Redlands, CA. — (22 January 2025) – The International Council for Commonality in Blood Banking Automation (“ICCBBA”), in partnership with the Italian national competent authority for blood Centro Nazionale Sangue (“CNS”) and for cells/tissues Centro Nazionale Trapianti (“CNT”), hosted Forum 30 The MPHO Safety and Traceability Summit on 14-15 November 2024. The event convened over 100 health professionals, patients, regulators, and other stakeholders from 34 countries around the world. They addressed critical challenges and opportunities concerning safety, and traceability of Medical Products of Human Origin (MPHO). Key discussions highlighted the importance of global cooperation to safeguard patients and foster innovation in the application of these therapies. Celebrating ICCBBA’s 30th anniversary, the event reaffirmed the transformative role of the ISBT 128 Standard in ensuring the safety and traceability of MPHOs worldwide.
Highlights and Action Steps
A diverse group of international experts presented on
- The need for traceability to support MPHO safety and efficiency in their management
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How technical innovation and informational interoperability supports safe access to MPHO
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The need for global regulatory alignment to address evolving challenges in the therapeutic application of MPHO
Key announcements included the preparation by the World Health Organization (WHO) of a global strategy for MPHOs including regional consultations with member states. The goal is to present the strategy for adoption at the 2026 World Health Assembly.
Executive Reflections
Eoin McGrath, ICCBBA Executive Director, emphasized the collaborative nature of the event: “The Forum 30 conference was designed to reflect the complex landscape of transplantation, with multiple stakeholders and actors all having a role to play. ICCBBA understands the importance of partnering with diverse organizations to advance safety and traceability of substances of human origin. Working with CNT and CNS was one of the success factors behind Forum 30 given their extensive experience and the high respect in which they are held by their peers in the European Union and further afield.”
A Path Forward
Discussions highlighted the necessity to facilitate collaboration, advocacy, and standardization to ensure safe, and administration of MPHOs globally. Through its continued partnership with the WHO and other stakeholders, ICCBBA is committed to supporting advances in safety, and traceability through standards to improve patient safety and global health outcomes. Presentations from the event will be made available on the Forum 30 website.
About ICCBBA
ICCBBA is the international standards organization responsible for the management and development of the ISBT 128 Standard.
About CNS
The Italian national competent authority for blood and blood components acting as coordinator of the national system. Among others, it is responsible for regulatory blood inspectors’ qualification through training activities. Homepage – Centro Nazionale Sangue.
About CNT
The Italian national competent authority for organs, tissues, cells, and MAR coordinating activities from donation to transplantation. Among others, it is responsible for regulatory inspector’s qualification through training activities. Trapianti (salute.gov.it)
