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Further
development of traditional medicine through R&D and international
collaboration:
From
Anecdote to Evidence: Helping Patients Make the Best Use of Medicines
67th World Congress of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Centenary Anniversary of Chinese Pharmaceutical
Federation
The
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) kicked off its 67th
World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on 2 September 2007 in
Beijing, the first time in China.
Ms Wu Yi, Vice Premier of the State Council of China and FIP President
Dr Kamal K Midha addressed the audience in the Opening Ceremony. Honoured Guests including Mr. Chen Zhu,
Minister of Health and Mr. Shao Mingli, Director General of the State Food and
Drug Administration of China attended the Ceremony. They were joined by 3000+ medical representatives from more
than 80 countries. Co-organized with
Chinese Pharmaceutical Association (CPA), 2007 FIP Congress featured the
theme ‘From Anecdote to
Evidence: Helping Patients Make the Best Use of Medicines’.
The congress effectively promoted international pharmaceutical
communication and cooperation, and offered participants valuable insight into
the latest trends influencing pharmacy and pharmaceutical industry.
In her speech, Vice Premier Wu Yi called on international
society to work more closely on medicine research and development. Extra efforts should be made to
preserve and develop traditional medicine alongside modern medicine. She also urged for the establishment of
a global drug monitoring system to regulate the international market and offer
better protection for intellectual property.
Vice
Premier Wu Yi further stated the mission of Chinese Government and its
commitment to enhance drug control.
Ms Wu commended FIP’s achievement on fostering international cooperation
within the healthcare industry as well as promoting the advancement of pharmaceutical
industry. She also made a number
of suggestions to enhance international collaboration, and
encouraged all countries to work towards global drug availability, better pharmacy
service, and the training of quality professionals.
This year also
marked CPA’s 100 years anniversary.
Attending the celebration on 1 September, Mr. Kamal Midha gave his
congratulation and acknowledged CPA’s dedication to the
development of Chinese pharmaceutical and the remarkable contributions over the
years. He remarked that the communication and cooperation among pharmacy and
pharmaceutical organizations worldwide helped promote the rapid growth of the
industry. Continuing the expansion of FIP meetings to
all corners of the globe, 2007 FIP Congress in Beijing offered an excellent opportunity
for participants to note the latest pharmaceutical development in China, as
well as to appreciate the history of Chinese medicine and its great potential
in clinical application. It also served as a platform for
showcasing the latest progress made by pharmacy and pharmaceutical scientists
all over the world.
China had a well-established system covering
non-clinical research, clinical trials, manufacture and distribution of medical
drugs. It has also become the
largest vaccine manufacturer and one of the leading exporters of medicinal
materials. Hosting the 2007 FIP
Congress in Beijing also substantiates the recognition of China’s
pharmaceutical developments by the international community.
Since the establishment of Novo Nordisk R&D
centre in Beijing, major pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly, Roche,
Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline also announced their plans to set up R&D centres
in China. The investment will no
doubt lead the companies to the huge local market and facilitate the launching
of new products in China, including innovative medicines for the region.
Sources: Xinhua News Agency; China Medicine News; FIP
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