Notice - Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) International Regulatory Forum 2012

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August 10, 2012

Our reference number: 12-114004-34

Building on the continued success of our annual regulatory forum, Health Canada's Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) is pleased to offer our fourth International Regulatory Forum (IRF) in Ottawa, Canada from September 24-28, 2012.

The 2012 Forum will provide a detailed overview of the Canadian regulatory process for health products, throughout the pre- and post-market product life cycle. Specific health products to be examined will be: Biologics, Vaccines (Lot Release Course), Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Natural Health Products (newly introduced for the first time since 2009).

To encourage interactive regulatory discussions, the Forum is only open to participants from Regulatory Agencies internationally. Through this approach, we hope to create a dynamic environment where participants can learn from each others' regulatory experiences and expertise.

Sessions will involve individual and panel presentations, discussion opportunities and parallel sessions where appropriate. Topics discussed will be broadly applicable to health product regulation, but may be of particular interest to countries currently developing their regulatory systems. As in previous years, all sessions and materials will be offered in English and French. Spanish interpretation will only be offered for specific products lines (to be confirmed shortly but tentatively anticipated to include Medical Devices and the Vaccines Lot Release Course). Please contact us at the below email address if you have questions about Spanish interpretation.

There is no registration fee for the Forum however participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

Program

The final program is currently under development and will posted on the Health Canada website as soon as possible.

Registration and Contact Information

Participation in the Forum is only open to Regulatory Authorities internationally.

To register for the HPFB International Regulatory Forum, please complete the attached registration form and send it by Email or Fax to:

HPFB Forum Registrar
Email: HPFB_Forum_DGPSA@hc-sc.gc.ca
Fax: 613-941-3694

Once HPFB has processed your registration, you will be sent an invitation letter and additional information. If you do not receive an invitation letter within two weeks, please contact us at the above Email or by telephone (613-946-6839) to ensure we have received your registration.

In your invitation letter, you will be asked to confirm your participation in the Forum.

While the current intent is to make this Forum available to all interested regulators, participation may be limited based on the size of the venue. In the event of very high demand, participation will be granted on a first come first served basis. We therefore suggest that interested participants submit their registration forms as early as possible.

Venue and Hotel Information

The HPFB International Regulatory Forum will be held from September 24-28, 2012 in Ottawa, Canada. The venue will be located in downtown Ottawa (about 15 minute drive from the airport) within walking distance to many hotels, restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions and in close proximity to bus and taxi services.