• Cherwell welcomes visitors and showcases innovation at successful QATS symposium
• Redipor prepared media and BAMS real-time biofluourescent particle counter attract interest
• MHRA audits reveal gaps in sterility; Cherwell addresses industry challenges head-on
• Radio-pharmaceuticals face unique issues in contamination control and environmental monitoring
• QATS 2024 highlights importance of supporting pharmacy innovation, regulatory excellence and workplace welfare
Over 17-18 October, Cherwell joined pharmacy professionals and thought leaders from across the UK at the QATS symposium, held at Birmingham's Hilton Metropole.
This year’s theme – Celebrating Science in Pharmacy – set the stage for an exciting exchange of knowledge, innovation, and inspiration across the sector. Cherwell’s representatives at the event – Senior Business Development Manager, Thomas Parkhill, and the company's new Microbiology Product Specialist, Yoggya De Silva – connected with participants, discussed Cherwell’s contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, and attended numerous panels and breakout rooms related to environmental monitoring and contamination control.
With topics ranging from regulatory updates to emerging challenges, QATS brought together a diverse group of experts committed to shaping the future of science in pharmacy. Led by industry figures such as David Webb, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at NHSE, Christine Grey, Head of Compliance at MHRA, and Justine Scanlan, Head of SPS, the symposium presented a forum for forward-thinking perspectives on both new and existing challenges.
Exploring Emerging Issues and Broadening Horizons
A central focus of the QATS symposium was on regulatory changes and compliance, especially in relation to Annex 1 of the EU GMP guidelines.
As regulatory requirements evolve, keeping up to date with compliance measures is essential for manufacturers aiming to uphold high standards in product quality and patient safety. Speakers at QATS highlighted that understanding these standards is not just about compliance – it’s also a proactive step towards innovation and operational excellence.
In addition to regulatory updates, QATS 2024 delved into trending topics such as radio-pharmaceuticals and the role of science in expanding pharmacy’s scope.
There was also discussion of the importance of the well-being and professional growth of the pharmacy workforce. Breakout sessions explored topics such as innovative management styles, strategies to enhance workplace welfare, and advice on pursuing non-traditional roles within the field.
The overall message was clear: for science to thrive, the individuals behind the science need to be empowered, supported, and encouraged to explore diverse career pathways.
Cherwell’s Commitment to Progress in Pharmaceutical Science
Cherwell’s representatives at QATS, Thomas Parkhill and Yoggya De Silva, had the pleasure of discussing the company's range of solutions with delegates, and exploring how Cherwell can help meet their specific needs, especially in light of a constantly changing regulatory environment.
For instance, Cherwell’s commitment to innovation in microbial monitoring and environmental control solutions means we’re ready to support the pharmacy sector in meeting the requirements of the revised Annex 1.
Our solutions are not merely reactive to regulatory changes – they’re proactive tools designed to empower pharmacy professionals to confidently tackle contamination challenges, while focusing on patient safety and product quality.
The Future: Embracing Change, Building Partnerships
For the newest addition to the Cherwell team, Microbiology Product Specialist, Yoggya De Silva, QATS was her first industry event as a Cherwell representative: “My experience at QATS was incredibly informative,” said Yoggya. “It was wonderful to learn about the clinical GMP aspects of drug product handling and compounding. The insights into MHRA findings and the implementation of Annex 1 in the clinical sector was enlightening. I gained so much from the open discussions with both customers and speakers at the event, particularly in terms of learning about their processes and pain points. It was also a pleasure to connect with our customers in person, hear about their challenges, explore how Cherwell's products and expertise can support them, and hear directly from customers about how our relationship with them is so beneficial.
“Insights from sessions such as the ‘MHRA Update’ and discussions on assurance audits, highlighted critical gaps in sterility assurance across many sites. It’s concerning that 36 facilities have shown critical or major deficiencies so far this year, with issues ranging from inadequate contamination control to non-compliance with Annex 1 standards.
