Monday, January 8, 2024
Geneva, Switzerland
The International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA), representing global manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines, announced today that Suzette Kox, the first IGBA Secretary General, has passed on the baton to Dr. Susana Almeida.
With over 20 years of substantial contribution to the role of the European and international generic and biosimilar medicines industry’s trade bodies, Susana also brings significant experience in the process of international harmonisation of standards through the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH).
“I could not be happier to join IGBA! It is my firm belief that the generic and biosimilar medicines industry plays a vital role in fostering patient access to quality-assured medicines at sustainable cost. I look forward to working with IGBA members to make our voice heard. A strong off patent sector is essential to a healthy medicines ecosystem”, commented Susana Almeida
“Susana Almeida is joining the IGBA at a crucial time for access to medicines. Her strong international regulatory, policy and business experience will help the generic and biosimilar medicines industry fulfil its vital public health mission in partnership with our stakeholders. I’m excited to work with her and with Vinita Gupta from Lupin chairing our CEO Advisory Committee to drive much needed reforms to medicines policies across the globe”, said Adrian van den Hoven, Director General of Medicines for Europe, who has taken over the position of IGBA Chair for 2024 from David Gaugh, Interim President and CEO of the U.S. Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM). “
Dr. Shinichiro Hirose, Director of International Affairs at the Japan Generic Medicines Association (JGA) steps in as 2024 IGBA Vice-Chair.
“IGBA thanks Suzette for her leadership during these past 5 years, which established IGBA as an indispensable actor in global health conversations”, commented David Gaugh. “A major milestone was achieved in 2023 by establishing an International External Engagement Committee, and by co-organizing with WHO the first joint action plan meeting to expand equitable and sustainable access to generic and biosimilar medicines, building from the existing WHO-IGBA workplan and forming the foundation for ongoing dialogue and coordination”, Gaugh concluded.
-ENDS-
Media inquiries:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au
ABOUT IGBA
About IGBA: The International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA) strengthens cooperation between associations representing manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines from around the world. Adopting a patient centric approach, IGBA works to improve patients’ access to quality assured, safe and cost-effective medicines by promoting competition and enabling innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and sustainable economic contributions for all stakeholders. For more details, regarding IGBA and its member associations, see the IGBA website at: www.igbamedicines.org.
ABOUT GBMA
The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) is the peak representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. Its members ensure that all Australians are offered the highest quality generic and biosimilar medicines in the world whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.
For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au
