling Implications | Provides recommendations for  |
Addresses using stability data to guide appropriate storage instructions on product labels. |
| Global Applicability | Recognized internationally and contributes to harmonized standards. | Primarily focused on the FDA but widely recognized and used internationally. |
| Benefits | Ensures reliable stability data for regulatory submissions and commercial distribution. | Facilitates consistent stability testing, supporting safe and effective drug products. |