Trends in Local Production of Medicines and Related Technology Transfer

Abstract

This report identifies and analyses trends in the local production of medicines in developing countries and related technology transfer. The objective is to assist the World Health Organization (WHO) in its support for Member States in implementing the global strategy and plan of action on public health innovation and intellectual property with particular reference to the promotion of capacity-building for local production in developing countries. The methodology of research included interviews with a range of stakeholders, including industry actors, operators of product development partnerships (PDPs), government officials and members of public health advocacy groups; review of literature and Internet resources; and participation in meetings with stakeholder groups in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

This report makes a number of recommendations. These are focused mainly on the role that WHO, working in partnership with others, can take with respect to transfer of technology and local production of medicines in developing countries.

Keywords: essential drugs, technology transfer, developing countries, World Health Organization, local production

JEL Classification: H41, H51, I12, I18, K32, L11, L52, O14, O19, O34