EDQM on Air

Have you ever stopped to think that there is a story behind every medicinal product you pick up at the pharmacy? In fact, there are thousands of stories, thousands of people – experts – who have devoted countless weeks, months and even years to ensure that the medicines you take are safe and effective. The European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), which sets the quality standards for medicines in Europe,...

Vous êtes-vous déjà demandé comment la Pharmacopée Européenne avait vu le jour ? Et comment nous en sommes arrivé·es à un ouvrage de référence pharmaceutique unique, aujourd’hui largement utilisé dans toute l’Europe et au-delà ? Quelle est l’histoire qui nous a mené·es jusqu’ici et pourquoi est-ce important aujourd’hui ? Dans cet épisode, Pierre Leveau, Chef du Service de la Chaîne logistique de l...

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 per...

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 m...

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...

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...

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 scramble...

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...

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 Pharmacopoe...

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...