IFPMA launches pediatric task force

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations has created a special pediatric task force, to enhance the contribution of industry expertise to the task of improving the availability of medicines and vaccines for children. The unit will work with relevant international and non-governmental organizations to identify and address opportunities for the systematic expansion of medicine development for younger age groups.

The IFPMA's director general, Alicia Greenidge, said the task force will "address...the various obstacles to developing more medicines adapted for children, especially for the developing world." Specific issues for the group include identifying appropriate drug dosage forms and strengths for children (starting with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and chronic diseases), encouraging R&D for therapies against diseases that specifically affect children, and ensuring high quality and ethical standards in pediatric trials.