Source: Hindu

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Context

• On June 6, 2024, South Korea, India, the United States, Japan, and the European Union (EU) announced the formation of the Biopharmaceutical Alliance.
• This coalition was created in response to the critical drug supply shortages experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic and aims to establish a resilient supply chain within the biopharmaceutical sector.

Details

Objectives and Goals

• Resilient Supply Chain:
  • The alliance focuses on building a reliable and sustainable supply chain for biopharmaceuticals.
  • Emphasizes collaboration to ensure the steady production and distribution of essential drugs and ingredients.
• Policy Coordination:
  • Member countries agreed to harmonize their bio policies, regulations, and research and development (R&D) support measures.
  • Aims to streamline regulatory processes and foster innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Production and Supply Chain Mapping:
  • Acknowledging the concentration of essential raw materials in a few countries, the alliance plans to create a detailed pharmaceutical supply chain map.
  • This map will help identify vulnerabilities and optimize the distribution of resources.

Inaugural Meeting

• Location and Participants:
  • Held in San Diego during the Bio International Convention 2024.
  • Attended by government officials and representatives from bio and pharmaceutical companies from the participating countries.
• Discussions and Agreements:
  • Emphasized the need for a reliable and sustainable supply chain.
  • Agreed on the importance of coordinating bio policies and regulations across member countries.
  • Discussed strategies to support R&D in biopharmaceuticals.

Background

• Initial Dialogue:
  • The idea for the alliance originated from discussions between South Korea and the United States in December 2023, focusing on core emerging technologies.
  • The alliance was subsequently expanded to include Japan, India, and the EU to enhance its impact and reach.
• Response to Covid-19:
  • The formation of the alliance is a direct response to the drug supply shortages that plagued many countries during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Aims to prevent future shortages and ensure a more equitable distribution of biopharmaceutical resources.

Conclusion

By coordinating policies, regulations, and R&D efforts, South Korea, India, the US, Japan, and the EU aim to build a resilient biopharmaceutical supply chain that can better withstand future challenges and ensure the availability of essential medicines globally.

Sources:

Hindu

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