The International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA), representing member associations from the U.S. (GPhA), Canada (CGPA), Japan (JGA), Jordan (JAPM), Europe (EGA), South Africa (NAPM), and Taiwan (TGPA), as well as associate member associations from Australia (GBMA), Brazil (ProGenericos) and Mexico (AMEGI), thank for the opportunity to share our thoughts on the important topic of non-proprietary naming of biological products, including biosimilar products.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (November 3, 2015).- The International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) welcomed the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) reform and the opening of the process to new members, including international industry organisations. The IGBA fully recognises the contribution of the ICH in developing international standards applied to the pharmaceutical industry, including generic and biosimilar manufacturers.

TORONTO, CANADA (October 13, 2015).- Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) and Chair of the IGBA, announced at the IGBA Conference in Toronto that the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) will register as an association in Geneva, Switzerland. The legal incorporation strengthens existing informal links with international institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).