229 -Outsourcing Analytical Testing: What Sponsors Get Wrong in Combination Products

In this episode of Let’s Combinate, Subhi Saadeh speaks with Jen Riter about analytical method validation for drug device combination products. The discussion explores how traditional drug analytical validation under ICH Q2 differs from validating functional and mechanical performance methods used for combination products. These methods often require an engineering mindset that incorporates measurement system analysis (MSA), gage R&R studies, and the use of fabricated surrogate standards when devices cannot be reused for testing.

They also discuss platform test methods and how standards such as ISO 11040 and other ISO references can serve as starting points for method development. The conversation touches on the evolving alignment between ISO based device methods and pharmacopeial expectations such as USP <382>. The episode also covers make vs buy testing decisions, when to outsource specialized testing such as CCIT and extractables and leachables, and how sponsors manage oversight of contract testing laboratories.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction

00:53 ICH Q2 vs MSA Mindset Shift

04:37 Surrogate Standards for Mechanical Testing

11:12 Platform Methods and ISO 11040

15:14 ISO vs USP Verification Debate

20:06 Outsourcing Analytical Testing Strategy

24:07 Choosing the Right Test Lab

26:20 Sponsor Oversight of Contract Labs

30:09 Wrap Up

About Jen Riter

Jen Riter is an analytical testing and laboratory leader with nearly three decades of experience working in pharmaceutical packaging, drug delivery systems, and combination products. She has held leadership roles at West Pharmaceutical Services and Kindeva Drug Delivery, where her work has focused on analytical method development, validation, and testing strategies for drug delivery systems and injectable combination products. She is also a contributor to the Combination Products Handbook, where she authored a chapter on analytical testing and method validation for combination products.

About Subhi Saadeh

Subhi Saadeh is the Founder and Principal of Let’s Combinate BioWorks, where he helps companies close the gaps between drug and device development, quality systems, and regulatory expectations. He is a Certified Quality Auditor and ISO 13485 Lead Auditor with leadership experience at Baxter, Pfizer, and Gilead Sciences including responsibility for management and oversight of assemble label pack sites and working with device primary, secondary and tertiary packaging suppliers. Subhi previously chaired the Combination Product Working Group for Rx-360, served as International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition, and served on AAMI’s Combination Products Committee. He also hosts the Let’s Combinate podcast and is a writer and speaker on quality at the intersection of drugs and devices.