limiting factors for drug development and drug discovery researches in Africa

limiting factors for drug development and drug discovery researches in Africa

1. Limiting factors for drug discovery and Development Research in Africa By: Markos Tadele

2. Contents Introduction Factors limiting DDRs in Africa Future Direction

3. Introduction Drug discovery and development is a complex and expensive process Pharmaceutical industry prioritizes profit and follow Market-driven approach Many Neglected diseases in Africa high public health burden unaddressed Reliance on imports (almost 80%) creates vulnerability Lesson from COVID-19 pandemic - the need for self-sufficiency in healthcare supply chain fluctuations potentially leading to drug shortages and compromised treatment access

4. Local Production of Medicines in Africa Initiatives aim to make Africa self-sufficient in pharmaceuticals. The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA) Was proposed by the African Union (AU) Approved by 2005 and 2012 assembly, USD 54 m Aims to reduce dependence on imports and improve access to Ess Drugs. Local production of high-quality, affordable medicines. crucial to address neglected diseases in Africa. A robust local DDR ecosystem fosters self-sufficiency for better health outcomes and reduce economic burdens

5. Limiting Factors : Funding and Investment: Insufficient government allocation for R&D. Reliance on inconsistent international funding. PMPA still not funded High cost of drug development compared to national budgets. Case Study: Holistic Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D) Demonstrates the value of local investment in R&D infrastructure. Focuses on diseases prevalent in Africa. HTS Achieved success in identifying promising anti-malarial compounds. Importance of partnerships for resource sharing and funding.

6. Limited Collaboration and Networking in Drug Development Fragmented research networks within Africa hinder knowledge and resource sharing. Duplication of efforts and under-research of critical diseases. Creates Complex regulatory processes in 54 regions, discourage investment. International collaborations Are mostly Unequal partnerships, limit local capacity building. Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) offer a successful model: Development of essential drugs for neglected African diseases. Examples: paromomycin (leishmaniasis) and fexinidazole (Trypanosomiasis). Enhance local research capacity and health outcomes, 12% share.

7. Limited Research Facilities and High maintenance Costs High costs of clinical trials and infrastructure development create economic barriers. Advanced research technologies are often too expensive for African institutions. Scarcity of state-of-the-art laboratories and outdated equipment hinder research. Low investment in R&D (less than 0.5% GDP) limits facility creation and maintenance.

8. Technological Gaps in Drug Discovery Lack of advanced technologies hinders innovation and global competitiveness. Examples of critical technologies: High-throughput screening for rapid compound evaluation. Bioinformatics tools for data analysis and drug target identification. Genomic sequencing for personalized medicine approaches. Reliance on traditional methods slows down progress in new drug development. Prioritizing technological education and strategic implementation is crucial.

9. Limited Human Resources and Policy Challenges Gaps in higher education and specialized training limit skilled personnel. Brain drain further exacerbates the shortage of qualified professionals. Lack of: Government grants and tax breaks to incentivize R&D investment. Strong intellectual property (IP) protection discourages investment.

10. The Way Forward: Building a Strong DDR Ecosystem in Africa Increased Funding and Investment Allocate greater share of GDP to R&D. Public-private partnerships leverage expertise and resources. Enhanced Collaboration and Networking Strengthen research networks within Africa. Foster equitable partnerships for knowledge and resource sharing. Investment in Research Infrastructure Build and maintain state-of-the-art research facilities. Prioritize ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

11. The Way Forward: Building a Strong DDR Ecosystem in Africa Technological Advancement Bridge the technological gap through education and training. Empower researchers to participate in global R&D. Strengthening Educational Systems Invest in higher education and specialized training programs. Create a critical mass of skilled professionals. Address brain drain through competitive career opportunities. Supportive Policy Environment Implement policies that incentivize investment and innovation: Financial support Intellectual property protection Streamlined regulatory processes

12. Thank you