PIASA welcomes new members

PIASA - a trade association of companies involved in the manufacture and/or marketing of prescription medicines in South Africa - says it is delighted to have ACRO and Genop Healthcare on board. "We look forward to the unique contribution each organisation will make to the objectives of the association in terms of improving the health of all South Africans," says Vicki St Quintin, PIASA's chief operating officer.

ACRO (African Clinical Research Organisation) is also PIASA's first associate member. As a full-service, BEE contract research organisation, ACRO offers services to donor-funded organisations, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and government institutions in both Southern Africa and other African regions.

Providing a greater presence

Says Dakshina Reddy, senior manager for clinical regulatory affairs at ACRO: "PIASA represents a major share of South Africa's pharmaceutical industry. ACRO is a fairly new clinical research organisation and will benefit from PIASA's experience and expertise as the longest-standing industry association in the pharmaceutical sector. PIASA will provide our organisation with a greater presence in the industry and allow us to participate in industry and government activities."

Johannesburg-based Genop Healthcare, a subsidiary of the South African-owned Genop Holdings Ltd, represents Allergan and various international companies based in South Africa, and is active in the ophthalmic and aesthetic fields.

Gerald Seftel, CEO of Genop Healthcare says his organisation is pleased to be a member of PIASA and hopes to reap the benefits of greater involvement with the South African pharmaceutical industry. "Our membership will provide us with access to a current and relevant view of pharmaceutical affairs at a government and business level, so enabling us to make better, more informed decisions," he says.

PIASA currently represents 33% of South Africa's total private sector pharmaceutical industry. Members include foreign multinational pharmaceutical companies plus local and generic companies.