Defining impurity profile is key element to ensure safe, efficacious and quality human drugs. Impurity profiling changed/transformed drastically over the years. Guidelines, specifications and requirements are evolving. Initially impurity profiling was based on simple methods later by degradation studies, then to understand drug strength and efficacy chiral impurities and stereo isomers were included followed by residual solvents, polymorphic forms, genotoxic impurity studies. Currently, elemental impurities are the latest addition. As per the GDUFA II guidelines to improve review efficiency and reduce review cycles, data requirements have changed. Based on recent guidance and review points, Impurity profiling has significant importance in ANDA filing and to ensure approval within 10 months (first cycle approval) which is an exiling aspect for industries to enter into the generic market quickly. Hence, Impurity profile is a key aspect scientifically, regulatory wise and commercially also. This is a review article on impurity profiling of Solid oral drug substances and products as per GDUFA II requirements the reference documents for the review are ICH guidance, relevant FDA GDUFA guidance and common industry practices.
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