Pandemic Medicine: Why the Global Innovation System Is Broken, and How We Can Fix It

The global pharmaceutical industry has failed to bring to market drugs that cure disease, despite advances in modern medicine and Covid vaccines. Kathryn Ibata-Arens analyses the rise and decline of the global innovation system for new drug development and proposes a policy framework for fast-tracking the implementation of new discoveries and preparing for future pandemics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 217 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Lynne Rienner Publishers Inc

Despite a century of remarkable advancements in modern medicine, as well as the swift development of COVID-19 vaccines, the global pharmaceutical industry has largely failed to bring to market drugs that effectively cure diseases. This failure raises several compelling questions. Why has the industry struggled to develop such treatments? And what can be done to address this issue?

Looking further, how can government policies stimulate investment in the development of curative drugs? Is there an untapped potential for natural medicines in new drug discovery? How have private-public sector partnerships transformed the ways we innovate? To what extent are medicinal plant biodiversity and human health codependent?

Addressing these critical questions is essential to understanding the rise and decline of the global innovation system for new drug development and proposing a policy framework for fast-tracking the implementation of new discoveries and preparing for future pandemics.

Kathryn Ibata-Arens, in her insightful analysis, delves into the complexities of the global innovation system for new drug development. She explores the factors contributing to the industry's inability to deliver effective cures and proposes a comprehensive policy framework to address these challenges.

One of the key findings of Ibata-Arens's research is that the global pharmaceutical industry is driven by short-term profits rather than long-term health outcomes. This focus on profitability has led to a lack of investment in research and development for curative drugs. Additionally, the regulatory environment and intellectual property laws have created barriers to innovation, making it difficult for new companies to enter the market and develop breakthrough treatments.

To overcome these challenges, Ibata-Arens proposes a policy framework that emphasizes the importance of investing in research and development for curative drugs. This includes measures such as increasing government funding for research, streamlining regulatory processes, and promoting open innovation and collaboration.

Furthermore, Ibata-Arens highlights the potential of natural medicines in new drug discovery. She argues that many traditional medicines have been used for centuries to treat diseases and that there is still much to be learned from these natural sources. By promoting research and development in natural medicines, the global pharmaceutical industry can tap into this untapped potential and develop more effective and affordable treatments.

Private-public sector partnerships have also played a significant role in transforming the ways we innovate. By bringing together private companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, these partnerships can accelerate the development and commercialization of new treatments. They can also provide access to resources and expertise that may not be available within individual organizations.

However, Ibata-Arens notes that there are challenges associated with private-public sector partnerships, such as concerns about transparency and accountability. She proposes measures such as establishing clear guidelines and regulations for these partnerships and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are shared equitably.

Medicinal plant biodiversity and human health are closely interconnected, and Ibata-Arens argues that preserving these ecosystems is essential for promoting human health. She highlights the importance of protecting medicinal plants and promoting sustainable use of these resources. This can be achieved through policies that promote conservation and sustainable agriculture, as well as initiatives that promote the use of traditional medicine and promote the conservation of medicinal plant species.

In conclusion, the global pharmaceutical industry has faced significant challenges in developing effective cures for diseases. Despite a century of advancements, the industry has largely failed to bring to market drugs that effectively cure diseases. To address this issue, government policies must stimulate investment in research and development for curative drugs, promote open innovation and collaboration, and prioritize the preservation of medicinal plant biodiversity. Private-public sector partnerships can also play a significant role in transforming the ways we innovate and developing more effective and affordable treatments. By addressing these critical questions, we can work towards a future where diseases are effectively cured and people's health is prioritized.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781626379695