Lipopolysaccharides / endotoxins are a subtype of pyrogens originating from the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria that are both extremely thermostable and very potent when brought into contact with the human immune system. But they are by no means the only possible pyrogenic contamination – and the growing complexity of biotechnological products increased the risk of having pyrogens present that originate from a variety of microorganisms and other sources.

The complexity of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes requires continuous improvement. As shown in figure 1, the expansion of manufacturing capacity worldwide has resulted in the multiplication of links between production facilities as well as the increasing need for storage or transportation of media, intermediate, BDS, and drug products between sites over the world.
Outsourcing to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) offers a solution to the capacity constraints and reduces the total risks associated with building internal capacity; however, a robust and validated manufacturing process (2), including product transportation between facilities, is then required.

Immense pressure is being applied to improve process knowledge and execution for those working in the field of bio-therapeutic manufacturing. Bioprocess developers are being tasked to provide more product yield at lower production cost, to decrease the time required to bring new therapies to the patient, and to consistently manage operational risks.

Suite aux questionnements des Entreprises Françaises de Biotechnologie sur la segmentation proposée par les inspecteurs des parties I et II des BPF vis-à-vis du procédé de production des médicaments biologiques, cet article a pour objectif de proposer une clarification argumentée du cas particulier de ces substances actives biologiques dont la formulation est réalisée lors de la production de substance active et non au moment de la fabrication du produit fini. Ce principe s’applique pleinement aux protéines recombinantes et anticorps monoclonaux, et au cas par cas des procédés de fabrication, pour d’autres types de médicaments de biotechnologie et thérapeutiques innovantes (vecteurs de thérapie génique et vaccins, …).