On 16 October 2024 in Geneva, IFPMA delivered a statement at the 36th meeting of WIPO’s Standing Committee on Patents, on technology transfer. 

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufactures and Associations (IFPMA) represents the leading research-based biopharmaceutical companies as well as national and regional industry associations around the world. We appreciate the opportunity to deliver our statement on the topic of technology transfer.

Pharmaceutical technology transfers are complex processes that require significant time, resources, and critical enablers for success. These transfers require precision, expertise in manufacturing, understanding of cutting-edge science and technologies, an adherence to the highest regulatory standards for safety and quality. It is also important to understand that technology transfers are not rapid undertakings – they can take many years and significant investments to ensure success.

At the heart of effective technology transfers is a robust, stable and predictable intellectual property framework, coupled with finding the right partner, with the right expertise and experience to collaborate with.

In our experience, technology transfers have only been successful when entered into on a voluntary and on mutually agreed basis. These points have been highlighted in a IFPMA publication on technology transfer and further reiterated at various different fora, including at an event we hosted in Geneva, where we brought together 10 companies, licensee and licensors that partnered to deliver vaccines and treatments in response to COVID-19, at the World Health Summit 2023 and earlier this year at the WTO Ministerial Conference.

We would also like to highlight four key factors that can help facilitate access: (1) a stable and robust innovation ecosystem and IP framework; (2) open trade, including the removal of trade restrictions and tariffs; (3) strengthened upstream and downstream supply chains, including streamlined customs regulations; and (4) strengthened regulatory systems across the world. These challenges have been highlighted in the Trade and Health Paper, 2022 jointly published by the pharmaceutical trade associations, including IFPMA and in the WIPO-MPP study that was launched earlier this year.

IFPMA and its members stand ready to engage on experience sharing on voluntary collaborations and technology transfers.

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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Media Contact

Elliot Dunster e.dunster@ifpma.org