PDA Pres. Signs Landmark Agreement with The St. Petersburg’s State Chemical Pharm. Academy (SPCPA) 16 July, 2012

Bethesda, Md., July 16, 2012 – St Petersburg, Russia (June 22, 2012) – The Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) and The Saint-Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical Academy (SPCPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a GMP and Regulatory Affairs Training Center in the area of pharmaceutical manufacturing in St. Petersburg (the Training Center). The Training Center will carry out ongoing training programs for Russian GMP inspectors, SPCPA students and Russian pharmaceutical manufacturers. This timely project is supported by the Government of Saint-Petersburg and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.   It is an important step in implementing high standards of quality production in Russia.

The aim of this project is to conduct hands-on training programs at the GMP center for inspectors and professionals of the healthcare industry, improving knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), advancing Russian manufacturing pharmaceutical technology and quality control. The project will also facilitate the exchange of experiences and information on legislation and regulatory procedures in respect of pharmaceutical production and inspection.

The knowledge gained by students during education in the Saint- Petersburg Academy, will be used to conduct inspections of the pharmaceutical industry in Russia. The measures will ensure the proper level of quality and efficiency of medical care, which meets in the first place, the interests of Russian patients.

Richard M. Johnson, PDA President said, “PDA is proud to partner with the SPCPA on this critical global project.  With 600+pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Russia it is clear that Russia has made it a priority to enhance understanding and implementing internationally consistent current GMPs.  PDA considers this project critical to the overall health of the global pharmaceutical pipeline since there will be more and more of a push for international pharmaceutical companies to partner for manufacturing.”  He added, “We are pleased that the SPCPA decided to choose PDA as their premier partner in this significant endeavor.”