Public-Private Partnerships can Provide Benefits to Pharma, Countries and Individuals

CAPE TOWN - 8 May, 2012 - Growing awareness about the prevalence and effects of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) still remains hidden behind epidemics such as HIV AIDS, TB and malaria. Local and international governments, donor agencies and pharmaceutical companies are targeting these diseases and, in finding solutions, discoveries are being made, partnerships established and paths opened for the implementation of cost-effective results and new technologies.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.pharma.frost.com), Overview of the Orphan Diseases and Drugs Space in Sub-Saharan Africa, finds that public-private partnerships (PPPs) are driving the development of orphan drugs, allowing for more cost-effective methodologies and applications with extended reach and capabilities.

"One of the main drivers for neglected disease diagnosis, continued drug development, and production and distribution, is the motivation to be seen as a philanthropic social contributor, both nationally and internationally,” notes Frost & Sullivan’s Industry Analyst Megan Van Den Berg. "This generosity is vital if the neglected disease space is to be conquered."

The ability to pursue and test new, cost-effective, and appropriate research in drug development, and drug combinations, is dependent on the involvement and generosity of partnerships at all levels.

The need for appropriate, non-toxic and cost-effective drugs for neglected diseases, is essential if all targeted diseases are to be controlled or eliminated. Research is being carried out on the uses of ‘old’ or discontinued drugs as a means to treating neglected diseases.

Another area of focus is on the simultaneous use of multiple drugs to decrease the chances of drug resistance. Multiple drug combinations are being tested by institutions such as the DNDi, for their ability to overcome disease pathogens and their drug resistant mutations.

"The control and eradication of NTDs requires strong partnerships across multiple sectors," says Van Den Berg. "Control of NTDs requires coordination and sustainability on the part of both donors and national governments and a mechanism for holding all partners accountable for commitments made is vital."

At present, uncoordinated partnership activities overburden developing countries with multiple delivery systems, cumbersome monitoring and reporting requirements, duplicated efforts, and fragmented results.

"Collaboration across a range of institutions and disease areas is needed, in order to structure an integrated NTD control approach and scale-up," advises Van Den Berg. "The profile of NTDs needs to be raised on development agendas to generate awareness and political commitment in order to achieve the required rapid implementation of disease control programmes."

Partnering with initiatives, such as the International Health Partnership, is required to facilitate joint planning among partners in collaboration with ministries of health.

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail with your contact details to Samantha James, Corporate Communications, at samantha.james@frost.com.

Overview of the Orphan Diseases and Drugs Space in Sub-Saharan Africa is part of the Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: The Market for Testing and Monitoring Key Diseases in East Africa. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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Overview of the Orphan Diseases and Drugs Space in Sub-Saharan Africa
M70B-52

Contact:

Samantha James
Corporate Communications – Africa
P: +27 21 680 3574
F: +27 21 680 3296
E: samantha.james@frost.com

http://www.frost.com