“There’s a notable lack of Quality Risk Management, which means these facilities aren’t taking comprehensive steps to mitigate cross-contamination risks. Equally concerning are the gaps in contamination control strategies and sanitisation processes, including the omission of sporicidal agents and inadequate handling of sterile materials. This puts patients at risk, because sterility can’t be assured without robust control systems in place. Additionally, there’s often insufficient, specialised training for personnel handling sensitive materials like monoclonal antibodies, which further undermines quality management. Ultimately, these findings underline the urgency of not only addressing these shortcomings, but also ensuring continuous compliance with GMP standards to maintain patient safety.”
Cherwell: Supporting Innovation, Meeting Industry Challenges
Reflecting on QATS, Thomas Parkhill, Cherwell’s newly appointed Senior Business Development Manager, noted: “QATS 2024 was a fantastic opportunity for Cherwell to not only showcase our range of products, but also listen to and learn from pharmacy professionals. It’s always a privilege to contribute to the ongoing discussions that drive progress in our industry at events such as this, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting the pharmacy sector as it navigates both complex regulatory and scientific advancements. To do that effectively, we make sure we’re aware of the challenges they face, so when they speak we pay attention.
“As highlighted by Yoggya, the MHRA’s recent audits underscore some significant challenges within the pharmacy and radio-pharmacy sectors, with two-thirds of audited radio-pharmacy units unable to meet inspection standards. This is largely attributed to pressures in staffing, compliance with pharmaceutical standards, and general management. Addressing these issues effectively would elevate the quality of care, and at Cherwell we’re keen to forge relationships with NHS units seeking a reliable, adaptable partner to achieve robust environmental monitoring and contamination control.
“Of particular interest to me is the area of radio-pharmaceuticals. This rapidly developing field carries unique challenges, including precise contamination control and environmental monitoring requirements. As a company committed to supporting such advancements, Cherwell is continually developing products that meet the stringent standards required by cutting-edge pharmaceutical areas, and QATS was an important opportunity to both make a contribution with the knowledge we're gaining, and keep up to speed with the latest trends and developments.”
Building Partnerships, Showcasing Innovation in Pharmacy
Emma Millburn, Cherwell’s Director of Sales and Marketing said of the 2024 QATS symposium: “QATS 2024 was a great success. Our stand was well attended, with a lot of interest in our flagship Redipor prepared media products, and new technological developments such as BAMS – the biofluorescent particle counter that offers a continuous monitoring solution and delivers results in real time. QATS represented a great opportunity for Cherwell to interact with both existing and potential customers in person, and the breakout events yielded some really important takeaways.
“The industry issues mentioned by both Tom and Yoggya clearly indicate that there are a lot of challenges to be faced, and at Cherwell we’re proud of our ability to work with customers to deliver effective, reliable results. The emphasis on workplace welfare also aligns with our approach to fostering an environment in which our team members can flourish, whether through developing new skills, engaging in professional networking opportunities, or contributing to industry-wide discussions.”
With continuous new product developments and investment in development of Cherwell's production facilities at Bicester, the company will continue to engage with the wider pharmacy community, adapting solutions to meet emerging challenges while investing in continually building strong partnerships. The company’s engagement at QATS 2024 reinforced its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments, and ensuring that its products and services support best practices in pharmacy science.
The next opportunity to meet the Cherwell team in person will be at Pharmig's 32nd Annual Conference, which will take place in Nottingham over 20-21 November. Attendees will be able to benefit from the company’s expertise in discussion of topics around environmental monitoring, prepared media and forging reliable, adaptable partnerships. Get invaluable hands-on experience and information around Cherwell's products and services, such as bespoke Redipor prepared media and packaging solutions, air samplers, BAMS – and perhaps even have some fun with our selfie backdrop!
If you’d like more information on Redipor prepared media or any of Cherwell’s other products and services, or would like to work with us on Delivering Knowledge, our non-commercial knowledge-sharing initiative, contact our team.
