Urgent lessons from COVID 19: why the world needs a standing, coordinated system and sustainable financing for global research and development

Abstract

The research and development (R&D) ecosystem has evolved over the past decade to include pandemic infectious diseases, building on experience from multiple recent outbreaks. Outcomes of this evolution have been particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic with accelerated development of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, as well as novel clinical trial designs. These products were developed, trialled, manufactured, and authorised for use in several countries within a year of the pandemic's onset. Many gaps remain, however, that must be bridged to establish a truly efficient and effective end-to-end R&D preparedness and response ecosystem. Foremost among them is a global financing system. In addition, important changes are required for multiple aspects of enabling sciences and product development. For each of these elements we identify priorities for improved and faster functionality. There will be no better time than now to seriously address these needs, however difficult, as the ravages of COVID-19 continue to accelerate with devastating health, social, and economic consequences for the entire community of nations.

Operational Research to Assess the Real-Time Impact of COVID-19 on TB and HIV Services: The Experience and Response from Health Facilities in Harare, Zimbabwe

“…Finally, the resources and funding that have been raised to fight the COVID-19 pandemic have been staggering. The proposed global financing systems that have been proposed as a way of promoting and enabling science and product development in the health sector [ 49 ] must be used and leveraged to help fight other diseases, TB and HIV/AIDS included, so that we can stay on track to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.…”

Science, not speculation, is essential to determine how SARS-CoV-2 reached humans

“…At the very least, we owe it to all who have suffered from COVID-19, as well as our families and the global community, to work collaboratively to end the pandemic and support international efforts to ensure vaccine equity, even as we prepare for the next pandemic. 14 …”

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal: Opportunity for Clinical Repurposing in COVID-19 Management

“…The multidimensional research on WS with a deeper understanding of biological mechanisms is a promising area for future exploration as a therapeutic adjuvant. Given the recent observations that COVID-19 pandemic will have a long-term trajectory, there will be a significant need for research and development of COVID-19 therapeutics and adjuvants ( Lurie et al, 2021 ). In this context, the current research synthesis about WS indicates a potential role in COVID-19 management and may serve as a rational strategy for exploration of other Rasayana botanicals.…”