Pharmaceutical Technology Europe-11-01-2005

Recent advances in transdermal technologies challenge the paradigm that only a few drugs can be delivered transdermally.

Although there is no global regulation or industry standard on labelling requirements, some organizations are beginning to lay down their own standards.

The EU ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137) regarding the minimum requirements to protect the health and safety of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres came into European law in January 2000. In the UK, the ATEX 137 Directive has been implemented as part of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEARs), which were issued in December 2002.

The human race will have colonized Mars long before the pharmaceutical industry brings itself into the 21st century.

Process industries are faced with increasing demands for product safety, improved quality, efficiency and profitability. The chemical, pharma and cosmetic industries are no exception.

Virtual labels eliminate the need for troublesome transfer ribbons or inkjet fluids, which are inherent with traditional labelling technologies.

Performing studies to mathematically 'correlate' swab and rinse sampling values does not add any value. What's more, do not expect them to mathematically correlate.

A range of insect exterminator equipment has been developed to improve the level of hygiene offered to the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors. Berson's Insectron range uses ultraviolet (UV-A) and green light to attract flying insects, which are sensitive to these light sources.

Sigma-Aldrich Fine Chemicals (SAFC) has set up a new business division called SAFC Biosciences to encompass its biopharmaceutical development and cell culture-related manufacturing services.

Biomanufacturing managers believe the current lack of adequately trained personnel is one of the most serious problems facing the biomanufacturing industry.

Lester Crawford, FDA's top man, has resigned explaining that it was time to step down — despite only being promoted to commissioner earlier this year.