Busquin calls for public funding for research on poverty-related diseases
EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin has called for public sector funding for research on poverty-related diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS to make up for the deficit of commercial investment in the area. Speaking at the launch of the Commission's programme of clinical trials for poverty-related diseases in Barcelona on 19 April, Mr Busquin said that, as industry has been discouraged from investing in research to tackle these diseases through the lack of likely returns on their investment, 'it is the responsibility of the public to fill this gap by giving its financial support.' He explained that although the illnesses kill millions of people each year and hold back economic and social development in developing countries, there is at present a 'cruel lack' of research in this area. Between 1998 and the end of the current year, the European Commission will have financed more than 90 research projects related to the diseases. Mr Busquin said this work has helped to establish vital links between researchers in the north and the south and boosted progress in the development of vaccines and other medication. He emphasised that today, however, 'we must move on to a higher level.' He said the clinical trials programme will help create a critical mass of research competence and establish a more structured partnership. It will aim to identify overlap and gaps in unilateral projects in order to improve the impact of public investment by allowing a more coherent and targeted approach. The programme will also help build a critical mass of expertise and resources and reinforce infrastructure and training for clinical development in developing countries, said Mr Busquin. Spanish Secretary of State for science and technology, Ramón Marimón, said: 'Spain considers this programme to be very important, timely and effective as it represents a long-term investment which will make it easier for Europe and the developing countries to implement coordinated action.' 'The spectacular progress made in the fields of genomics and biotechnology will enable us to increase our knowledge of these diseases and develop more efficacious, reasonably-priced and easily-administered medicines,' he added. The European Community has proposed allocating 200 million euro to the programme over five years under the Sixth Framework programme for research, FP6.