On 9 September 2024, IFPMA delivered a statement at the eleventh meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Thank you for this opportunity to continue being engaged in the INB process. The biopharmaceutical industry is committed to achieving a Pandemic Agreement that works. We believe it is possible to reach an agreement that addresses the needs of countries while enabling the private sector to innovate and respond effectively to future pandemics.

Each pathogen of pandemic potential is unique, and so too will be the response of each company. The agreement must recognize the diversity within the biopharmaceutical industry, as each company has different strengths based on its size, location, technology platform, and manufacturing capabilities. Our contributions should be tailored accordingly, ensuring that companies can engage meaningfully based on their individual circumstances.

We call for a framework that allows companies to choose from a menu of options to maximize their impact. Importantly, industry is ready to make such individual company commitments binding as part of a multi-stakeholder partnership.

We call for creativity and proactive engagement by all stakeholders to tackle critical challenges such as improving demand forecasting, ensuring surge financing for procurement in low-income countries, and addressing regulatory barriers. These are essential components of a robust system that will enable timely responses during health crises and ensure equitable access to medical countermeasures.

About IFPMA

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) represents over 90 innovative pharmaceutical companies and associations around the world. Our industry’s almost three million employees discover, develop, and deliver medicines and vaccines that advance global health. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community improve the lives of people everywhere. For more information, visit ifpma.org.

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Media Contact

Elliot Dunster e.dunster@ifpma.org