Increased Access to Pharmaceutical Drugs and Medicines - the Aim of APEC Symposium
The creation of an Asia-Pacific pharmaceuticals market moved a step closer to becoming reality with the "2007 Symposium of the APEC Network on Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science" that concludes today in Taipei.
Delegates anticipate that increased levels of cooperation and the removal of market impediments will make pharmaceutical drugs and medicines more accessible to a greater number of people in the region.
The objective of the meeting is to establish an APEC network of pharmaceutical professionals and policy makers to work on harmonizing regulations among economies and ultimately develop a single market.
The Director General of the Bureau of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Department of Health in Chinese Taipei and Chair of the Symposium, Dr. Chi-Cho Liao, made the point that the harmonization of regulations would deliver important health benefits for people in the region so progress was essential.
"For many people access to pharmaceuticals is problematic; by removing bureaucratic impediments and outdated red tape more people will be able to access a greater range of drugs and medicines," Dr. Liao said.
"This Symposium is providing an international platform for experts from health authorities, academia and industry to share opinions and exchange information from their perspectives.
"From this process the network of contacts from APEC Member Economies can seek to drive reform and overcome inefficiencies in their own regulatory systems. Mutual understanding between governments on drug regulatory issues is particularly important for increasing cooperation and concerted policy development."
Minister of the Department of Health from Chinese Taipei, Dr. Sheng-Mou Hou said selecting Taipei to host the symposium was particularly valuable considering recent scientific advances that have been achieved by local scientists in recent years.
"Taipei is one of the most advanced and competitive cities in Asia and has invested great intellectual capital into pharmaceutical and medicine research. We are confident that this exchange of ideas as well as interaction with resident researchers is of great benefit."
Over the two days of the symposium, delegates are considering new trends in pharmaceutical regulatory systems and the ability of governments to respond to the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical field. World experts also have the opportunity to share their vision and experience in developing critical path initiatives for the future growth of the pharmaceutical sector. Developments in the areas of the pharmacogenomics branch of pharmacology, working in alliance with advances in new drug and medical devices were also discussed in interactive sessions.
The outcomes of the symposium will be uploaded to the following website: www.apec2007.net.tw