Download: 2021 Highlights – EDQM annual report
The 2021 annual report of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) is now available, providing a comprehensive overview of its activities and achievements. New to this edition is a four-page summary of key facts and figures in the introductory section, allowing readers to find essential information about 2021 at a glance.
The EDQM continued to fulfil its mission to protect public health with great determination last year, both despite and because of the global pandemic and its impact on the quality of medicines and healthcare. EDQM experts, stakeholders and staff pulled together to keep activities moving forward as planned, adapting as needed to keep the organisation in “business-as-usual” mode, yet ensuring the EDQM would stay ahead of the curve in the post-COVID-19 environment.
Among the many accomplishments of the EDQM in 2021, the European Pharmacopoeia Commission adopted more than 200 texts, reference standard availability was ensured at a level of over 99%, and the production of reference standards was fully maintained. Two major projects were also completed: the real-time remote inspection pilot project, which has been successfully integrated as a routine inspection system, and the EDQM reference standards contingency stock project, involving the recently completed secondary site. The EDQM also held numerous virtual events and training sessions, attracting a broad range of participants from around the globe and enhancing engagement with its stakeholders.
At the same time, a change in leadership took place, as EDQM Director, Susanne Keitel, retired after 14 years at the helm. Petra Doerr took over in October, bringing her experience in international regulatory affairs from both the private and public sectors, including Swissmedic, the Swiss agency for therapeutic products, and the World Health Organization.
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