The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) in association with US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is hosting the 13th Science & Standards symposium on February 26 & 27, 2014 in Hyderabad.

The meeting aims to generate science based dialogue on regionally relevant topics. The main objective of this symposium is to focus on transformation and harmonization efforts in global pharmacopoeial standards. The theme of the symposium is 'Global Standards for Biological and Chemical Medicines'.

Particularly the forum is expected to highlight on international standards for biological and chemical medicines. Moreover, the symposium is intended to promote a science based dialogue among key stakeholders, with an emphasis on topics that affect pharmaceutical regulators and manufacturers in the region.

The general session of the symposium is expected to discuss on major topics such as, assessing drug product performance, international collaborative efforts and the extent of the problem with impurities and adulteration.

The Biological Medicines sessions is expected to focus on reference standards for biosimilars and new horizons in the testing of human vaccines. Sessions in the Chemical Medicines track include updates on organic and inorganic impurities, along with recent advances in and the USP perspective on extractables and leachables.

“As the pharma and biotech industry is highly regulated and strictly monitored segment, it is very much important to uphold the highest standards to sustain growth and survive competition. Particularly for professionals working in the pharmaceutical quality control, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, compendia affairs and production, this symposium is very much useful,” said a spokesperson from USP.

Laboratory managers, analysts and technicians, research associates and project leaders along with professionals working in the biosimilars, vaccines and biotherapeutic industries can greatly benefit from this symposium.