Asthma Society of Canada Highlights the Boost to Innovation and Research CETA's Intellectual Property Provisions Will Provide

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sep 26, 2014) - On the occasion of the Canada-European Union (EU) Summit, where Canada hosted Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, the Asthma Society of Canada once again reiterated the link between a stronger intellectual property (IP) regime and the encouragement of research and development of new medications for people with asthma. Stronger IP protections are contained in the Canada-European Union comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) which was celebrated today during the summit.

"Fostering an environment that encourages new drug options and increases the research and development that leads to new treatments is critical for people suffering from asthma," said Dr. Rob Oliphant, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma Society of Canada. "That's why the stronger protection of intellectual property provisions contained in this agreement will help boost this crucial research which is good for asthma sufferers and their loved ones."

Intellectual property provisions that are part of the agreement include stronger data protection for the innovation-driven, life sciences sector, more stable and predictable rules for litigation and appeal and fairer dispute resolution mechanisms. The Government of Canada has also stated that should any provisions of the CETA generate cost impacts on provincial and territorial governments, the federal government is prepared to offer compensation to affected jurisdictions.

The vision at the Asthma Society of Canada is to empower every child and adult in Canada with asthma to live an active and symptom-free life by advancing optimal self-management, prevention, research and health care.

Dr. Robert Oliphant is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma Society of Canada.