The World Health Organisation (WHO) has entrusted the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chandigarh to conduct a systematic study on the impact of TRIPS on pharmaceutical prices with specific focus on generics.

As part of the study, NIPER will organise a workshop on the topic on February 14, 2005. According to organisers, professionals from pharmaceutical industry, officers of drug procurement agencies, policy makers in healthcare sector, IPR professionals, regulatory personnel, consumer groups, NGOs and various representatives from the government are to participate in the workshop.

The WHO-sponsored workshop is to critically examine the TRIPS agreement, especially with regard to its impact on pharmaceutical prices in India (specially generics) and suggest remedial measures, if any. It will have three sessions, covering the impact of TRIPS on Pharmaceutical R&D, on drug prices and on the availability of drugs.

Any correspondence in relation to the workshop can be directed at fax 0172-2214692 or email to trips@niper.ac.in or director@niper.ac.in.