Advantages of Excipient GMP Certification

Making a case for good manufacturing practice (GMP) certification of an excipient manufacturer should be a straightforward exercise since the benefits appear so clear cut and regulatory guidance in the EU underscores the value of certification. Specifically, Chapter 3 of the EMA Guidance on formalised risk assessments to determine the appropriate GMP for a pharmaceutical excipient states that “certification of quality systems and/or GMP by the excipient manufacturer and the standards against which these have been granted should be considered as such certification may fulfil the requirements”. Furthermore, FDA participation in the development of a consensus standard, NSF/ IPEC/ANSI 363 GMP for Pharmaceutical Excipients, reinforces agency interest in ensuring pharmaceutical excipients are manufactured to an appropriate GMP standard. This article summarises the benefits of an excipient GMP certification program (ECP) both from the point of view of the excipient manufacturer and the excipient customer.