Best practices on critical reagent characterization, qualification, and life cycle management for HCP immunoassays

The performance of immunoassays for the detection and quantification of host-cell proteins (HCPs) in biopharmaceuticals depends on the quality of the critical assay reagents. Not only their preparation, but also a stringent life-cycle management, including reagent qualification, requalification, and replacement, plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent and reliable results. To provide a cross-industry perspective on HCP reagent management, we conducted a survey on common practices among several pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Based on its outcome, as well as informed by a corresponding roundtable session ("Managing critical reagents over time") at the BioPharmaceutical Emerging Best Practices Association HCP conference in 2019, this study presents specific recommendations and proven concepts to support immunoassay reagent management for monitoring HCPs.