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Virtual drug discovery and development for neglected diseases through public–private partnerships

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery volume 2, pages 919–928 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the challenges, recent developments and new thinking on drug R&D for neglected diseases through public–private partnerships. The focus on virtual drug discovery and development as operationalized through these partnerships brings many advantages, as well as scientific and managerial challenges. Some are common to those faced by all drug R&D ventures. Others, for example the need for drugs with a very low cost of manufacture that are easy to use in resource-poor environments and an active engagement in disease-endemic countries, are unique to this novel paradigm.

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Figure 1: Managerial aspects of drug R&D process.

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Acknowledgements

We thank M. Bendig and D. Kioy for their assistance in conceptualizing Box 3. We thank S. Campbell for his contributions to Box 4. We thank P. Rosenthal, C. Morel and C. Craft for critical reading of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Medicines for Malaria Venture, Geneva, Switzerland

    Solomon Nwaka

  2. UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland

    Robert G. Ridley

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  1. Solomon Nwaka
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FURTHER INFORMATION

Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative

Global Alliance for TB Drug Development

Institute for One World Health

Medicines for Malaria Venture

World Health Organization/Tropical Disease Reserch

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Nwaka, S., Ridley, R. Virtual drug discovery and development for neglected diseases through public–private partnerships. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2, 919–928 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd1230

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