chapter 06 · AI lens

AI in bioequivalence.

AI is most credible as workflow support in BE: study planning, site feasibility, document review, bioanalytical data handling, modelling support, and evidence organisation. It does not remove sponsor accountability or replace source-traceable registration evidence.

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AI in bioequivalence.

Where AI is changing things now & 2026–2030

AI is most credible as workflow support in BE: study planning, site feasibility, document review, bioanalytical data handling, modelling support, and evidence organisation. It does not remove sponsor accountability or replace source-traceable registration evidence; regulatory risk depends on whether the output influences a filing-critical decision.

/ AI 01 · production

Cohort enrichment & site selection.

Replaces manual site screening; augments volunteer-pool matching to inclusion criteria. Standard 2024+ via Medidata, ICON, Syneos platforms. Not yet explicitly covered in BE guidance. Inspection risk low — data selection, not data generation.

/ AI 02 · emerging

PBPK model qualification for biowaiver.

Can support mechanistic reasoning for selected questions, especially when discussed through formal model-informed development routes. The boundary is product-specific: models should be qualified, assumptions documented, and not presented as a general replacement for in vivo evidence.

/ AI 03 · production

Bioanalytical peak detection.

Replaces manual chromatogram review; augments operator variability reduction. Standard in LC-MS/MS instruments (Sciex, Waters, Thermo). Already under ICH M10 v2 scope discussion.

/ AI 04 · production

Pop-PK parameter estimation.

Can support analysis for long-acting injectables or population studies where model assumptions are explicit. This remains a modelling/statistical evidence question rather than a free-standing AI claim.

/ AI 05 · pilot

RWE curation for contextual evidence.

Augments external control arm selection for synthetic BE studies. Pilot stage (FDA-led, EMA cautious). No formal BE-specific framework. Medium risk — data quality and representativeness contested.

/ AI 06 · research

AI formulation optimisation.

Can support excipient screening and release-mechanism exploration for modified-release development. Treat as development support unless the specific output is validated, controlled, and accepted within the relevant filing strategy.

/ SRC

Official source register.

Regulator / ICH anchors
ICH / FDA

ICH M13A bioequivalence guideline.

Official FDA-hosted page for ICH M13A on bioequivalence for immediate-release solid oral dosage forms. Use as the first harmonised anchor for conventional oral IR BE framing.

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ICH M9

BCS-based biowaiver guidance.

Official ICH M9 Step 4 guideline. Use for BCS classification, solubility/permeability thinking, and eligible biowaiver conditions.

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ICH M10

Bioanalytical method validation and study sample analysis.

Official ICH M10 Step 4 guideline. Use for the bioanalytical evidence layer that supports BA/BE concentration data.

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FDA PSG

Product-specific guidances for generic development.

FDA product-specific guidance collection. Use before protocol lock because product-level recommendations can change design, fed/fasted, analyte, and BE expectations.

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21 CFR 320

US bioavailability and bioequivalence regulation.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations anchor for US BA/BE definitions and requirements. Use for statutory/regulatory context, not as a complete study-design manual.

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EMA

Guideline on the investigation of bioequivalence.

EMA scientific guideline landing page for BE investigation. Use for EU framing, while checking product-specific or updated procedural context where relevant.

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WHO

Multisource generic products and interchangeability.

WHO IRIS record for multisource pharmaceutical product guidance. Use as a WHO anchor for generic interchangeability and BE expectations in broader access settings.

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