The study findings however can be extended to product development across other industry verticals.
Some of the benefits of applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Hoshin Kanrii and Six Sigma to research and product development include-
- Application of Hoshin Kanrii and DFSS along with Quality-by-Design (QbD) to product development usually brings novelty in product features, process characteristics and/or product utility, thus favors patenting and generation of additional revenues.
- While, Lean Innovation creates products with effective and efficient production and packaging processes, with no scope for ‘rework’ thus, better Operations Management.
The study uses Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) as model drug, although other drugs can also be used in this therapeutic platform.
2x3 Factorial Design of Experimentation (DOE) was used to design drug beads. The results were evaluated for regression analysis, Main and interaction effects of parameters, Contrast Column Dispersion effects, Normal Probability Plots, Pareto and Process Capability Analysis.
The drug beads were further used as ‘starter’ seeds to develop MUPS (multi-unit particulate system) anti-angina ‘rate-programmed’ drug product.
The pharmacokinetic- pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling was done using Doebrinska- Welling equation. MUPS were developed using 3D Printing technology via a 12- Run Plackett Burman DOE.
All hardware, software applications involved in the study were pre-validated. All qualifications i.e. Design Qualification (DQ), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), Performance Qualification (PQ) for each experimental run was done as per USFDA guidelines. Data was analysed statistically using Paired ‘t’ test. Reliability Testing was conducted as per ICH current Good Clinical Practices (cGCP) guidelines.
Product prototype and Reference listed drug (RLD) were compared for bioequivalence compliance. The prototype is ready for commercialization.
This study also gives benefits of using 3D Printing technique for pharmaceuticals and how the technique can be applied to product development across other industry verticals!
For details on how to apply Lean Innovation, Hoshin Kanrii and DFSS to product design, development and manufacture, watch the video …
Recommended reading:
- Workshops & Online Courses for Pharmaceutical Research and Drug Product Development by Dr. Shruti Bhat
- Kaizen for Cost-Savings and Organizational Excellence
- Mistake-Proofing Pharmaceutical Products: What can we learn from Valsartan, Losartan and Irbesartan recalls?
- How to develop a culture of ‘Continuous Improvement’ in an organization?
- Innovation is not an initiative. It’s a business process !
Keywords and Tags:
#ContinuousImprovement #Innovation #Lean #HoshinKanri #DFSS #DesignForSixSigma