The Pharmaceutical Cold-Chain Discussion Group, (PCCDG) an active working group of the PDA and the leading pharmaceutical industry organization advocating good distribution practices for temperature sensitive medicinal products, announced that it will undergo a name change to the Temperature Control Pharmaceuticals Group (TPG).

The name change comes as the result of incorporating the European counterparts to the PCCDG, the Cold-Chain Committee (C3) and the Pharma Logistics Forum (PLF). They will all now function as one group, with a common objective, under the auspices of the PDA. The change was agreed upon in a meeting held July 13th, 2006, by representative members of the three groups who comprise the steering committee of the organization. Dr. Rafik Bishara, chair of the PCCDG, will continue to preside as chairman of the TPG.

Their Mission Statement is as succinct as their new moniker: "Define and promote good practices in the storage and transport of pharmaceutical materials"

Their first objective is to amend Technical Report #39 so that it is agreeable and applicable to both US and European objectives.

Also during the teleconference meeting, Dr. Bishara confirmed that the 1st PDA European Cold Chain Conference will take place in Berlin, Germany, on October 5th and 6th, 2006. He has agreed to chair the organizing committee and Shirley-Ann Feld, Janne Grusgaard and Hugo Wegewijs (C3 and J&J) have agreed to work with Rafik on organizing the event.

Rafik strongly encouraged global members to participate in the conference and is working diligently to invite others from various countries to present and participate. Also, cold-chain service providers will most likely participate. Further details can be found at the PDA web site under the 'programs & meetings section.