Catherine Saez

Catherine Saez

  • Joined: 30/11/-0001
  • Articles: 1894
  • Comments: 1

Antimicrobial Resistance The “Scariest” Public Health Issue, Needs Financial R&D Incentives, Industry Says

On the eve of the annual January World Health Organization Executive Board meeting, an alliance of pharmaceutical industries launched its first report on efforts made to curb antimicrobial resistance. The alliance also organised a conference on the report and on challenges of antimicrobial resistance, in particular the need for research and development incentives so that the industry can continue its efforts sustainably. Some light was also shed on the need to support access to diagnostics, and lower their prices.

EPO-EU Conference Examines Hot Topic Of Patentability Of Plants In Europe

The last couple of years have brought heated discussions in Europe on the patentability of plant innovations, leading to a recent amendment of patent application rules at the European Patent Office. Two major actors share this innovation landscape: the biotechnologists and the plant breeders, with similar but not identical needs for protecting their invention. A joint conference on innovation in the plant sector was held recently by the EPO and the Community Plant Variety Office.

Industry Alliance Report: Companies Invest In AMR R&D, Need More Pull Incentives

An alliance of over a hundred industries seeking to curb antimicrobial resistance launched its first report today. According to the report, a number of companies are heavily investing in research and development, and work to improve access to their diagnostic products and preventing therapies.

Global Summit On IP And Access Discusses Impact Of TRIPS-Plus Measures On Public Health

A network of civil society organisations chose the birthplace of the World Trade Organization, Marrakesh, to hold a global summit on intellectual property and access to medicines this week. Part of the summit focused on stringent IP measures in free trade agreements in particular with the European Union, introducing patent term extension and data exclusivity periods.

Heads Of State At Davos’ Door: Trump, Modi, Macron, May

The World Economic Forum is meeting next week in Davos, with Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi opening the forum, and US President Donald Trump closing it. One of the focuses of the annual meeting will be on finding ways to reaffirm international cooperation on common challenges, such as the environment and the global economy.

Guide To The WHO Executive Board: Access To Medicines, Noncommunicable Diseases, Non-State Actors

The World Health Organization Executive Board meets next week. On the agenda are recommendations of a review group on the WHO Global Strategy on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property, and WHO proposed actions to increase access to affordable and safe medicines and diagnosis. The Executive Board is also expected to consider a report on noncommunicable diseases, new possible organisations to enter into official relationships with WHO, and how to address the global burden of snakebites, including access to treatment.

Blockchain-Related Patents On Exponential Rise, Lawyer Says. Targets? China, US, UK

Patent applications related to blockchain technology are rising at exponential rate, according to a presentation given yesterday by a partner at United States law firm Rimon. Inventors are seeking intellectual property protection, bringing challenges into the blockchain ecosystem, such as infringement and patent trolls. He called for industry collaboration on IP, and the possibility of patent pools.

Artificial Intelligence Holds Enticing Promise, Needs Framework, Say OECD, Microsoft, IEEE

As artificial intelligence technology spreads its wings, governance issues are emerging, as are international discussions, including a range of activities planned for 2018. One of the panels of the December Internet Governance Forum in Geneva explored the policy questions, as panellists said artificial intelligence is unabatedly spreading to many areas of our lives with promises of economic growth and benefits, but with few regulations to frame it. Issues include ethics, privacy, biases, and lack of transparency.

WHO’s Revised Work Programme: Evidence-Based Normative Work, Access To Medicines

In a couple of weeks, the World Health Organization will be holding its annual January Executive Board meeting. Delegates will consider the edited version of the draft 13th WHO general programme of work for 2019-2023, published on 5 January. Following comments to the first version of the programme in November, the secretariat produced a more fleshed-out document, emphasizing the WHO's normative role, in particular evidence-based. The necessity of access to medicines and vaccines has been extended to other products, such as devices and blood products, and mention is made of the WHO Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property.