Training alliance: Biopharma group teams with university for curriculum

Intensive hands-on training program for continuing education toward CPIPSM certification.

By Control Engineering Staff April 2, 2008

ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering), a global not-for-profit association of 25,000 pharmaceutical science and manufacturing professionals, is partnering with North Carolina State University to provide special hands-on biotechnology training in May, 2008.

This is the first time the two groups have partnered to create a new intensive course through North Carolina State University’s Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) in Raleigh, NC.

The three-day training program, May 12-14, will offer four courses that include lectures, problem-solving workshops, and hands-on activities at BTEC’s state-of-the-art cGMP pilot plant facility. Participants will learn how to implement new concepts, improve process efficiency, address manufacturing challenges, and much more.

“ISPE is proud to be a part of this innovative partnership with North Carolina State University to bring a unique training experience to pharmaceutical professionals,” says Bruce Davis, chairman of ISPE’s international board of directors.

The BTEC facility simulates a biomanufacturing pilot plant capable of producing biopharmaceutical products and packaging them in a sterile environment using commercial-scale equipment. It is currently the only facility in the U.S. that can do this from inoculation to filling, and the partnership between ISPE and North Carolina State University is one of the few opportunities for professionals to receive this industry-specific training.

Developed for professionals in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotechnology industries to help increase knowledge in their respective fields, the training will focus on current issues, including:

Process validation for biotechnology manufacturing;

Biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities;

Getting the most from your bioreactor; and

Disposables in biomanufacturing: an objective assessment.

Recognized industry experts will present relevant curriculum to give professionals the tools they need to be successful in their careers while earning continuing education credits. In addition, several of the courses contain information related to competencies for the Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional SM (CPIPSM). Registration information is available online.

Click here for more information on specific courses and instructors.

—Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com , Process & Advanced Control Monthly Register here and scroll down to select your choice of free eNewsletters.