Biopharmaceutical Alliance
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Syllabus: International Relations
#### Source: TH
Context: India, South Korea, the United States, Japan, and the European Union (EU) have formed a Biopharmaceutical Alliance to address drug supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aim of the Biopharmaceutical Alliance:
The Biopharmaceutical alliance aims to coordinate bio policies, regulations, and research and development support measures among participating countries. Inaugural meeting held in San Diego during the Bio International Convention 2024, emphasized the importance of a reliable and sustainable supply chain. The initiative originated from discussions between South Korea and the U.S. and expanded to include Japan, India, and the EU.
Drug supply shortages during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Vaccines: Shortages of Covid-19 vaccines occurred globally, impacting various countries’ vaccination efforts.
• Therapeutics: Drugs such as Remdesivir, used for treating severe Covid-19 cases, experienced shortages in many countries.
• Medical Oxygen: As COVID-19 cases surged, many countries faced shortages of medical oxygen, crucial for treating severe respiratory symptoms.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Shortages of PPE, including masks, gloves, and gowns, occurred worldwide, posing risks to frontline healthcare workers.
Free equitable and fair drug supply ensures:
• Access to essential medicines for all populations.
• Availability of affordable treatments, especially in developing countries.
• Equitable distribution of medications, reducing disparities in healthcare.
• Promotion of public health by addressing global health challenges.
• Supports disease prevention, treatment, and eradication efforts worldwide.
India as pharmacy of the world:
India has earned the title “Pharmacy of the World” due to its robust generic pharmaceutical industry, supplying affordable and quality medicines globally. This reputation grew during the HIV/AIDS pandemic when Indian companies provided affordable antiretroviral drugs to African countries. India’s generic industry became a major supplier after the establishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
India’s Vaccine Diplomacy:
• Widespread Vaccine Access: India ensures COVID-19 vaccines are globally accessible.
• IPR Waiver: Proposes a WTO waiver on intellectual property rights to make vaccines more affordable.
• Major Supplier: Becomes a significant vaccine supplier, notably through partnerships with Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech International Ltd.
• Neighbourhood Focus: Implements a “Neighbourhood First” policy, prioritizing vaccine assistance to South Asian countries.
• Global Assistance: Provides vaccine aid to African countries and UN health workers through COVAX.
Significance of India’s Vaccine Diplomacy:
• Development Partnership: Reflects India’s long-standing commitment to global health and development.
• Commercial Terms: Exports vaccines on commercial terms to upper-middle-income countries.
• Diplomatic Relations: Restores strained relations, as seen with Canada, through vaccine diplomacy.
• Countering Vaccine Nationalism: India’s sharing policy contrasts with the trend of vaccine hoarding by other nations.
• Global Health Diplomacy (GHD): Positions India as a key player in GHD, contributing to peace, equity, and global health security.
Additional Points:
Recent Issues with the substandard drugs of India:
Impact | Example
Adverse health effects | In 2022, the World Health Organization linked the deaths of almost 60 children in Gambia to substandard cough syrups manufactured in India.
Loss of trust in the healthcare system | In 2019, the case of supplying substandard and falsified antiretroviral drugs to the government in South Africa.
Economic losses for patients and the healthcare system | Patients may have to spend more money on healthcare due to the need for additional treatments and hospitalizations.
Legal and regulatory consequences for manufacturers | In 2021, a firm was seized in Agra City (UP) for purchasing expired drugs at low costs and reselling them with new packaging. The company may face legal consequences for these actions.
Insta Links:
• Law to recall bad drugs
Mains Link:
How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC 2019)