International Association for Biologicals

IABS is devoted to the scientific and medical advancement of biologicals, by facilitating communication among those who develop, produce and regulate biological products for human and animal health.

History

IABS was founded in Lyon, France, in 1955 by a group of independent experts who believed that such an organization could provide a forum where data could be discussed among scientists working in research, development, production, standardization and regulation of human and veterinary biological products with the ultimate aim of using sound scientific data to improve the quality of biological products and their regulation       

Objectives

• To provide a unique platform for discussion and the development of consensus positions on contemporary issues related to biologicals;
• To create an ongoing interface among leaders in clinical and basic research, biological product development, public health, manufacturing and regulation, by organizing scientific conferences and publishing reports of such meetings;
• To facilitate the establishment of international reference materials and the formulation of international guidance documents for biological substances used in human and veterinary medicine, through its conferences and publications;
• To promote uniform methods for establishing the international quality of biological products;
• To encourage research in connection with the characterization, standardization, quality, production, and clinical use of biological products.

The role of IABS in the history of biologicals is well-recognized by industry, regulatory agencies and academia. And there is a desire on the part of IABS’ constituents for the organization to continue as a platform for the exchange of experience and ideas in the context of working towards solutions to problems in biological standardization.

IABS management reviewed this issue on several occasions, and it was discussed at the General Assembly in May 2012. The result was a unanimous decision to revise the Constitution to address the problem by allowing institutions (both nonprofit and for-profit) to become members with no membership fee. In other words, the potential COI due to financial support in the form of membership fees from for-profit organizations was removed, while at the same time continuing the core mission of IABS:  to serve as a platform for representatives of government, academic, and industry to address key issues in regulatory science in a neutral environment, and to make recommendations for consideration by official bodies. This decision has significant financial implications for IABS that must be addressed; but on balance it was agreed that it would be in the best interest of IABS and the communities it serves to remove this potential element of COI. A further protection from the potential influence of for-profit organizations was already incorporated into the Constitution in 2010. Namely, for-profit entities do not have voting rights at the General Assembly, which is the final decision-making authority of the organization.