The consistency approach for quality control of vaccines - A strategy to improve quality control and implement 3Rs

Current batch release testing of established vaccines emphasizes quality control of the final product and is often characterized by extensive use of animals. This report summarises the discussions of a joint ECVAM/EPAA workshop on the applicability of the consistency approach for routine release of human and veterinary vaccines and its potential to reduce animal use. The consistency approach is based upon thorough characterisation of the vaccine during development and the principle that the quality of subsequent batches is the consequence of the strict application of a quality system and of a consistent production of batches. The concept of consistency of production is state-of-the-art for new generation vaccines, where batch release is mainly based on non-animal methods. There is now the opportunity to introduce the approach into established vaccine production, where it has the potential to replace in vivo tests with non-animal tests designed to demonstrate batch quality while maintaining the highest quality standards.

DE MATTIA Fabrizio;  CHAPSAL Jean-Michel;  DESCAMPS Johan;  HALDER Maria;  JARRETT Nicholas;  KROSS Imke;  MORTIAUX Frederic;  PONSAR Cecile;  REDHEAD Keith;  MCKELVIE Jo;  HENDRIKSEN Coenraad; 

2011-03-08

ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

JRC62747

1045-1056,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC62747,   

10.1016/j.biologicals.2010.12.001,