Senior Technical Services Specialist - Contec, Inc.
Can you give us an overview of the products and services Contec provides to the pharmaceutical industry?
Contec. Inc. is an experienced global leader in wipers, mops, and disinfectants for the pharmaceutical industry. Contec focuses on providing the industry with the highest quality products to meet challenging contamination control needs of pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide. Contec, Inc. also serves the industry by providing innovative and effective products, expert technical support, industry best practices, and customized guidance for pharmaceutical companies regarding contamination control.
What are some current industry issues regarding contamination control that pharmaceutical companies are dealing with?
Disinfectant residue is a major topic of discussion within the industry. Pharmaceutical companies are now recognizing the implications and consequences of disinfectant residues. Pharmaceutical companies are just beginning to focus on residue management and remediation as a part of their contamination control strategy.
Specifically looking at residue contamination, why has this become such a major issue and how is Contec helping the industry deal with this problem?
Regulatory bodies are now more formally recognizing and distinguishing the difference between cleaning and disinfection. For example, the Eudralex Annex 1 states: “for disinfection to be effective, cleaning to remove surface contamination must be performed first.” USP 1072 also states: “The removal of residual disinfectants should be monitored for effectiveness as a precaution against the possibility of product contamination.” Pharmaceutical companies also experience issues with residues as it pertains to the aesthetics of the facility, and more importantly in the form of slippery floors from disinfectant residue that has built-up over time.
Because of this, disinfectant residues have been at the top of the list for discussion with pharmaceutical companies. Cleaning and disinfection should no longer be used as interchangeable terms - they are two distinct and separate steps. Disinfectant residues are not all the same, and Contec Inc. is in the process of a research study exploring residues and how they behave with different management approaches to provide guidance and recommendations for the removal of residues. Contec, Inc. also educates pharmaceutical companies through webinars, in-person/ virtual presentations, field trials, and industry seminars regarding residue management as part of an overall contamination control strategy.
As the pharmaceutical industry is truly global in nature – how does Contec help its customers meet varying regulations worldwide? What resources, training and validation assistance does the company provide?
For over 10 years, Contec, Inc. has offered Contamination Control Assessments (CCA) globally which consult and provide support tailored to each pharmaceutical company’s needs. Because of COVID-19, this service is also offered virtually which gives the pharmaceutical company the opportunity to have multiple subject matter experts participate in the CCA. The program reviews current cleanroom operations on topics which include, but are not limited to; cleaning, disinfection, proper application of disinfectants, standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance, facility construction, cost saving opportunities, and process improvements. Contec, Inc. also provides technical information pertaining to its products and industry best practices on its website www.contecinc.com that can be used for training for many pharmaceutical companies. Contec, Inc. has had current customers use Contec, Inc.’s training videos as part of on-boarding for new employees.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your segment of the pharmaceutical industry?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a learning experience for all involved. Like many other manufacturers of contamination control products, Contec, Inc. experienced a high demand for wipes, mops, and disinfectants, which brought challenges for supply. As a result, many pharmaceutical companies have been evaluating alternate materials, especially disinfectants, to be used in their cleanrooms. As with nearly every aspect of life, the pandemic also brought on new ways of interacting and educating. Without being able to travel and visit companies, most meetings, presentations, and seminars are now virtual.
Looking forward, how will Contec continue to be an important partner for its current and future clients specifically in regards to prevention and removal of resides and generally in the efforts to provide the latest tool and technologies for cleanrooms and controlled environments.
With over 30+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Contec, Inc, is expanding its resources to the industry, offering more support with research on disinfectant residues, and creating new and very effective ways of reaching those in need of information and expertise. Each company has different challenges regarding their contamination control strategy, and Contec, Inc. understands that. Therefore, assisting with training, field trials, samples, webinars, Contamination Control Assessments, and industry best practices. Contec, Inc. takes a wholistic approach when advising companies on their contamination control strategy.
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