For immediate release
Statement by the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association on Conclusion
of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Trade Negotiations
Toronto, October 5, 2015 – Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) made the following statement regarding the announcement ofMinisters in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries today that the negotiations have concluded:
“The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) welcomes the assurances outlined in the summary documentsreleased today by the Government of Canada that the final TPP text will require no changes to Canada’s intellectual property laws for pharmaceuticals, beyond the commitments that have already been made under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Canada has reached with the European Union.
Extensive pharmaceutical intellectual property provisions tabled in the TPP negotiations prior to Canada’s entry were of great concern to Canada’s generic pharmaceutical industry, provincial governments and others in Canada who pay for prescription medicines.Had they been adopted, the provisions would have delayed competition from lower-cost generic prescription medicines and increased health-care costs for Canadians.
The provisions would also have also been harmful to Canada’s domestic generic pharmaceutical industry and its ability to manufacture and export medicines. The generic pharmaceutical industry directly employs more than 10,000 Canadians and has an extensive manufacturing base in Canada. In addition to supplying the Canadian market, CGPA member companies export made-in-Canada medicines to more than 115 countries, including Canada’s TPP partners.
CGPA awaits the release of the final text, and will be conducting a full legal analysis to confirmthe assurances provided today.
CGPA also looks forward to working closely with the Government of Canada to implement the pharmaceutical intellectual property commitments made under both CETA and TPP,– including reforms to Canada’s patent linkage system to end the harmful practice of dual litigation – in a manner that is least disruptive to generic pharmaceutical manufacturers, public and private payers, and Canadian patients.
CGPA is concerned regarding the expansive intellectual property provisions that have been included in the TPP agreement, and notes the provisions will have a negative impact on access to medicines for some TPP partners.”
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Media Contact:
Jeff Connell
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA)
Tel: (416) 223-2333
Mobile: (647) 274-3379
Email:
Website:
Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association
4120 Yonge Street, Suite 409, Toronto, OntarioM2P 2B8 Tel: (416) 223-2333 Fax: (416) 223-2425