[e-drug] R&D Appeal calls govts to boost innovation for neglected diseases(3)

["Joao Carapinha" <carapinhaj@therapy.wits.ac.za>]

E-DRUG: R&D Appeal calls govts to boost innovation for neglected diseases (3)
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Dear Bonface Fundafunda:

I read with interest your contribution on neglected diseases and IP.
However, the comment: "I do not believe it would
work to force this process, which is easily handled through enterprise
arrangements" requires some consideration. It suggests that the market
is able to resolve the issue under discussion - the appropriate
allocation of R&D resources to neglected diseases. I maintain that the
market has failed and is therefore unable to resolve the distributional
inequalities of R&D resources. The problem is the failure of governments
in developing countries to intervene. I posit that the "enabling
environment" discussed below must be facilitated by a firm
government-led intervention in partnership with the local industry and
international players. Moreover, I do not believe that technology would
be transferred spontaneously without an incentive. Rather, well designed
contractual arrangements that remain sensitive to the economic
development needs of a country is what is needed. 

Regards
 
João L. Carapinha
 
Director
Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy Program
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa
www.wits.ac.za/pharmacy/practice 
 
Tel: +27 (11) 7172269
Fax: +27 (11) 6424355
"Joao Carapinha" <carapinhaj@therapy.wits.ac.za>