Category Innovation/ R&D

European Nuclear Lab CERN Launches New “Easy IP” Plan

Does the idea of a multifunctional, versatile position-sensitive detector for measuring characteristics of a beam of particles spark ideas for useful products of benefit to society and the economy? If so, then CERN has just the thing for you. In an attempt to boost the utility of its research, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the Geneva-based intergovernmental laboratory, today announced a plan to offer its patented technologies for licence royalty-free in order to promote innovation.

William New
June 4, 2012
2 Comments

World Health Assembly: WHO Carves Out Leadership Role In “Vaccine Decade”

With a generous pledge and a grand vision, Bill Gates launched the “Decade of Vaccines” two years ago. By endorsing a “Global Vaccine Action Plan” during the World Health Assembly, the world’s health authority stands as the lead agency in advancing the initiative.

Rachel Marusak Hermann
May 28, 2012

World Health Assembly: Member States Call For Acceleration On Pandemic Flu Preparedness

One year since the adoption of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, member states emphasised the importance of bio-sharing initiative and in some in cases raised concerns about the pace of implementation.

World Health Assembly: Agreement Reached On Neglected Disease R&D Process, But No Convention

A proposal at this week’s World Health Assembly to negotiate a binding convention on research and development for neglected diseases - those predominantly afflicting poor populations - ran into resistance from developed countries which hold the view that another approach might be possible. But an agreement was reached on a way forward for the expert report that recommended the binding convention.

William New
May 25, 2012
8 Comments

World Health Assembly: Latest Texts Of R&D Drafting Group

The latest available documents of the closed-door meeting addressing recommendations on ways to finance neglected diseases largely afflicting developing countries show progress heading into this afternoon's session. They reflect efforts to agree on how to take the process forward, including agreement reached last night on putting the issue to regional groups later this year.

William New
May 25, 2012

World Health Assembly: R&D Drafting Group Documents Show Country Differences

A set of documents in use by today's closed-door negotiations on research and development for neglected diseases at the World Health Assembly lay out the core differences between WHO members. Negotiations are expected to last into the night as members try to agree on how to take forward recommendations from a key report - including to negotiate a binding convention on R&D for diseases left behind in the marketplace.

William New
May 24, 2012
1 Comment

Group Looks At Effects Of America Invents Act On Plant Breeders

CIOPORA, an international association of plant breeders, held its annual meeting recently with a focus on novelties in plant patents introduced by the America Invents Act, to become effective on 16 March 2013.

Catherine Saez
May 24, 2012

World Health Assembly: Drafting Group Works To Combine Proposals On R&D

A drafting group has embarked on the task of combining four different proposals on the table at the annual World Health Assembly aimed at financing research and development for neglected diseases mostly afflicting poorer populations.

William New
May 24, 2012

WHO Members To Address Proposals For Financing Developing Country R&D

Members of the World Health Organization at their annual meeting tomorrow will address proposals for ways to finance research and development for diseases which afflict mainly developing countries but for which there are not lucrative markets.

William New
May 22, 2012

Nobel Laureate, Other Experts Hail WHO Effort On Medicines R&D Framework

The annual World Health Assembly being held this week has a rare chance to achieve a breakthrough on health research for the global poor if it can agree to move forward on a proposed convention, proponents said at a recent meeting.

William New
May 22, 2012
1 Comment

WIPO Committee On Law Of Patents Walks A Fine Line

The law of patents is being discussed this week at the World Intellectual Property Organization with a focus on the potentially difficult issues of limitations and exceptions, high quality patents, and patents related to public health.

Catherine Saez
May 22, 2012

WHO Director Chan Opens Annual Assembly With Optimism, Despite Economic Woes

World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan today opened the annual assembly of the UN agency’s member states with a positive outlook on the future of public health. At a time of economic uncertainty, she called on countries to be efficient in their spending, to take ownership of the health of their people, and to look toward innovative health solutions.