Workshop on Improving the Administration of Oral Liquid Medicines and Respiratory Medicines for Children in Low Resource Settings

The University College London (UCL), European Paediatric Formulation Initiative (EuPFI) in partnership with Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Society of Paediatric Medicines and Healthcare Initiative (PMHI), and ThetaBeta Analgorithm (TBA) is inviting expressions of interest in a workshop to be held on 4th March 2024 at Scitech Centre in Mumbai, to identify and discuss challenges and potential improvements in the development, control and utilization of administration devices for paediatric oral and respiratory medicines.

The research conducted in high and low middle countries have highlighted the issues related to administration devices for children that are prevalent in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). These are not only user related but also related to regulatory environment, inadequate ecosystem support that impact the development and use of innovative devices in low resource settings. 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 dose variability may occur where inappropriate devices (eg. oral syringes) that not suitable for the specific drug product are used and dose being administered, leading to under dosing with diminished treatment efficacy or overdosing with potential for toxic effects.

A multi-dimensional/multi stakeholder strategy is needed to improve the administration of medicines to children using the appropriate dosing devices. Hence, this stakeholder workshop is being planned that aims to create a dynamic platform where researchers, device engineers, industry leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and end-users converge to foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation in administration device development. It will help facilitate the establishment of an optimal path towards the correct dosing to paediatric patients with appropriate administration devices, that meets the requirements of all stakeholders involved (Patients, Regulators, Practitioners and Industry).

The workshop will gather experts in developing, prescribing, and administering medicines to children in Low Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), with a focus on India, China, Nigeria, Thailand, as well as High-income countries (HICs) like the UK, US, and Europe. Various stakeholders, including patients/caregivers, healthcare professionals, representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, drug delivery device suppliers, and academia, are invited. Additionally, representatives from national competent authorities and institutions across regions like Japan, Nigeria, US, UK, and EU are also welcome..

The workshop will include presentations from keynote speakers and break-out sessions for discussion on specific topics.

The workshop is free. The places are limited and only selected participants will be invited to participate.

Click here to complete and submit form for expression of interest to attend the workshop. The form should be submitted by 15th February 2024

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.