The Industry-Government Forum on Access to Medicines (IGFAM)

What is IGFAM?

The Industry-Government Forum on Access to Medicines (IGFAM) brings together the research-based pharmaceutical industry and UK government department representatives to discuss topical issues on improving access to quality and affordable medicines in developing countries. The group also commissions research and stimulates discussion on policy issues with a wider audience.

Background

In 2005 the Government published a policy paper that set out a framework for pharmaceutical companies on good practice in increasing access to medicines in developing countries. In 2008 a review of the framework and its impact was commissioned. The review recommended industry and Government continue to work together to facilitate better and sustainable access to medicines in developing countries. As a result IGFAM was launched in October 2009.

IGFAM Joint Chairs

Sarah Jones, Head of Trade Policy & Development and interim Head of International Institutions and Strategy, Intellectual Property Office

Jon Pender, Vice President, IP and Access, Global Health , GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

IGFAM Members

IGFAM membership, especially on the government side, may vary depending on the focus of the Forum at any particular time. Currently active members include:

• American Pharmaceutical Group (APG)
• Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
• British Pharmaceutical Group (BPG)
• Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
• Department of Health (DH)
• Department for International Development (DFID)
• Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
• Japanese Pharmaceutical Group (JPG)
• Gilead

Contact details

Please email the IGFAM Secretariat or Mary Hockney if you require any additional information or minutes of the IGFAM meetings.