Canada Welcoming World's Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Industry

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Canada is hosting the 18th Annual International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance (IGPA) Conference from September 16 through 18, 2015 at Toronto's Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

The IGPA was founded in March 1997 as an international network of generic medicines associations. In an era when increasing demands are being made on the world's healthcare services, generic and biosimilar medicines provide a major benefit to society by ensuring patient access to quality, safe and effective medicines while reducing the cost of pharmaceutical care.

"The IGPA Conference is the premier event for the international generic and biosimilar medicines industry. As an international leader in the research, development and manufacturing of affordable prescription medicines, Canada is pleased to welcome representatives of our industry from around the Globe," said Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) and current Chair of IGPA.

The annual IGPA Conference offers an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the most recent commercial, legal and regulatory developments related to the global generic and biosimilar medicines industry. The conference attracts senior executives from the leading generic and biosimilar medicines firms for around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, the United States, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan and South Africa.

Key agenda items for this year's conference include:

• Biosimilars and the future of patient access and the ongoing sustainability of drug benefit plans
• Pricing and reimbursement trends and their impact on the development and availability of affordable medicines
• The evolving regulatory review and approval regime for generic and biosimilar medicines
• Key developments in intellectual property affecting access to generic and biosimilar medicines

On Thursday, September 17, Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, will provide the Keynote Address.

Another highlight of the 2015 Conference will be Friday's "Global CEOs Unplugged" panel which promises to be a lively session with executives from the world's leading generic and biosimilar firms.

For more information and a detailed agenda visit the conference website at www.igpa2015toronto.com.

SOURCE Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association

Image with caption: "Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CNW Group/Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150914_C4093_PHOTO_EN_496007.jpg

Media Contact: Jeff Connell, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA), Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]