The first ever African regulatory conference will be held in Johannesburg, 5-6 February.

Johannesburg will hold the first ever African regulatory conference, 5-6 February 2008, in an effort to promote partnerships between the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory authorities.

Hosted by the Drug Information Association (DIA), in partnership with the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the conference aims to address the issue raised by industry professionals that South Africa appears underutilised as a clinical trial destination.

The DIA serves more than 30,000 industry professionals worldwide, while the EFPIA represents 2,100 companies that research and develop new medicines. The SADC consists of 14 Member States, and promotes economic growth and international cooperation.

The two-day conference will feature guest speakers and panel discussions, covering topics such as EU regulations, global and regional regulatory developments, and anti-counterfeiting initiatives. It will take place in the Indaba Hotel, Fourways Johannesburg, South Africa. Further information and registration details can be found on the DIA’s website at www.diahome.org or the EFPIA’s site at www.efpia.eu.