In order to improve our knowledge of the major issues affecting the drug business, AGIPHARM has created a forum designed to promote exchange and communication between the various sector players.

These annual conferences enable major pharmaceutical industry leaders to initiate or strengthen constructive relations with government representatives, including those in charge of research, health, and European policymaking. The conferences also provide an opportunity to encourage industry and political leaders to revitalise investment in the pharmaceutical sector in France.

November 2001 - US Embassy - Paris

November 2002 - Hôtel Sheraton - New York

November 2003 - European Parliament - Strasbourg

October 2004 – French Embassy - Washington DC

Septembre 2005 - Trianon Palace - Versailles

Opening the meeting with a patient centered discussion is essential, because it is the individual who should reap the benefits of therapeutic innovation.

The research and development phase is a prerequisite to making any medical innovation available to patients. For this reason, the mechanisms designed to maximise R&D resources and investment are always examined during the conferences.

Because access to innovation and industrial development are closely linked to public policy, the French, European, and American approaches to these issues are compared during round-table discussions at the end of the conference.

While 2004 saw significant consolidation in the French industry, the issues of the previous few years must still be resolved:

With the industry currently dominated by the United States, France no longer has the necessary responsiveness, a view shared by the French National Assembly committee on drugs and health products.

France must not limit its goals to merely providing a legislative and administrative framework for the pharmaceutical industry; the country must not be reduced to a drug sales counter.

The following proposals have been made in order to work toward resolving these issues:

Promote French political involvement in order to ensure that the country continues to attract investment and remains a leader within the European Union.

Raise the awareness of French political leaders of new mechanisms that include increased competition and optimised administrative procedures; promote international collaboration.

Raise the awareness of American pharmaceutical industry leaders of the needs of European healthcare systems and the French system, in particular.

Promote the direct exchange of experiences from both sides of the Atlantic.