Policy Perspectives on Pandemic Preparedness from the Innovative Biopharmaceutical Industry

In January 2020, as the global threat from COVID-19 first began to emerge, the research-based biopharmaceutical industry went straight into action to develop diagnostics, vaccines and therapies for the novel coronavirus. This Policy Perspective (In Brief, Full Report) aims to show how lessons learned from the rapid and unprecedented response to the pandemic can help the world prepare better for the next. It recommends a number of policy and practical measures to further enhance effective pandemic preparedness and response, highlighting the role of the industry and the importance of coordination, collaboration and trust between all key stakeholders.

The biopharmaceutical industry is committed to playing its part in further improving pandemic preparedness. Our vision for future pandemic preparedness is based on two ambitious objectives:

1. Aim to develop effective and safe pandemic products within 100 days of a new pandemic declaration
2. Collaborate with governments, multilateral organizations, regulators, other companies and sectors to ensure equitable access to those products for people worldwide

Effective pandemic preparedness will require sustained political leadership, political will, global coordination, regulatory alignment, public-private partnerships, solidarity, and commensurate up-front and continuing financing. We look forward to working closely with all concerned stakeholders to protect the world against future pandemics.