The annual event for the global generic medicines industry, Sixth Annual International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance (IGPA) Conference, is to be held in Cascais, Portugal from June 30 to July 2, 2003. The seminar - now in its third year - is intended to provide generic companies with information and insights into strategies for new product introduction into the U.S. market.

The interplay between patent and regulatory issues will be closely examined. Orange Book issues will be discussed as they apply to patent litigation, litigation avoidance, and long term planning, with an eye to not only gaining market entry, but also responding to, and anticipating, strategies of branded companies. Also covered are recent developments and trends - judicial, legislative and regulatory - and possible future changes.

The other topics to be covered include, the Orange Book and patent certification, The Hatch-Waxman amendments, the future of Bolar and Hatch-Waxman, patent term extensions, marketing and information exclusivities, planning for strategies of branded pharmaceuticals and developing pro-active strategies for generics.

The IGPA conference provides a unique opportunity for networking and for gaining the latest information on the commercial, regulatory and legal fields affecting our industry.