What They Are Saying: Intellectual Property and Collaboration Critical to Combat COVID-19 in MENA

The biopharmaceutical industry relies on strong intellectual property (IP) rights and global collaboration to ensure the ongoing development of new treatments and cures for patients. Innovation, underpinned by reliable IP protections and strategic partnerships, is now more important than ever as researchers work around the clock to develop solutions to help prevent infection and treat patients with COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel strain of coronavirus.

COVID-19 Clinical Development Advancements in MENA

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact patients globally, clinical researchers throughout the Middle East and North Africa are rapidly testing investigational medicines and vaccine candidates in clinical trials. These trials are vital to determining the impact a potential new treatment may have on patients, while providing necessary insights to drive promising COVID-19 therapies forward in a quick, safe and efficient manner.

A Closer Look at Intellectual Property and the COVID-19 Response

The 73rd World Health Assembly recently highlighted the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all stakeholders working together to find solutions.  It’s important to remember that intellectual property (IP) protections foster a robust innovation ecosystem and allow biopharmaceutical innovators to develop therapies and vaccines for patients in the MENA region and around the globe.

World Bank, IMF step up support for regional health systems

Health systems in many low- and middle-income countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America are strained as they cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many nations lack the medical staff, equipment and capacities necessary to mitigate the crisis. The risks posed are especially high for hundreds of millions of people who live in poverty or have only recently emerged from it.