The Parenteral Drug Association (PDA; Bethesda, MD, USA) and the Saint-Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical Academy (SPCPA; St. Petersburg, Russia) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Regulatory Affairs Training Center in the area of pharmaceutical manufacturing, an important step in implementing higher standards of quality production in Russia by advancing its pharmaceutical manufacturing technology and quality control.

The Training Center, located in St. Petersburg, will carry out ongoing hands-on training programs for Russian GMP inspectors, SPCPA students, Russian pharmaceutical manufacturers, and professionals of the healthcare industry to improve knowledge and implementation of current GMP. The project will also facilitate the exchange of experience and information on relevant legislation and regulatory procedures. The knowledge gained by students during education in the St. Petersburg Academy will be used to conduct inspections of the pharmaceutical industry in Russia, as measures to help ensure a proper level of quality and efficiency of medical care to meet, as the primary priority, the interests of Russian and guest patients.

This timely project is supported by the government of St. Petersburg and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. Richard M. Johnson, PDA President said, "With 600+ pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Russia it is clear that Russia has made it a priority to enhance understanding and implementing internationally consistent current GMPs. PDA considers this project critical to the overall health of the global pharmaceutical pipeline since there will be more and more of a push for international pharmaceutical companies to partner for manufacturing.” He added, “We are pleased that the SPCPA decided to choose PDA as their premier partner in this significant endeavor.”

Related Links:
Parenteral Drug Association
St. Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical Academy