59th report: WHO TRS N°964: 2008

Overview

The WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS) met in Geneva from 13 to 17 October 2008. The meeting was opened on behalf of the Director-General by Mrs Daisy Mafebelu, Assistant Director-General. 

The report starts with a discussion of general issues brought to the attention of the Committee and provides information on the status and development of reference materials for various antibodies, antigens, blood products and related substances, cytokines, growth factors, endocrinological substances and in vitro diagnostic devices. The second part of the report, of particular relevance to manufacturers and national regulatory authorities, contains WHO Guidelines for the production, control and regulation of snake antivenom immunoglobulins and also an addendum to the WHO Recommendations for yellow fever vaccine. Also included are a list of recommendations, guidelines and other documents for biological substances used in medicine, and of international standards and reference reagent for biological substances.