Impurities in Animal-Derived Medicines (Relevant Issues)

Abstract

The global anthropogenic load on the biosphere results in a potentially unmanageable problem of ecosystem pollution with organic and inorganic impurities, which may carry significant risks for human health. Therefore, the development and production of medicinal products from raw materials of animal origin require a careful risk-based assessment of impurities that may be found in the finished product. The aim of the study was to categorise the impurities in animal-derived medicines, identify and characterise specific impurity groups, and suggest a control methodology. The article reviews the factors that allow grouping impurities in animal-derived medicines, namely, the origin (anthropogenic or natural), type (process- or raw material-related), nature (product-related or foreign), and presence (inherent or potential impurities). The authors note the necessity of considering the specific production conditions, the origin of raw materials, and the intended use of medicinal products to determine an optimal control strategy for each impurity group and to justify the level at which a specific impurity should be controlled (the raw material, active substance, or finished product). A product’s marketing authorisation application must contain comprehensive data on the choice of the control strategy for potential impurities, including a justification of the selected control level and the established limits, details of the chosen control procedures, and risk-assessment reports.