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Global Health Research

How the private sector contribute

Bergen, 22. September

2004

Birger Sørensen, President CEO Bionor Immuno AS

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Private sector – a summary

Norway has a number of exciting and promising SMEs

– Strong scientific basis– R&D can be directed to diseases that are a priority for

developing countries– If public capital is invested private capital is likely to follow

SMEs are capable of taking new products and services through clinical trials to the market

The typical ”market” for Norwegian SMEs is

– In-Licensing companies – normally this will be international pharmaceutical or biotechnological companies

• Down payment• Annual royalty

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Private sector – added value SMEs have greater flexibility than the large international

pharmaceutical companies

– Private-Public Partnerships (PPP) can be formed on R&D, production and implementation of technology, and services to support the fight against poverty related diseases

Improved aid and aid capacity

– A better and more constructive aid can be provided to developing countries by utilizing the resources that are available within the Norwegian scientific community and SMEs

A number of new and exiting job opportunities can be created in the SME sector

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Private sector; incentives

Financing and implementation of PPPs

– Projects must have a realistic time horizon– SMEs must be give a more active role– Implementation / clinical trials in developing countries must

be fully financed

SMEs access to equity for GHR require

– Grants– Limited restrictions on patents– Acceptable Rate of Return on Equity

An alternative ”in-licensing partner” must be defined

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Concluding remarks

Global Health Research Program will be highly welcomed to the private sector given that certain mandatory conditions are met

A GHRP encompassing PPP will strengthen

– National health research (Norway) – the network to developing countries

A GHRP should also as a consequence

– Utilize the R&D capacity in Norwegian institutions to evaluate and improve international aid programs

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Bionor Immuno – an example

HIV immunotherapy Aim; Combine HAART with Immunotherapy to obtain

longer drug-free periods

– Immunization of infected individuals to maintain effective immune responses to HIV-1 that can control the infection in the absence of HAART

• Reduce exposure to HAART and minimise HAART side effects• Impact on the development of resistant viruses by prolonging the stability and

efficacy of HAART regimens• Improve the quality of life of infected individuals• Alleviate the financial burden on health care services

– Delay the onset of continuous HAART regimens

Immunotherapies will give a valuable insight that can provide a basis for the development of a successful preventative vaccine

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Bionor Immuno – an example

Results as of September 2004 Vacc-4x

– Safe– Immunogenic (proliferation, DTH) – Those with high DTH responses have improved CD4 counts and lower

viral load compared those with low DTH responses– Significant HAART-free periods attained for the majority of patients (>12

months)• As of August 2004, 26 of 40 patients remain off HAART

– Those that have resumed HAART were HAART-free for an average of 8 months (3 -14 months)

– Patients that remain off HAART have been off HAART for an average of 17 months (13 -20 months)

Vacc-5q– Safe and immunogenic