The event provided the ideal setting for Octapharma USA to unveil its new exhibition booth.  The design of the 20x40 foot booth was based on Octapharma's corporate water theme and featured an impressive 15 ft tall water wall, under-floor lighting and a number of other innovative and unique features.

Octapharma booth at NHIA

Soft lighting, cooling refreshments and bubbling fish tanks helped to attract a constant stream of visitors. Deliberately absent from the booth were any overt marketing materials.  This approach was much appreciated by delegates who felt relaxed in the zen-like environment. This led to many, beneficial business and clinical discussions with existing and potential new customers.

	Groundbreaking symposium Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Octapharma

Aside from the exhibit, Octapharma USA sponsored a hugely successful satellite symposia.  Despite a 06h45 start, the CME event entitled: Adverse Events Associated with IGIV: Clinical, Economic and Legal Risk Reduction attracted over 400 delegates.

Chaired by Katherine Werner of NHIA the symposium featured three speakers:

Tom Schleis, Medical Affairs Manager, Octapharma USA , provided information on the nature of adverse events associated with IVIG and the clinical and economic consequences of suffering such an event.

Alan Winchester, a litigation attorney with Harris Beach PLLC gave an excellent and thought-provoking presentation on the potential legal implications of prescribing, selecting and administering IVIG.  He explained how those involved with the purchase, preparation or administration of IVIG cannot absolve themselves of responsibility just because they are not the person prescribing the product.  In law, pharmacists, nurses and infusionists are also regarded as “learned intermediaries” and could potentially be sued for medical malpractice if they fail to demonstrate adequate duty of care.  Purchasers were similarly warned of the dangers of selecting products based on price alone and were reminded that juries are rarely sympathetic to either individuals or corporations that are seen to put profits over people.

Finally, Judi Miller, Medical Affairs Director, Octapharma USA, provided practical advice on measures to reduce adverse events and thereby the potential financial, clinical and legal costs.


Further information on NHIA can be obtained here.

(Please note that clicking on this link will take you outside of the Octapharma web site)


© Octapharma AG, 2006