IFPMA, the international association representing the innovative biopharmaceutical industry, welcomes the G-FINDER 2016[1] results, which shows that industry consolidated its status as a main funder of neglected disease R&D in 2015. These R&D efforts are a critical area where the research-based biopharmaceutical industry supports the global health community in putting an end to some of the most prevalent and debilitating neglected diseases that affect the world’s most vulnerable people. Such actions are complemented with donations, preferential pricing, technology transfer, and capacity building.

The latest G-FINDER finds that “Industry investment in neglected disease R&D in 2015 was the highest ever recorded in the G-FINDER survey”. The pharmaceutical industry contributed USD471m to global R&D efforts, and is the only sector (compared to public and philanthropic sectors) to have recorded year-on-year growth for the last four years. Multinational pharmaceutical companies have made the highest levels of investment in malaria (USD141m), tuberculosis (USD92m) and HIV (USD47m), respectively. Additionally, R&D for Ebola saw an unprecedented increase in 2015, driven by industry investment (USD226m)[2]. The report also notes that industry funding is less concentrated than public and philanthropic funding, and as such has the potential to be a more stable funding source, as there are a large number of companies active in the field, with a relatively even spread of investment between them.

Addressing major global health issues like neglected diseases requires concerted action and commitment from a broad range of actors. Industry engages in a variety of multi-sectoral research models to ensure that new generations of treatments and interventions are discovered, despite low commercial incentives.

Ending suffering from neglected diseases is achievable, and IFPMA member companies tackle this challenge in a holistic manner. In January 2012, the industry pledged 14 billion donated treatments to control or eliminate the ten neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) responsible for more than 90% of the global NTD burden (see London Declaration). In 2015 alone, an estimated 1.5 billion treatments have been distributed. IFPMA companies are also engaged in over 40 partnerships to strengthen health system capacities and improve public awareness on disease prevention (see IFPMA Health Partnerships Directory).

Towards wider efforts to control the spread of emerging infectious diseases, the industry has recently contributed to combatting antimicrobial resistance (Declaration by the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology and Diagnostics Industries on Combating Antimicrobial Resistance, January 2016) and defending against future pandemics (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), January 2017).

About IFPMA:

IFPMA represents research-based pharmaceutical companies and associations across the globe. The research-based pharmaceutical industry’s 2 million employees research, develop and provide medicines and vaccines that improve the life of patients worldwide. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community find solutions that improve global health.

Morgane De Pol
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
m.depol@ifpma.org
+41 22 338 32 00

Sadia Kaenzig
Manager, Communications
s.kaenzig@ifpma.org
+41 22 338 32 00

For further information, please contact:

^[2] Funding for Ebola and other African viral haemorrhagic fevers has been analysed separately in this year’s G-Finder report.
[1] G-FINDER project has tracked and reported on global investments into neglected disease research and development (R&D) since 2008. This latest report covers 39 diseases (including Ebola and other African viral haemorrhagic fevers, which have been analysed separately), 151 product areas for these diseases, including drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, microbicides and vector control products. The G-FINDER survey is conducted by the independent research group Policy Cures and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About IFPMA

IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.

To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.

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Elliot Dunster e.dunster@ifpma.org