Rx&D applauds the first meeting of Quebec's permanent discussion forum

QUEBEC CITY, Oct 7 /CNW/ - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) commend the Quebec government for holding the first meeting of the permanent discussion forum (Forum permanent d'échanges) in Quebec City on Friday, October 8. The aim of the forum, a direct outcome of the October 2009 Quebec Biopharmaceutical Strategy, is to bring all stakeholders from Quebec's research-based pharmaceutical sector together at the same table with the Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE) and the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS). Its goal is to seek solutions to ensure the sustainability of our health care system and maintain a flourishing pharmaceutical industry in Quebec in the face of increasingly fierce global competition.

"As the innovative pharmaceutical industry faces major challenges and industry issues become progressively complex, this first meeting of the permanent discussion forum is extremely important because it will lay the foundation for an honest discussion that we hope will lead to solutions that foster innovation and research here in Quebec," said Rx&D President, Russell Williams.

"Quebec has always been at the forefront of the Canadian pharmaceutical industry and it must do its utmost to improve its position," said Claude Perron, Chair of the Quebec Committee and Vice President and General Manager of Shire Canada. "The Quebec government's longstanding and productive partnerships with the research-based pharmaceutical industry demonstrate a mutual desire for cooperation. Quebec receives 45% of Rx&D's member investments in Canada, which totaled more than $4.6 billion since 2000," Mr. Perron added.

Rx&D and its member companies believe the forum must yield concrete initiatives to further develop and maintain an attractive and competitive business environment for Quebec's economy and promote innovation within the Quebec health care system. This must include better access to new medicines and vaccines for Quebec patients, which is not the case today given that only 32% of new therapies approved by Health Canada in the past two years have been listed. A number of studies have shown that new medicines and vaccines save both lives and money within our health care system.

"We must provide access to new therapies as we simultaneously maintain and strengthen favorable policies such as the 'BAP 15-year Rule' that is unique to Quebec and recognizes the risk associated with pharmaceutical innovation. It is important for Quebec to remain ahead of the curve with policies like the BAP 15-year Rule in order to promote the creation of collective wealth and the sustainability of our health care system," said Paul Lévesque,  Chair of Rx&D's Board of Directors and President of Pfizer Canada.

"We want the forum to help get participants on the same wavelength with respect to research and innovation. Everyone on board is dedicated to the wellbeing of patients and Quebec's economic health. Together with MDEIE and MSSS, we are ready to use these consultations to explore winning solutions for Quebec. Our industry wants to pursue its partnership with the government so Quebec can reach its full potential," concluded Rx&D President, Russell Williams.

About Rx&D

Rx&D is an association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of all Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community represents 15,000 men and women who work for more than 50 member companies and invests over $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our members are committed to working in partnership with governments, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

For further information:

François Lessard, Communications
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]