title: The consistency approach for quality control of vaccines - a strategy to improve quality control and implement 3Rs.
abstract: 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 characterization 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. The report indicates how this approach may be further developed for application to established human and veterinary vaccines and emphasizes the continuing need for co-ordination and harmonization. It also gives recommendations for work to be undertaken in order to encourage acceptance and implementation of the consistency approach.
authors.affiliation: Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, PO Box 31, 5830 AA Boxmeer, The Netherlands. Fabrizio.de.mattia@spcorp.com
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Mattia
authors.forename: Jean-Michel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Chapsal
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Descamps
authors.forename: Marlies
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Halder
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jarrett
authors.forename: Imke
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kross
authors.forename: Frederic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mortiaux
authors.forename: Cecile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ponsar
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Redhead
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McKelvie
authors.forename: Coenraad
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hendriksen
mesh_terms: D000826:Animal Testing Alternatives / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D011786:Quality Control; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000592:standards*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines