What role can public health institutions play in drug development for the poor? A case study of artesunate

Area of Science:

• Tropical medicine
• Pharmaceutical development
• Public health policy

Background:

• Artesunate development was coordinated by the WHO's Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases.
• Achieving public health outcomes for artesunate relies on collaboration among scientists, industry, and regulatory bodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the collaborative strategy behind artesunate development.
• To emphasize the transformation in WHO's operational approach.
• To underscore the effort to bridge the gap between drug need and availability.

Main Methods:

• The abstract does not specify methods.
• Focuses on the collaborative development strategy.

Main Results:

• The artesunate development strategy has significantly altered WHO's operational methods.
• This approach has mobilized diverse stakeholders towards a common public health goal.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative model for artesunate development serves as a transformative example for WHO.
• This strategy is crucial for increasing access to life-saving treatments for tropical diseases.