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USP needs input from pharma industry experts: Mary Foster

USP to focus on the topics of Good Distribution Practices (GDPs) for pharmaceuticals, quality management systems, environmental conditions management, importation/exportation management, and supply chain integrity and security issues.

Listen to a presentation by Mary Foster and you’re likely to hear her call for involvement in industry-related organizations to help shape a better future for patients, and for the pharmaceutical, biologic, and medical device communities.

Her May 16 presentation at an Almac event focusing on patient compliance and counterfeiting was no exception. Foster, the U.S. Pharmacopeia’s (USP) Chair Expert Committee, Packaging, Storage and Distribution, did not miss an opportunity to seek industry involvement at the Almac event. She emphasized that USP needs more pharma industry input for its activities, and she called for volunteers.

Foster pointed out that not all pharmaceutical industry members were aware of USP’s mission and activities, or how the agency interacts with the FDA. When only about 10% of Almac event attendees indicated they were aware of USP’s activities in the area of the supply chain, for instance, Foster said, “You’ve put a dagger in my heart!”

According to Foster, among the most significant outcomes of her committee’s work this year will be in Good Distribution Practices (GDPs) for pharmaceuticals, and in the areas of quality management systems, environmental conditions management, importation and exportation management, and supply chain integrity and security. Foster pointed out that, according to logistics provider UPS’ latest supply chain survey findings, the two biggest supply chain concerns are regulatory compliance and product security. For the first time, product security jumped ahead of cost management as an area of concern.

Foster used her time at the podium to advocate for USP, pointing out that subject-matter experts are always needed to participate in committee work and lend their own viewpoints and knowledge. That’s exactly what happened to Foster, a pharmacist by training:

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