The process of research and development of medically relevant products is ultimately rewarded by the patent system which aims to suppress unfair competition, while simultaneously facilitating research. Despite the popularity of the patent system, its main drawback is the lack of motivation to develop products targeted towards regions outside industrialized countries who cannot afford the inherent high cost of these products.
The main goal of this symposium is to highlight alternative concepts other than the patent system to cover the cost and harvest the profit of newly developed drugs. These proposed mechanisms could be a great innovation force for biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry to foster development of products that are highly beneficial for a larger part of the world population. Experts from the industry, NGOs as well as governing bodies will address the issues of “how to redirect the funding pool toward developing relevant products for poverty related diseases”. If the latter is possible, then “how to maintain the same level of profitable outcomes” and “how society can influence the decision making process”.
The intent of this symposium is to encourage constructive discussion aimed at promoting a broader perspective to bridge the research, development, and economical values of health products together with the biotechnology industry in an attempt to enhance the overall status of the public health.