46th report: WHO TRS N°872: 1995

Overview

The WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization met in Geneva from 17 to 24 October 1995. The meeting was opened on behalf of the Director-General by Dr F. S. Antezana, Assistant Director-General.

Dr Antezana drew attention to the increasing proportion of biological and biotechnological products among new medicines and the role of these in controlling diseases of international importance. He noted that WHO's biological standardization activities and the work of the Expert Committee play a vital role in facilitating the transfer of laboratory science into clinical practice worldwide, by providing a means of assuring the quality, safety and efficacy of new biological products, as well as the reliability of diagnostic tests.