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EDQM What's new?
This section provides news releases, updates on products and services, and upcoming events.
Patients to be able to check authenticity of medicine under new Council of Europe scheme
(01/02/12) The EDQM (Council of Europe) has launched “eTACT”, an IT-based traceability service for medicines. eTACT is intended to become a publicly governed service for authorities and all stakeholders throughout the supply chain, including patients who will be able to verify the authenticity of their medication using smartphones or the internet.
Employment - New vacancy
(23/01/12) The EDQM is currently looking for junior laboratory technicians. For more information on this vacancy, go to our EDQM Employment page.
Counterfeit medical products: 3 more countries join the Council of Europe Medicrime Convention
(18/01/11) On October 28th 2011, 12 countries paved the way for the implementation of the Medicrime Convention by signing the first international treaty which establishes as offences the manufacturing, the supplying and the trafficking of counterfeit medical products. Since then, 3 countries have joined them: Liechtenstein (4/11/2011), Luxembourg (22/12/2011) and just recently Denmark (12/1/2012).
• Read the press release on the signature of the Medicrime Convention
• Read the final conclusions of the Moscow conference
• Consult the Chart of signatures and ratifications of the Medicrime Convention
ISBT creates new award for developing countries
(18/01/12) The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has lately announced a new award, the ISBT Award for Developing Countries. Its purpose is to encourage blood services, centers or individuals in developing countries to develop blood transfusion activities but also to recognize their achievements in the field of blood transfusion. It will also help the ISBT bring developed and developing countries closer together by creating awareness around the challenges faced today by developing countries. The first ISBT award will be granted in July 2012.
- Read the ISBT press release on the Award for Developing Countries
- Go to the ISBT website for more information
Organ Transplantation: New free publication on safety, quality and ethical matters
(15/12/2011) The publication, entitled “Organs, Tissues and Cells: Safety, Quality and Ethical Matters concerning Procurement, Storage and Transplantation”, compiles all of the existing recommendations and resolutions, as well as some additional reports from the Council of Europe. It is available to download for free, in English only.
- Download the 1st edition of “Organ, Tissue and Cells: Safety, quality and ethical matters concerning procurement, storage and transplantation”
- More information about recommendations and resolutions concerning organ transplantation
Product Specific Guidelines and Procedures for Human Biologicals OCABR
(13/12/11) The procedures and product specific guidelines for OCABR, updated in December 2011, are available to download with updates including a revised EU administrative procedure for OCABR and revised product specific guidelines for blood and vaccine, in force from 1st January 2012.
Read the OCABR Procedure preface & Note to users
Download the OCABR Guidelines 2011
Decisions taken during the 141st session of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission
(02/12/11) During its 141st session, the European Pharmacopoeia Commission adopted 17 new individual monographs. Press Release
EDQM launches new web page on organ transplantation projects
(22/11/11) The EDQM has launched a new web page highlighting its various projects in the area of organ transplantation. The web page will provide comprehensive information and highlight project outcomes and achievements, such as the 3-year collaborative project to develop organ donation and transplantation activities between countries of the Black Sea area. Read the latest news on our organ transplantation projects
Establishment of Somatostatin CRS Batch 6
(22/11/11) A new batch of somatostatin CRS is to be established with a new candidate batch and a new method with improved selectivity. The EDQM invites all concerned manufacturers to participate in the establishment of the somatostatin CRS 6 with the new method. More information on the invitation to participate....
Workshop on Good practices for the Classification of Medicines
(18/11/11) On 8-9 November 2011, the Committee of Experts on the classification of medicines as regards their supply organised its first workshop on good practices. Press Release..
Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group
(17/11/11) The Pharmacopoeia Discussion Group (PDG) met in Strasbourg on 8 to 9 November 2011. Press Release..
Products & Services
Guide to the preparation, use and quality assurance of blood components - 16th Edition (2010)
Blood Transfusion & Organ Transplantation Guides
Guide to the safety and quality assurance for the transplantation of organs, tissues and cells - 4th Edition (2010)
Blood Transfusion & Organ Transplantation Guides
2012 Events Calendar
NEW : Council of Europe Convention: Counterfeiting of medical products and similar crimes
26-28 October 2011, Moscow, Russia
Proceedings: Quality of Medicines in a globalised world: Dreams and reality
14-15 October 2010, Prague, Czech Republic
Press Archives
Media Contacts
If you are a journalist and have a question about the EDQM, you can contact the Public Relations & Documentation Division:
Telephone (Direct): +33 (0) 3 88 41 28 15*; Telephone (Standard): +33 (0) 3 88 41 30 30*;
Fax.: +33 (0) 3 88 41 27 71*;
for electronic messages please use the EDQM HelpDesk.
If you have a question about the Council of Europe, please contact the Press Division:
Telephone: +33 (0) 3 88 41 25 60*; Fax.: +33 (0) 3 88 41 39 11*; E-mail: PressUnit@coe.int.
* leave out the 0 if dialling from outside France
7 allée Kastner, CS 30026, F67081 Strasbourg, France - Tel. +33 (0)3 88 41 30 30 - Fax +33 (0)3 88 41 27 71
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