First OECD GLP Study Director (SD) training held in Thailand

27/08/2019
The Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) under the Ministry of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, recently partnered with National Laboratory Animal Center, Mahidol University, to organize the 1st Study Director Training based on the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). The session was held on 27 August 2019 at Salaya Pavilion Hotel and Training Center, Mahidol University International College.

This national academic conference aims to upgrade product safety testing standards based on the agreement for exchange of information on product safety testing among OECD member countries and associate members, of which Thailand is one.

Supported by Department of Medical Sciences, the SD training was designed to develop the capabilities of those working in the field of life sciences including preclinical researchers, pharmacists, toxicologists, scientists, veterinarians, officers responsible for the care and use of laboratory animals, researchers, students and other interested parties.

Dr. Nares Damrongchai, CEO of TCELS, said that the first Study Director (SD) training was organized to enhance the capabilities of laboratory technicians in testing medicines, vaccines, food supplements, cosmetics and veterinary medications.

Food additives used in human food and animal food, insecticides and chemical products used in households and industries were also covered by the training.

TCELS initiated the training activity following the agreement to exchange information on product safety testing among 35 OECD member countries and 6 associate member nations.

The SD training was expected to upgrade the testing of product safety in Thailand to international standards based on OECD GLP. In addition to supporting the development of scientific work and the government's Thailand 4.0 policy, it would ensure that the testing standards in science and technology would allow health products produced in Thailand to be available on the world market and gain international recognition for product safety.

Dr. Nares expressed confidence that the SD training would play an integral role in solving problems in the development of health products and allow for the creation of commercial products that meet quality standards. The scientific data of the safety certification would ensure that people would have access to products of international quality and that comply with global safety standards.

TCELS has also supported the National Laboratory Animal Center, Mahidol University in its bid to become Thailand’s testing Facility based on OECD GLP. Earlier this year, the OECD Evaluation Team inspected the center and certified Thailand as an associate member of OECD. From now on, products from Thailand can be accepted and registered in over 40 member countries and associate members of OECD.

Assoc. Prof. Chuthamanee Suthisisang, Acting Director of National Laboratory Animal Center, Mahidol University, added that the center has been certified and registered as the first testing facility based on OECD GLP in Thailand. The center would provide testing for both the public and private sectors covering medicines, vaccines, pharmaceutical products, food supplements, cosmetics, animal medicines, food additives in human and animal food, chemical substances in household and industrial products as well as medical supplies.

The center uses a quality assurance system that covers all its activities including administration, academia, research and academic services. The center has received full Accreditation for Excellence in Laboratory Animal Care and Use. Moreover, the center has entered into a joint venture with international partners to develop laboratory animal science, which is in line with the government's policy to support the development of medicines and health products.

However, Assoc. Prof. Chuthamanee pointed out that Thailand still suffers from inadequate study and training in the quality and safety of products at the preclinical stage because the center is the sole certified and registered facility. The center is thus determined to develop human resource and systems to meet international standards and currently provides an efficient management system to ensure the maximum security of data and documentation. The operations would be regularly assessed by certified auditors and improved as recommended.

“Thanks to continued support from TCELS and our collaboration since 2005, we are both moving forward to upgrade the facility so that it can provide high-quality standards of testing practices and personnel for product safety,” Assoc. Prof. Chuthamanee concluded.








 
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