17th Annual IGPA Conference to Feature Global Generic Drug Industry Experts
MIAMI, FLORIDA (November 19, 2014) — Today, the International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance (IGPA) commences its 17th Annual Conference, bringing together company executives, regulators, national authorities and other global leaders in the generic drug industry.
The three-day global conference provides an opportunity for networking and collaboration, as well as robust panel discussions on current and emerging global market trends, regulatory science, legal/ intellectual property and trade issues for generic drugs and biosimilars, and more. IGPA will host a press conference for attending media on November 21, 2014 immediately following the Plenary Session.
WHEN: Friday, November 21, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. EST
WHERE: Main Plenary Room (The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne)
“The rapid global expansion of the generic and biosimilar medicines industry creates unprecedented challenges and opportunities for everyone concerned with access to safe, effective and more affordable generic drugs,” said Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA), and Chair, International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance (IGPA). “This conference provides an invaluable opportunity for manufacturers, regulators, association leadership and other global stakeholders to convene and share information regarding the issues that will shape the industry for years to come.”
The 17th annual IGPA Conference comes at a time when global regulations affecting generic drugs, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations are moving closer to conclusion. IGPA is advocating for any final trade agreement to avoid creating significant delays in the ability of generic manufacturers in TPP member countries to develop and export new generic medicines. It is important to support, rather than undermine, public health policies for TPP countries while encouraging industrial
investments. IGPA also supports fair and reasonable lengths and coverage of intellectual property protection.
IGPA is also concerned at the generic and biosimilar medicines industry’s current lack of representation in global standards development with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), a regulatory standards-setting organization currently comprised exclusively of global regulators and brand pharmaceutical industry representatives. In November, IGPA respectfully requested equal industry representation on the ICH Executive Board to be able to fully participate in harmonization of global drug quality, safety, efficacy standards.
