Sandoz Canada GM to lead new CGPA Biosimilars Board

TORONTO - The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association announced Tuesday the establishment of a new CGPA Biosimilars Board and the election of Michel Robidoux, president and general manager of Sandoz Canada, as its inaugural chair.

 

"The establishment of the new CGPA Biosimilars Board signifies the focus our industry is placing on ensuring that Canada is a viable market for the production and sale of biosimilar treatments," said Robidoux. "The establishment of clear rules for the approval and reimbursement of cost-saving biosimilar products in Canada is essential for the ongoing sustainability of both public and employer-sponsored drug plans, and to ensure that more Canadians can gain access to the treatments they need."

 

"We have an important role to play in educating patients, prescribers and drug plan sponsors on biosimilar products," Robidoux added. "As the worldwide biosimilars market continues to rapidly evolve with more products becoming available, we will bring that international experience to Canada."

 

Robidoux was appointed president and general manager for Sandoz Canada in 2010 and has more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, generic, consumer and medical device industry. He originally joined Sandoz Canada as VP sales in 2008. Before joining Sandoz, Robidoux was VP at Roche for various business units within the company such as Diabetes Care, Professional Diagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics and also Applied Science. Prior to Roche, he worked at Bayer for seven years in sales and marketing.