MANILA, PHILIPPINES - In a pivotal step toward elevating pharmaceutical compounding standards in the Philippines, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC / Commission), through its Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy (PRB-PHA) and the PRC International Affairs Office (IAO), convened a high-level consultative meeting with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Compounding Team on 11 June 2025 via Microsoft Teams.

The virtual meeting focused on forging collaborative pathways between the PRC and USP to enhance compounding practices in the Philippines, particularly through regulatory alignment, professional development, and education. The meeting aimed to explore avenues of cooperation to advance pharmacy compounding standards and integrate USP-certified programs into the country’s regulatory and educational frameworks.

The USP Compounding Team, led by its Senior Director of Healthcare Quality and Safety Dr. Farah Towfic, presented an overview of its compounding standards, including critical guidelines under General Chapters <795> (Non-Sterile), <797> (Sterile), and <800> (Hazardous Drugs). The presentation also highlighted the USP's Compounding Compendium, which includes over 255 annual Compounded Preparation Monographs, as well as flexible training models aimed at improving healthcare safety and quality.

To uplift the quality and competence of the pharmacy profession, The PRC, as represented by the PRB-PHA, actively participated in the said meeting with Officer-in-Charge Hon. Anthony Aldrin C. Santiago, and members Hon. Adelina C. Royo, and Hon. Mildred B. Oliveros, conveying their interest and support for the possible collaboration with the USP; along with the PRC IAO-Director, Atty. Melisa Jane Comafay-Yeachana, who outlined the current regulatory frameworks in the Philippines and acknowledged gaps in compounding standardization. They emphasized the urgent need to upgrade Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules and localize the application of USP's internationally recognized practices. During the discussion, the two parties identified four strategic areas for collaboration: (1) Education & Training, (2) Regulatory Alignment, (3) Capacity-Building, and (4) Curriculum Development.

The PRB-PHA proposed the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to facilitate the localization of USP standards, including stakeholders such as the Integrated Accredited Professional Organization of Pharmacists (IAPO). They also expressed strong interest in co-developing training and certification programs in accordance with USP benchmarks, addressing the evolving needs of Filipino pharmacists.

The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both parties to formalize their collaboration in the coming months, marking a critical step toward improving pharmaceutical safety, professional competence, and regulatory excellence in the Philippines, thus ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the people.   

#PRCUpdates

#PRCInAction