Neglected Tropical Diseases: Important dialogues with local communities and experts led by our company
Publish Date
12 MAR 2019
Overview
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, through its Global Health Institute, has been interacting with local communities and with global health experts to finalize Phase III preparation and to develop potential access path for the new pediatric drug to treat schistosomiasis in preschool-age children.
Meetings in Ivory Coast with officials and local clinical investigators from the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny advanced the preparation of the pivotal Phase III trial of the Pediatric Praziquantel Formulation program led by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Focus of the discussions has also been the 'sustainability' of the clinical study site infrastructures and of the enhanced research know-how in the Regional Hospital of Man (Ivory Coast) – a key factor to strengthen healthcare systems locally.
Dialogues with experts reached also Asia; the Global Health Institute presented on the 'Private Sector Perspective on changes in funding sources and collaborative strategies' at the Global Dialogue of Uniting Efforts for Innovation, Access and Delivery in Bangkok (Thailand). A panel discussion allowed to call for actions into the definition of new financial models in access strategies for Neglected Tropical Diseases' innovations. This event which brought together experts from around the world, was therefore the opportunity to pave the way for access paths to allow 'free of charge' treatments to the patients in need, outside of donations.