b'INTERNATIONAL BIOFILM STANDARDS TASK GROUP NBIC is working with leading biofilm research centres in the UK, Europe, Australia and Asia to support the development of international standardised biofilm test methods. The International Biofilm Standards Task Group (IBSTG) was formed in 2020 to guide the international development and acceptance of standardised biofilm models and test methods in healthcare settings, industrial systems, and the built environment. IBSTG aims to enable informed and consistent decision-making regarding international regulation of biofilm products.MISSIONIBSTG POSITION STATEMENT To drive the international development, harmonisationBiofilms are self-organised communities of one or and implementation of biofilm test methods andmore types of microorganisms embedded in an standards in health care, the built environment, andextracellular matrix. They collectively represent the industrial systems. largest biomass and activity centre on the planet, playing a major role in the biology and chemistry of GOALthe environment (both natural and engineered) and Enable informed and consistent global decision makingin maintaining public health. A recent report from the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) estimated on the regulation of biofilm products. that biofilms impact globally about $5 trillion of economic activity across industry segments.AIMS Collaborate with regulatory decision makers toThe International Biofilm Standards Task Groups define the importance of using biofilm methods formission is to drive the international development, biofilm specific label claims.harmonisation and implementation of biofilm test methods and standards in health care, the built Promote the need for harmonised global biofilmenvironment, and industrial systems, thereby standards to public officials through a consortiumenabling for the inclusion of biofilms into the of established and recognised regional expertregulatory conversation. organisations. This international group has, in their network, a Support standardisation and validation of biofilmcommunity of academics, industrial partners, health test methods that are referenced in regulatorycare professionals, engineers, economists, regulators, guidance documents.and the standards community. These stakeholders have a clear need for international standards and Promote the use of statistically validated biofilmregulations to aid in the development and testing methods in regulating products with biofilm labelof products to control or exploit biofilms. Further, claims relevant to various industry and consumerthey recognise the importance of using standard test segments.methods when validating product efficacy.Leverage the global nature of the consortium toIt is our primary intent that science and evidence-harmonise testing methods across geographies. based data support methods development for the Engage industry, research institutions, and academicverification of the use of a product in a particular stakeholders in the method development process inapplication. coordination with the various regulatory agencies. Our industry partners have a recognised need for Champion biofilm methods in country and industrya defined regulatory pathway to create innovation specific standard setting committees. in the marketplace and the adoption of new approaches.Promote international consensus in the biofilm methods recognised in regulatory guidanceThere is value in this independent global task force documents. being able to represent the current state of the science and the needs of our stakeholders in relation to biofilm methods.30'