WHO IGWG draft strategy

In August 2006 the World Health Organization (WHO) established the WHO Intergovernmental Working Group on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property (IGWG). The IGWG must deliver by May 2008 a “global strategy and plan of action” for boosting research and development (R&D) of medicines for non-prioritized or neglected diseases, predominantly found in developing countries.

Timeline

• The IGWG released a draft global strategy and plan of action (for boosting R&D of medicines for non-prioritized or neglected diseases, predominantly found in developing countries) on July 31, 2007.
• This draft global strategy will form the basis of the next round of IGWG negotiations that are scheduled for Nov 5-10, 2007.
• The IGWG is to make its’ final recommendations to the WHO in January of 2008 and the global strategy is to be completed by May 2008.

Summary of IGWG Draft Key Recommendations
The report is organized into eight elements: Prioritizing Research & Development (R&D) Needs; Promoting R&D; Building and Improving Innovative Capacity; Transfer of Technology; Management of Intellectual Property; Increasing Delivery and Access; Ensuring Sustainable Financing Mechanisms; and Establishing Monitoring and Reporting Systems.

The following paper outlines the main points in the IGWG report, as well as highlighting certain issues of particular interest for patients.