Why Universities?

Universities have a critical role to play in increasing access to essential medicines around the world:

(1) As major contributors to drug development, universities are uniquely positioned to influence the way lifesaving medical technologies are developed and deployed. Universities own patent rights in key pharmaceuticals to treat HIV/AIDS, cancer, Hepatitis B, and countless other diseases. In fact, a U.S. Senate report in 2000 found that 15 of the 21 drugs with the greatest therapeutic impact were developed using federally funded research, most of which occurs at universities. So far, however, drugs developed at universities have remained largely out of reach for millions of the destitute sick in the developing world.

(2) At the same time, universities are a promising locus for change. Universities hold an avowed commitment to creating and disseminating knowledge for the public good, and they have pledged to see the technologies they develop deployed to benefit the world. Campus decision makers are insulated from lobbies that may dominate political arenas; they are expected to be responsive to students and faculty; and they operate in an environment where reasoned debate, not power, is expected to be the currency

Further Reading:

• Kishore SP, Dhadialla PS. A student-led campaign to help tackle neglected tropical diseases. PLoS Med. 2007 Jul 24;4(7):e241. [pdf]
• Amy Kapczynski et al., Global Health & University Patents, Science (Sept. 2003). [pdf]
• Dave Chokshi, Improving Access to Medicines in Poor Countries: The Role of Universities, PLos Medicine (June 2006). [pdf]
• Ellen t’ Hoen, The Responsibility of Research Universities, The Yale Journal of Health, Policy, Law, and Ethics (Sept. 2003). [pdf]