The EDQM is committed to improving animal welfare in the context of scientific experiments and testing. The rabbit pyrogen test (RPT), a standard safety test designed to determine the presence of certain fever-inducing contaminants called pyrogens in medicines, was added to the European Pharmacopoeia in the 1970s. Today, it is estimated that some 400 000 rabbits are used worldwide each year to perform this test. Viable alternatives exist, however, and the EDQM has been at the forefront of efforts to promote their use. In June 2024, the RPT was definitively removed from the European Pharmacopoeia texts. How was this accomplished? Gwenaël Cirefice and Emmanuelle Charton from the European Pharmacopoeia Department explain how the EDQM’s commitment to animal welfare in Europe and beyond led to such an important milestone being achieved.

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We take it for granted that the medicines we take are safe and of good quality, but few know exactly how the EDQM contributes to making this a reality. For the past 30 years, the European Network of Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCLs) has conducted independent quality control testing of medicinal products for human and veterinary use throughout, covering their entire life cycle. That means not only strict testing before they reach the market, but also market surveillance once they are on the market to detect any risk of defective or falsified medicines. In this episode, Michael Wierer, who has been working to build the OMCL Network since its inception, will present this tireless effort to ensure that patients in Europe have access to safe, good quality medicinal products. We’ll explore its history and achievements and investigate why it matters so much for public health.

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Biological medicinal products – or biologicals – are a class of pharmaceutical products derived or refined from biological sources including micro-organisms, animal tissue and even human cells. These extremely powerful and versatile medicines are at the cutting-edge of pharmaceutical science and have contributed to major breakthroughs in the treatment of smallpox, diabetes and haemophilia, as well as to promising innovations such as CRISPR-Cas9 technology and CAR T-cell therapies, making us stronger in the fight against disease. But how did we get to this point? What were the first biologicals, and how have they evolved over time? What safety concerns arise from their use? In this episode, Emmanuelle Charton from the EDQM’s European Pharmacopoeia Department walks us through the history of biologicals, from the first vaccines to the latest Nobel Prize-winning innovations.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a source of great hope in healthcare. Properly applied, it has the potential to analyse images and data faster and more accurately than human beings. Its ability to perform administrative tasks can also free up medical professionals to dedicate more time to their patients. But AI comes with certain risks. What data is being used? Can AI respect privacy when handling personal health data? Can we really entrust our health to machines? The EDQM’s 60th anniversary conference, held on 11-12 June 2024, featured talks and discussions on a wide range health topics, including from Eric Sutherland, Senior Health Economist at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In this episode, Eric shares his insights into the developing field of AI in healthcare, addressing topics such as digital health, policy guidance and responsible analytics.

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The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, triggered a global pandemic on a staggering scale in 2020. In the course of just a few months, it brought entire societies to a near standstill with trade, travel, transportation and countless other vital sectors deeply impacted. Public health systems worldwide bore an enormous burden and were stretched to the limit. The pharmaceutical industry scrambled to develop treatments like antivirals and vaccines to avert worst-case scenarios and prevent the spread of the virus. The pandemic highlighted just how important the EDQM’s mission is to ensure high standards in public health protection. Due to the resourcefulness of its staff and its extensive networks of experts, partners and stakeholders, the EDQM played a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19. In the episode, Catherine Milne, Gwenaël Cirefice and Pierre Leveau from the EDQM explain how.

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Picture this scene: Chloe and her daughter, Sarah, are preparing for a relaxing Sunday in the park. They pack a picnic, put on sunscreen and head out. Chloe recently got a tattoo, so she was careful not to expose it to the sun. After a nice day out, they head back home. Sarah plays with her toys and Chloe takes a relaxing bath, using her favourite skincare products. Do either of them know that the EDQM, thanks to its consumer protection activities, was looking out for them every step of the way? From food contact materials and cosmetics to tattoo inks and special guidelines to protect children, the EDQM strives to protect consumers from toxic and unsafe substances. François-Xavier Lery, Head of the EDQM Pharmaceutical and Consumer Care Section, tells us how.

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This episode showcases the relationship between the EDQM and its national and international stakeholders, how they work together for the protection of public health and what the real-life results of that co-operation are. Four guests, active in the EDQM constellation of health sector bodies and networks, present different aspects of this work: Salvador Cañigueral, Chair of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission, Massimiliano Conti, Chair of the GEON Advisory Group, Anne Garnier, Scientific Programme Manager in the EDQM’s European Pharmacopoeia Department, and Marie-Laure Hecquet, EDQM Policy Advisor. Their insider perspective on the European public healthcare landscape brings a complex system within easy grasp, helping us all understand how the EDQM is striving for better health, for all.

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EDQM on Air - Transplantation – A story of hope and courage

Interview with Liz Schick

Liz Schick, president of the World Transplant Games Federation, shares her deeply personal and truly inspirational story. Diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease at 35, she found the courage to look for the good in a negative situation, not only recovering from a serious medical condition, but using the second chance life had given her to help other transplant patients of all ages. She discusses her reactions to her first diagnosis, the documentary a friend made of her pre- and post-transplant life, and what it means to her to keep active and do good in the face of adversity. She also shares her experience as a speaker at the EDQM’s 60th anniversary conference in June 2024.

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