Assessment of the Inter-Batch Variability of Microstructure Parameters in Topical Semisolids and Impact on the Demonstration of Equivalence

Demonstration of similar microstructure is essential for demonstrating the equivalence of generic topical products since the microstructure of semisolids may affect the drug release. The objective of this study was to compare the microstructure-defining physical parameters of different batches of a reference ointment containing calcipotriol and betamethasone (Daivobet 50 µg/0.5 mg/g) in order to define the acceptance range that allows concluding equivalence between these batches. Being batches of the same reference product, they are expected to be clinically equivalent and possess similar microstructure. The 90% confidence intervals for the test/reference ratio of these physical parameters were calculated with parametric and non-parametric approaches. Both methods conclude that equivalent microstructure between batches cannot be demonstrated with a reasonable sample size when the acceptance range was set at ±10%, since several physical parameters exhibit inter-batch variability >10%. An acceptance range of ±10% is therefore too strict to conclude equivalence in the microstructure of semisolid dosage forms, given the inter-batch variability observed between batches of the reference product. A wider fixed acceptance range or an acceptance range widened based on the inter-batch variability of the reference product would be advisable.