Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive candidates for therapeutic applications, especially in the field of regenerative medicine [1] because – in contrast to embryonic stem cells – they do not pose ethical issues, they can be isolated from various tissue sources, and they reduce the risk of rejection reactions. The doses of human MSCs (hMSCs) needed for clinical trials are estimated at between one and 200 million cells per patient, depending on the disease being tackled [2]. One of the most important challenges in providing hMSCs for curative use is the production of large quantities of cells in a robust manner.

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.

Many industries including those associated with generation of power and the manufacture of glass, steel and petrochemicals etc. have demonstrated that continuous manufacturing provides significant benefits and advantages, ranging from reduced capital and operating expenses to greater efficiency and product quality and consistency.

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, …).

Contamination control is of great importance to healthcare facilities and to pharmaceutical cleanrooms. One way of ensuring the hygiene is maintained through a cleaning and disinfection regime. After a disinfectant has been chosen based on its chemical properties and expected performance/effectiveness, each disinfectant should be validated to ensure its efficacy.