The Pharmaceutical Process Analytics Roundtable (PPAR) is pleased to recognize IFPAC's contributions to the science of process analysis on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary Forum. PPAR is an informal gathering of practitioners of process analytics supporting pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. PPAR is not a standard conference, but is instead an interactive, informal discussion of the current state and future direction of PAT. PPAR offers the opportunity to network, benchmark, and share best practices with other PAT colleagues engaged in the active development and installation of process analytical systems. http://www.patroundtable.org

The mission of the Process Analytical Technology Focus Group is to provide leadership in the area of Process Analytical Technology by:

• Providing an accessible forum for discussion across industry, regulatory agencies and academia for improved understanding, utilization and implementation of PAT.
• Specifically for exchanging emerging scientific and technical accomplishments and experiences and the latest regulatory information on PAT.
• Proactively presenting position statements for APQ and PT sections of the AAPS with regard to PAT issues
• Serving as a communication link between the AAPS Sections and IFPAC, ASTM, ISPE, and PDA on PAT activities

Thereby establishing a center of excellence in PAT for the APQ and PT sections of the AAPS.

ASTM Committee E55 on Pharmaceutical Application of Process Analytical Technology was formed in December 2003. E55 meets twice each year, in May and November, with approximately 75 members attending three days of technical meetings (every 3rd to 4th meeting of E55 is held outside of the United States). This Committee addresses issues related to process control, design, and performance, as well as quality acceptance/assurance tests for the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Stakeholders include manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical equipment, federal agencies, design professionals, professional societies, trade associations, financial organizations, and academia. The Committee, with a membership of approximately 190, currently has its standards published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 13.01. E55 has 3 technical subcommittees that maintain jurisdiction over these standards. Information on this subcommittee structure and E55's portfolio of approved standards and Work Items under construction are available from the List of Subcommittees, Standards and Work Items on the E55 homepage http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/E55.htm

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, ISPE is the Society of choice for more than 22,000 pharmaceutical manufacturing professionals in 80 countries. ISPE aims to be the catalyst for "Engineering Pharmaceutical Innovation" by providing Members with opportunities to develop technical knowledge, exchange practical experience, and collaborate with global regulatory agencies. The ISPE Process Analytical Technology (PAT) Community of Practice (COP) provides just such an opportunity, by creating a global focal point of support and a discussion forum for pharmaceutical professionals interested in PAT. Through a network of active PAT practitioners from industry, academia,the regulatory agencies, and suppliers, the PAT COP is committed to promoting understanding, open communication, and exchange of useful andrelevant information about PAT and process understanding. http://www.ispe.org