Neglected tropical diseases impair the lives of more than 1 billion people, primarily in the developing world. Although funding for global health, including research and development (R&D) for neglected diseases, has increased substantially during the last two decades, it is essential to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of current R&D models to ensure that these investments are working to successfully deliver new life-saving products to those who need them most. But the absence of systematic tracking of the neglected disease pipelines that feed new product approvals makes evaluating this work no easy task.

 

Recognizing this, BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) collected and reviewed data from our Global Health Primer to -- for the first time -- shed light on the different types of organizations that are participating in product development for 23 neglected diseases. The results of our analysis are detailed in a new report, Developing New Drugs and Vaccines for Neglected Diseases of the Poor: The Product Developer Landscape.

 

Looking more closely at the proportion of products that different types of developers are involved in revealed that: 

• There are 104 biotechnology companies participating in 41% of all projects, surprisingly high numbers given that small companies face larger financial hurdles for participation in neglected disease R&D than larger pharmaceutical companies.
• Product development partnerships (PDPs) are participating in the development of 40% of products. The percentage of projects with no PDP development partner is intriguing considering the focus of investment in neglected disease R&D through the PDP model.
• Although 13 of the 20 large pharmaceutical companies are participating, the majority of products with pharmaceutical company participation are in development by a minority companies.
• Academic and research institution participation is broad and deep, but often under recognized. This is an area of potential growth as translational research becomes an increased focus of key funders, such as the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Although participation varies by organization type, it is clear that each of these organizations is positively contributing to neglected disease R&D. Future programs and initiatives aimed to fill gaps in the neglected disease pipelines should be tailored to reflect the unique needs, obstacles, and opportunities these groups face.

 

The database supporting this analysis will allow BVGH to monitor trends and changes in both developer participation and product pipelines moving forward. In concert with data on U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approvals and neglected disease R&D funding, BVGH hopes this data will inform the evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of neglected disease R&D models.

 

The findings of this report are a source of optimism and are complementary to other reports. BVGH hopes the reported findings stimulate discussion and action in the neglected disease R&D space to help shape a healthier world. 

Since Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine in 1796, researchers -- harnessing the innovative spirit of biotechnology -- have made tremendous progress in our ability to prevent deadly infections, ensuring the health of our children and laying the foundation for their productive adulthoods. To continue this success, global leaders must deliver on the potential of the biotech industry to prevent, treat, and cure debilitating diseases around the world.

 

Through thought-provoking educational sessions and one-on-one meetings at the 2012 BIO International Convention, the global health community has the chance to strengthen partnerships with biotech that can transform health care solutions and access for the world's poorest.

 

This "Global Event for Biotechnology," held June 18-21 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, will bring together key decision-makers, global health leaders, and others interested in potential partnerships and collaborations that promote health research worldwide.

 

The Convention program will focus on addressing the most pressing challenges in global health. For example, the Orphan Disease Forum held June 19 from 8:00a.m.-5:00 p.m. will explore orphan drug markets, best practices in targeted drug development, value creation in U.S. orphan markets, and novel approval pathways for rare and orphan diseases.

 

The more than 125 sessions are broken into 13 education tracks on topics important to the global health and biotech communities, including:

 

Global Innovations and Markets

• Exploring Innovative Models for Investment in Global Health: A Discussion About Unique Partnerships in Working Towards Solutions for Global Health
• International Solutions to Pandemic Problems -- It Takes More Than Just a Village
• Innovative Approaches to Financing R&D for Global Health

Innovations in Vaccines

• Vaccines Beyond 2012: Sustainable Business Solutions to Accelerate Global Access
• Implementing the WHO Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework -- Industry's Role and Outlook
• Leveraging New Development Paradigms to Address Infectious Diseases in the 21st  Century

More broadly, the BIO International Convention will highlight the latest trends and the newest opportunities for executives, investors, scientists, policy leaders, and media from around the world. Speakers at the sessions will share breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, the environment, energy production, business operations, financing, partnerships, policy issues, as well as food and agriculture.

 

The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum, a unique platform for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, investors, and other product developers from around the world to gather and discuss strategic opportunities.

 

Visit convention.bio.org for the most up-to-date program and speaker information, and to register today.