DIA Convenes Biopharmaceutical Forum in collaboration with BIO and PhRMA

On September 8, the Drug Information Association (DIA) and the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association (CPA) jointly organized a roundtable meeting between Minister Bi Jingquan of the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) and senior executives of the U.S. biopharmaceutical industry. The meeting was held on the margins of Minister Bi’s official visit to the United States, and topics included China’s recent regulatory reform and future collaboration opportunities between industry and regulatory bodies.

Forum attendees exchanged opinions on the shared mission to deliver innovative therapies to patients; ensure quality drug production; and discuss the collaborative follow-up work after China was admitted into the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH). The forum was concluded by all parties expressing a desire to continue the dialogue on mutually beneficial approaches to deliver therapies to patients.

Minister Bi Jingquan encouraged the pharmaceutical industry to continue to keep an open discussion with his staff on regulatory policies to promote patient access. He noted that enhancing communication and exchange will help government and industry achieve the mutually shared goal for improving patients’ health with safe and effective medicines.

The forum was convened in collaboration with Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

“Health care product development is a global endeavor, requiring international communication and exchange, and DIA is pleased to be the neutral forum by which policy and science collaboration are advanced,” said DIA Global Chef Executive, Barbara Lopez Kunz. “DIA congratulates CFDA on their progress toward regulatory modernization, membership in ICH, and supports the advancement of pro-innovation policies in China.”

“BIO congratulates CFDA on joining the ICH and welcomes the opportunity to discuss with Minister Bi best practices to advance and protect biomedical innovation,” said Joseph Damond, BIO’s Executive Vice President, International Affairs. “We look forward to future opportunities to work with the CFDA to address pressing global healthcare challenges and support the growth of the global biotechnology industry.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this important meeting as China continues to look at ways to improve its drug regulatory system and intellectual property protections,” said PhRMA Senior Vice President of International Advocacy Brian Toohey. “This continued engagement is an important step forward in meeting unmet medical needs in China and making critical, life-saving medicines available to Chinese patients.”