The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA) represents the worldwide research-based pharmaceutical industry and manufacturers of prescription medicines generally. The Federation has a central role in the exchange of information within the international industry, and in the development of position statements on matters of policy. It is also the main channel of communication between the industry and various international organizations that are concerned with health and trade-related issues, including the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Advisory Committees have been established on patent protection (Intellectual Protection Coordination Committee), on health economics, (Health Economics Advisory Group), on public affairs (Public Affairs Committee), on international economics (Advisory Committee on Trade and Economics), on Internet related matters (Internet Task Force), and on biological and biotechnological products (Biologicals Committee). Other scientific matters are referred, for advice, to a panel of Scientific Coordinators within the IFPMA Member Associations. Ad hoc groups are convened when required, to undertake specific tasks, such as the preparation of publications and symposia.