Opportunities and obstacles in the implementation of barrier technology

This paper was developed from the keynote address given at the Isolation Technology Users Group (ITUG) meeting held in Raleigh, North Carolina in December of 1993. Present at the meeting were over 100 individuals representing a cross section of users and suppliers. Unfortunately not all suppliers of isolation technology equipment were represented at this meeting. Subsequent to the meeting, ITUG has decided to operate as a special interest group within the Parenteral Drug Association and attendance will be open to all PDA members. I anticipate that the affiliation of ITUG within PDA will facilitate the free exchange of ideas and information among those interested in barrier technology without interference from commercial considerations. My hope is that we can nurture within the industry a common effort among all users and suppliers to overcome the obstacles and realize the opportunities inherent in isolation technology. While it could be construed that certain of my comments represent an endorsement or a chastisement of certain suppliers of isolator systems that was certainly not my intent. It was prepared in a spirit of egalitarianism to assist the industry at large with what I believe to be a technology of great promise.