On November 19th, ASBM participated in the Expert Patient Advocates and 21st Century Therapies Forum held in Toronto, Ontario. The forum was sponsored by the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD), which works with governments, researchers, clinicians and industry to promote research, diagnosis, treatment and services for all rare disorders in Canada. 

ASBM Executive Director Michael Reilly joined a patient advocate, researchers and representatives from the biologic and pharmaceutical industry in a panel discussion on “Innovation in Medicines”. The panel was chaired by Mark Lundie, Director, Medical Affairs, Rare Diseases, Pfizer Canada Inc., Toronto.  Innovations discussed included new biologic and biosimilar therapies, the repurposing of old therapies, targeted drug discovery, and adaptive clinical trials.  Prior to the discussion, Mr. Reilly gave a 15-minute presentation on the benefits of biosimilars, highlighting policy challenges which regulators must address to safely bring these to patients. Mr. Reilly’s presentation may be viewed here.