New IFPMA-Backed Report On R&D For Diseases In Developing Countries

By Matthew Gibson for Intellectual Property Watch

With the launch of a new report concerning research and development for diseases predominately afflicting developing countries, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) today convened a panel of public health specialists to discuss the findings.

The report, entitled “Assembling the Pharmaceutical R&D Puzzle for Needs in the Developing World,” was released earlier today. The report aims to identify and close the gaps in the R&D process through emphasis on integration, providing incentives for innovation, and an effort to de-link research costs from the final price of medicines.

Information about the event, including the report, is here.

The IFPMA-commissioned report was authored by Meir Perez Pugatch, managing director of the Pugatch Consilium, a consulting group. “Our study … concludes that increasing R&D is best achieved with a combination of mechanisms,” Pugatch said in a release. “In other words, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach.”

IFPMA Director General Eduardo Pisani said in the release that the report contributes to the policymaking process through “an evidence-based approach.” He said industry regularly adapts its R&D process, but that “some gaps remain.” Solutions should be found through R&D that “builds on existing models,” he said.

Pugatch and his colleague, Rachel Chu were joined on the panel by Pascale Boulet of Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative and Thiru Balasubramaniam of Knowledge Ecology International. Both speakers stressed the importance of de-linkage and integration regarding the R&D process and addressed the role of the World Health Organization in achieving these ends. Chris Gray, a representative of Pfizer, presented the private sector viewpoint and highlighted the work that pharmaceutical firms undertake to align with the goals presented by the other speakers with regard to keeping medicine costs low and streamline the R&D process.

Matthew Gibson is an intern at Intellectual Property Watch. He is a student at Colgate University (US).