The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7161 p227-229
18 August 2001

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Biotechnology

Rational advice on products required

From Mr P. J. Maltby, MRPharmS

The joint statement¹ recently issued on the handling of monoclonal antibodies was most welcome as it gave pragmatic recommendations based on an understanding of the chemical and pharmacological nature of the products involved.

I have recently returned from the “Aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines” course held in Leeds, and it is clear from discussions there that similar rational advice is required for other products derived from biotechnological sources. Thus the aseptic preparation of products such as those intended for gene therapy, live attenuated bacteria and viruses, and genetically modified material demands similar consideration. This is especially the case when more than a simple reconstitution is involved.

May I through the columns of The Pharmaceutical Journal invite informed opinions from learned colleagues as the first step towards providing unequivocal advice to those pharmacists and pharmacy technicians handling these products daily.

Paul Maltby
Radiopharmacy Department,
Royal Liverpool University Hospital,
Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP

(e-mail pmaltby@rlbuh-tr.nwest.nhs.uk)

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