On May 23rd-24th, ASBM attended the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations 8th Global Patients Congress.
The meeting was attended by approximately 80 different patient groups and 130 participants from around the globe which convene on a number of health topics—including sessions on how best to engage regulators worldwide and a 101 on biosimilar medicines. ASBM also hosted a booth which highlighted the importance of the harmonization of naming schemes for biologics and biosimilars and included a poster presentation of results from physicians in 12 countries surveyed by ASBM. View the poster here.
At the meeting ASBM Steering Committee member and Global Colon Cancer Association Executive Director, Andrew Spiegel, was named as the Chair-elect to be IAPO Chairman in August of 2020.
“We send ASBM’s congratulations to Andy for his recognition as a top notch global patient advocate and look forward to his leadership at IAPO,” stated Dr. Madelaine Feldman, ASBM Chair.
ASBM Welcomes New Member Esperantra
At the 2018 IAPO meeting, ASBM engaged with many patient organizations and as a result would like to welcome Esperantra to ASBM membership.
Esperantra is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of contributing to the reduction of cancer mortality in Peru by improving the quality of life of cancer patients, and advocating for equality in access to quality treatments and to innovative care. Esperantra is the first organization of its kind to provide information and support, and to advocate on behalf of cancer patients through its different programs. Their mission is to inform, educate and empower people to achieve a timely diagnosis through prevention programs and to access treatments to control the disease.
Through the meeting of Director Karla Ruiz De Castilla Yabar, ASBM learned that Esperantra has been following regulations in their country on biologic medicines and been active in giving lectures on the issue.
We welcome Esperantra to ASBM’s membership—especially as we tackle such global issues as the naming of biologics and biosimilars,” stated ASBM Executive Director, Michael Reilly. “All patients, no matter what continent they live, should be able to benefit from knowing that their medicines are safe and effective. The harmonization of biologic naming will benefit all patients, no matter where they are being treated.”
Learn more about Esperantra here.