New medicines for neglected diseases. TAB-Fokus

Some diseases are particularly raging in poor countries leading to a considerable burden of diseases in these countries. Besides insufficient local medical care, the innovation system of industrialised countries is held responsible for this problem.
The diseases are considered to be neglected, because industry has little incentive to develop new medicines and medical devices due to the financially weak demand. In recent years, national and international measures have been discussed and partly been implemented in order to deliberately strengthen research and development (R&D) with regard to such diseases and to make new medicines affordable for poor countries as well.
Germany is one of the world‘s leading locations for medical R&D. Yet with regard to fighting neglected diseases, Germany lags behind compared to several other industrialised countries. The TAB report gives an overview of various measures aiming at strengthening research and product development to fight against neglected diseases and identifies options for a stronger political commitment in Germany.