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Q5D – Derivation and Characterisation of Cell Substrates Used for Production of Biotechnological/Biological Products

Guideline number: Q5D
Status: Implementation (Step 5)
Adopted (Step 4): 16 July 1997

The ICH Harmonised Guideline was finalised under Step 4 in July 1997. This document provides broad guidance on appropriate standards for the derivation of human and animal cell lines and microbial cells used to prepare biotechnological/biological products, and for the preparation and characterisation of cell banks to be used for production.

The ICH Harmonised Guideline was finalised under Step 4 in July 1997. This document covers the preclinical safety testing requirements for biotechnological products. It addresses the use of animal models of disease, determination of when genotoxicity assays and carcinogenicity studies should be performed, and the impact of antibody formation on duration of toxicology studies.

An addendum was proposed to provide clarification on S6 and an update of the following topics discussed in the original ICH S6 Guideline: species selection, study design, immunogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity and assessment of carcinogenic potential. The Harmonised addendum provides further complementary guidance to the S6 Guideline and helps to define the current recommendations and reduce the likelihood that substantial differences will exist among regions.

The addendum reached Step 4 of the harmonisation process in June 2011 and was integrated as part II in the core Guideline that was then renamed S6(R1).

Guideline

Annexes

Annexes

Guideline implementation

ANMAT, Argentina

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In the process of implementation;
ANVISA, Brazil

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Implemented; Date: 4 January 2021; Reference: RDC 413/2020
COFEPRIS, Mexico

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In the process of implementation; Date: 25 February 2022; Reference: Pharmacopeia of the United Mexican States 13.0.
EC, Europe

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Implemented; Date: 1 March 1998; Reference: CPMP/ICH/294/95
EDA, Egypt

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Implemented; Date: 31 December 2013; Reference: Regulatory guide for mechanisms, procedures and rules of implementing the decree of Egyptian Drug Authority No.343 of 2021
FDA, United States

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Implemented; Date: 1 September 1998; Reference: Vol. 63, No. 182, p. 50244-9
HSA, Singapore

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Implemented; Date: 1 January 2008; Reference: These guidelines are cross-referred in M4Q and applied in the routine evaluation. See regulatory guidance.
Health Canada, Canada

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Implemented; Date: 5 January 2001; Reference: Catalogue No. H42-2/67-21-2000E
JFDA, Jordan

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Implemented; Date: 2 January 2016;
MFDS, Republic of Korea

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Implemented; Date: 1 December 2010; Reference: Guidance on the Characterization of Cell Substrates Used to Produce Biologicals [Guideline-0264-01]
MHLW/PMDA, Japan

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Implemented; Date: 1 July 2000; Reference: PMSB/ELD Notification No. 873
MHRA, UK

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Implemented; Date: 3 December 1995;
NAFDAC, Nigeria

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Not yet implemented;
NMPA, China

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Implemented; Date: 7 November 2021; Reference: NMPA, China Announcement No. 61 (2021)
SAHPRA, South Africa

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In the process of implementation;
SFDA, Saudi Arabia

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Implemented; Date: 22 September 2011;
Swissmedic, Switzerland

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Implemented; Date: 16 July 1997; Reference: ICH Guidelines apply in Switzerland automatically upon reaching Step 4: Swissmedic Journal 05/2006, p. 504
TFDA, Chinese Taipei

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Implemented; Date: 22 December 2014; Reference: 1. Public Announcement for ” List for ICH Guidelines Adopted.” 2. Guidance for 'Derivation and Characterisation of Cell Substrates Used for Production of Biotechnological/Biological Products.'
TITCK, Türkiye

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Implemented; Date: 11 December 2021; Reference: Q5D is referred to in Guideline on Requirements for Quality of Biological İnvestigational Medicinal Products in Clinical Trials; and Guideline on Common Technical Document (CTD)

Q+A

Q+A Status: Implementation (Step 5)