Inaugural Event Continues DIA Tradition Of Hosting Multidisciplinary, International Events For The Biopharmaceutical Industry
The Drug Information Association (DIA) has begun to implement its three-year plan for expansion into India with the development of the 1st Indian Regulatory Conference (April 28-29, Mumbai, India).
"This is an exciting time of growth for DIA," says Linda McGoldrick, DIA Worldwide Executive Director. "DIA has successfully established an office in Mumbai and is working to develop a strong volunteer and member network in the region."
Following the success of the past two Conferences on Drug Discovery and Clinical Development in India, both of which addressed current solid scientific research in India pertaining to global development of drugs and biologics, the 1st Indian Regulatory Conference will highlight the Challenges and Opportunities in Quality and Clinical Trials, Safety, and Postmarketing.
Dr. M. Venkateshwaralu, former Drugs Controller General of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. Nandkumar Chodankar, Chief Mentor and Executive Director, Shasun Chemicals and Drugs (India); and Dr. Vinay Nayak, President (Formulation), Watson Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. (India) will chair the event.
"DIA needs to continue to grow globally and to better meet its members' needs in the areas of information exchange, education, and networking opportunities, especially in pharma's emerging markets," explains McGoldrick. "With the Mumbai office in operation, the DIA will have the opportunity to regularly and consistently offer conferences and training courses that meet the needs of the pharmaceutical professionals in India and surrounding regions."
Conference participants will have a unique opportunity to:
- discuss the evolving Indian and global regulatory environment,
- recognize the requirements of Indian regulations,
- discuss future drug development science,
- identify current challenges around quality, safety, and efficacy, and
- evaluate international trends and global harmonization opportunities.
The clinical trials industry in India has grown from $30M in 2002 to more than $100M in 2006. Analysts predict that this market will balloon to more than $1B by 2010 with nearly 20 percent of all global clinical trials conducted in India by 2010.
"With such a rapidly growing industry, India has an accelerating need for a credible, international, neutral forum that brings together industry, academia, and regulators to educate drug development professionals," explains Ron Fitzmartin, President of DIA's Board of Directors. "In addition, many North American and European drug development professionals who already utilize DIA for its multidisciplinary perspective are also interested in getting current updates on the Indian pharmaceutical landscape as it continues to evolve and grow."
About the Drug Information Association (DIA)
The Drug Information Association (DIA) serves more than 30,000 professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and regulatory industries worldwide. Through its domestic and international meetings, training courses, workshops and webinars, DIA provides a neutral global forum for the exchange of information critical to the advancement of the drug discovery and lifecycle management processes. Headquartered in Horsham, PA, USA, and with offices in Basel, Switzerland, Tokyo, Japan, and Mumbai, India, the Association is led by its volunteer-based Board of Directors and executive management team. For more information, visit
www.diahome.org.
SOURCE: The Drug Information Association (DIA)