On April 10^th, 2018, the 7^th Asia Partnership Conference of Pharmaceutical Associations (APAC) was held in Tokyo, Japan. Led by Executive President Song Ruilin, PhIRDA delegation participated in this event.

Group Photo of APAC Organizations and Representatives of Member Associations

In September, 2017, the APAC Steering Committee approved the application from PhIRDA, and henceforward PhIRDA became the only member that represents China's pharmaceutical industry in APAC.

High-level representatives from regulatory administrations, pharmaceutical associations and top leading pharmaceutical enterprises of major economies, about 350 representatives attended the 7^th APAC, having a discussion on how to promote pharmaceutical innovation in Asia, to create a better pharmaceutical ecological environment and to enhance the accessibility of innovative drugs. Greg Perry, Assistant Director General of IFPMA (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations), Yoshihiko Hatanaka, President of JPMA (Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association), as well as 13 heads of member associations attended this event.

PhIRDA Executive President Song Ruilin and JPMA President Yoshihiko Hatanaka

President Yoshihiko Hatanaka delivered opening remarks, expressing his warm welcome to the representatives from major economies, and he was delighted to know that PhIRDA has just became the member of APAC. He pointed out that PhIRDA's joining to APAC will greatly strengthen the multilateral cooperation among pharmaceutical innovative industry in Asia and boost the development of pharmaceutical innovation. He also stressed that this event provided a good communicating platform for all parties, which is beneficial to facilitate deep communication and connection among major economies, promoting the pharmaceutical innovation and sustainable development in Asia.

Organized by JPMA, APAC was launched as an industry-driven initiative in 2012 by 13 R&D-based pharmaceutical associations from 11 economies in Asia, that agree to work together to realize the mission: “To expedite the launch of innovative medicines for the peoples in Asia”.

APAC united industrial, political and educational circles, carries out activities in the fields of “Drug Discovery Alliances” (DA), “Regulations and Approvals” (RA), and “Access to Innovative Medicines” (ATIM), and formed the DA-EWG and RA-EWG.

Group Photo

Executive President Song Ruilin (first from the right) met with Ms. Michiyo Takagi , State Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, MHLW (second from the right); Yoshihiko Hatanaka, President of JPMA (second from the left); Haruo Natio, President of Eisai (first from the left)

During the meeting, participants from regulatory administrations and pharmaceutical enterprises have a fruitful discussion on how to improve the quality on drug review and approval, to encourage conditional approval for marketing, to improve the GMP of raw material and inspection efficiency of post-approval changes, and help to build drug discovery ecosystem in Asia.

PhIRDA’s joining APAC and organizing a delegation to participated in this event will help China's local companies to have a better understanding on drug regulations of other major economies in Asia, lay a solid foundation for pharmaceutical innovative international collaboration and superior product exports, provide effective multilayer communication channels for assimilating advanced regulatory experience from other countries and regions and constructive suggestions to improve drug regulations in China.

Group Photo of PhIRDA Delegation

Representatives from more than 10 members of PhIRDA attended this event, including Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 3SBio Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Yabao Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu Baiyu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Luoxin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Fountain Medical (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., and Shenzhen Efung Venture Capital Co., Ltd.