The Preeminence of Multivariate Data Analysis as a Statistical Data Analysis Technique in Pharmaceutical R&D and Manufacturing

Abstract The Pharmaceutical Industry has large amounts of data available to it. Much of this data is available from analytical instruments which have the capability and precision to dig deeper into processes, and provide unprecedented understanding of these processes. The process of turning this information into knowledge could conceivably be carried out by a number of routes, including statistical data analysis. Although a number of statistical data analysis techniques could carry out this transformation, one technique; multivariate data analysis (MVA) has become the primary technique in this arena. Transparency, reproducibility and an ability to conform to regulatory directives have all contributed to this current situation, and this chapter explains how.