The EuPFI is inviting expressions of interest in a workshop to be held on 11thSeptember 2018 at University College London (UCL) School of Pharmacy premises, to identify and discuss challenges and potential improvements in the development, control and utilization of oral dosing syringes and enteral accessories for paediatric liquid medicines.
Although oral liquids are acceptable for the whole paediatric age range (birth to 18 years), a key challenge with their administration is to ensure the correct dose is measured. The oral syringe is considered to be the measuring device of choice, with high dosing accuracy and uniformity, especially when small volumes are required. However, dose variability may occur where oral syringes are not suitable for the specific drug product and dose being administered, leading to under dosing with diminished treatment efficacy or overdosing with potential for toxic effects.
Where a dosing syringe is supplied with a specific medicine, the pharmaceutical product licence holder ensures the acceptability of its dosing accuracy in line with Regulatory requirements, however deviations in dosing accuracy may occur when “off-the-shelf” dosing syringes are used for the measurement of small volumes. In addition, it may be necessary to use several adaptors to accurately measure and administer medication in clinical practice which can be challenging and potentially lead to dosing errors. Furthermore, the provision of multiple oral syringes for different products which may have different units of measure and/or graduations to patients for domiciliary use can cause confusion.
The aim of the workshop is to facilitate the establishment of an optimal path towards the correct oral dosing of all paediatric patients with dosing syringes and enteral accessories, that meets the requirements of all stakeholders involved (Patients, Regulators, Practitioners and Industry).
A broad range of stakeholders, including patients/caregivers, healthcare professionals and representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, drug delivery device suppliers and academia, are invited to the workshop as well as representatives from national competent authorities and EU institutions.
The workshop will include presentations from keynote speakers and break-out sessions for discussion on specific topics.
Click here to complete and submit form for expression of interest to attend the workshop. The form should be submitted by 20thJuly 2018.
Places are limited and will be allocated to ensure a fair representation of all stakeholder groups and organisations, and so please do not book travel arrangements until your attendance has been confirmed.
A report of the workshop, the action plan and presentations from the workshop will be published on this website.