Extractables & Leachables

GMP-certified extractables and leachables analysis in accordance with relevant pharmacopoeia and in combination with other CMC assays.

Kymos Group provides GMP-certified extractables and leachables (E&L) testing services in accordance with relevant pharmacopoeia and regulatory expectations, and fully integrated within broader CMC analytical activities.

Our E&L studies support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the characterization of extractables and leachables originating from packaging systems, container closure systems, and manufacturing components that come into contact with the drug product during storage and/or use, ensuring product quality and patient safety.

Taking advantage of our state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and strong regulatory expertise, Kymos applies a case-by-case, risk-based approach to define appropriate study designs, extraction conditions, analytical techniques, and safety thresholds for each specific manufacturing setup.

GC-MS Agilent 7890 laboratory

How we Design Extractables & Leachable Studies

Our extractables and leachables studies are designed following a scientifically justified and regulatory-driven approach, aligned with current guidelines and pharmacopoeial requirements, including ICH Q3E.

  • Risk-based assessment of materials and components in contact with the drug product
  • Definition of appropriate extraction conditions (solvents, temperature, duration)
  • Selection of analytical scope based on expected compound classes
  • Definition of safety thresholds and reporting limits
  • Adaptation of study design to early or late stage development needs

This approach ensures that our studies generate relevant, interpretable, and regulatory-acceptable data, supporting both development decisions and regulatory submissions.

extractables and leachables
Extractables and Leachables GC-MS Agilent 7890

Analytical Techniques for Extractables & Leachables

We have developed the following methodology to analyze extraction solutions by LC/MS, GC/MS, LC/UV:

  • Semi-quantitative screening for both volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds:

    • Use of GC/MS instrumentation with direct injection sample introduction and electron impact ionization
    • Use of GC/MS instrumentation with headspace sample introduction and electron impact ionization
    • For extractables compounds detected by GC/MS analysis, we utilize NIST2011 database to assist in identification
  • Semi-quantitative screening for non-volatile organic compounds:

    • Analysis using LC/HRMS Orbitrap detector, HPLC/UPLC MS (electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) and LC/UV-vis
    • Specific compound workflow identification by means of LC-HRMS analysis and Compound Discoverer software

Extractables & Leachables in Single-Use Systems

We design and execute extractables and leachables studies for single-use systems, aligned with current regulatory expectations and relevant pharmacopoeial guidance, including USP <665> and <1665>.

  • Risk-based assessment of single-use system components
  • Study designs adapted to single-use materials
  • Analytical characterization of potential extractables and leachables
  • Support for qualification and risk assessment of single-use systems

This approach supports the use of single-use systems across development and manufacturing activities, particularly in biologics and advanced therapy products.

Team Discussion

Why partner with Kymos for your E&L Studies?

  • Regulatory Excellence:

    • GMP-certified laboratories with a regulatory-driven and risk-based mindset, aligned with relevant Pharmacopoeia.
  • State-of-the-art equipment and techniques:

    • State-of-the-art LC/MS, GC/MS and LC/UV instrumentation providing robust analytical solutions.
  • Extensive Expertise:

    • E&L strategies adapted to the specific product, materials, and development stage, including complex products such as biologics and single-use systems.
  • Integrated CMC capabilities:

    • Our experience enable us to support across development, characterization and quality control activities to support broader CMC studies.

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