Press Release 2004 [Health Professionals Call for More Research and Development of Medicines and Vaccines and the Optimization of Pharmacotherapy]

World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA)

Health Professionals Call for More Research and Development
of Medicines and Vaccines and the Optimization
of Pharmacotherapy

GENEVA, Switzerland, 12 July 2004 - An urgent plea to all national governments and health professionals, to focus more attention and resources on research and development of medicines and vaccines for diseases where there are insufficient treatment options, has been issued by the world’s medical, nursing, and pharmacy leaders. They also spoke out against other anomalies in pharmacotherapy, such as the overuse of antibiotics, which has led to an increase in antimicrobial resistance. With more research, these threats to patients can be managed more effectively.

The plea was in response to the similar strategic objectives outlined in the Presidential theme for the upcoming Dutch Presidency of the European Union (July to December 2004). The Dutch government has suggested several measures to improve medicines, vaccines and biologicals (processed body materials) for the citizens of Europe:

more research to enable the development of new medicines for diseases for which there is either insufficient or ineffective treatment

improved pharmacotherapy for specific patient groups, such as children, elderly patients and pregnant or breast-feeding women

research and development on the forms of dosage that are better suited to the needs of these specific patient groups

The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA), speaking for more than 20 million health professionals worldwide, came out strongly in support of this endeavour. Delon Human, Secretary General of the World Medical Association, stated: “This is an example of outstanding leadership. Although this program will be focused on the needs of European citizens, patients in other parts of the world will no doubt benefit as well. We are particularly pleased that the Dutch Presidency has indicated that they will try to identify research needs which are also relevant to developing countries. Fragmentation of research effort and resources lead to significant inefficiencies, and this consultative approach will ensure that the existing gaps in the pharmacotherapy map be filled.” Ton Hoek, General Secretary of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) remarked: “At present, medicines are probably developed more on the basis of market considerations than in response to public health needs. Despite the medical advances in recent years, there are still many diseases for which no licensed treatment is available. Although some governments have Orphan Drug Regulations in place, a renewed focus on Priority Medicine is essential for obtaining effective treatments for neglected diseases. We applaud the Dutch government for this effort.”Judith Oulton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses also complimented the theme of the EU Presidency later this year: “The ICN has always supported more research and development for medicines and vaccines and especially for specific patient groups such as children, the elderly and pregnant or breast-feeding women. Medicines are needed to prevent and treat diseases specific to these groups, and every effort should be made to ensure that these drugs are safe, effective and taken in the right dosage”. The medical, nursing and pharmacy leaders plan to participate in an important conference on this issue later this year and have pledged their support to help ensure the success of the project.

The World Health Professions Alliance brings together medicine, nursing and pharmacy through their representative international organisations, International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the World Medical Association (WMA) and represents more than 20 million health professionals worldwide.

Editor’s Note:

____________________________________