Come and join us in Bengaluru (Bangalore) for the 7th Asian Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology.

Since the first Asian Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology (ACPE) held in Shanghai, China in 2006, five ACPEs have been organized. They were held in Tokyo (2007 and 2010), Seoul (2008), and Tainan (2009), Beijing 2011. Now the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE), JSS University (JSSU) and the Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) have joined to host the 7th ACPE, which will be held from October 26-28, 2012 in Bengaluru, India.

On behalf of the 7th ACPE Steering Committee, we would like to welcome you to Bengaluru to meet together for discussion of progress made by fellow scientists and practitioners in drug safety and effectiveness research. This work has resulted in improved safety and judiciousness of use of medicines in treating and preventing disease both globally, and in the Asia Pacific region specifically.

The theme of ACPE 7 is 'Medication safety and effectiveness: Building evidence through good pharmacoepidemiology practice'. The meeting will feature notable international experts who will address the latest developments and challenges in pharmacoepidemiology both in plenary as well as symposia sessions. Sessions in which researchers and clinical practitioners are invited to present and discuss their own research and clinical experiences in drug utilization and pharmacovigilance have always been an integral part of ACPE meetings.

Two pre-conference educational programs are also available to registrants. One provides a workshop-style introduction to pharmacoepidemiology skills suited for the Indian context, led by outstanding international teachers in the field, and the other covers more advanced topics in pharmacoepidemiology delivered by renowned international experts. ACPE7 will include exhibits, social events and other opportunities to meet and share experiences with colleagues from India, Asia and all around the world.

We will warmly welcome colleagues and friends joining us in October 2012 for this important scientific meeting where Pharmacoepidemiology, more effective drug utilization, and better medication risk management will be the prime focus.