IP Philippines and DOH discuss IRR of Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008. Atty. Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. (left) Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) and Undersecretary Alex A. Padilla (right) of the Department of Health recently discussed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9502 or the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008 to members of the Intellectual Property Alumni Association Inc. (IPAA). RA 9502, which is expected to make quality medicines more affordable, amends specific sections of RA 8293 (Intellectual Property Code), RA 6675 (The Generic Act of 1988), and RA 5921 (The Pharmacy Law). Issues relating to parallel importation, safety and efficacy of imported medicines, and the P100 program of DOH drew the most number of inquiries and comments from the participants. Shown with Atty. Cristobal and Usec Padilla is Atty. Estrella Abelardo, Director of IP Philippines’ Bureau of Legal Affairs and President of IPAA.

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