IFPMA statement on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP 15 meeting regarding Digital Sequence Information (DSI).<\/p>\n
IFPMA is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the COP15 negotiations. The importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use has become more and more pressing, and IFPMA, the body representing the innovative pharmaceutical industry in official relations with the ECOSOC\/United Nations, hopes that a successful negotiation of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework will allow countries to come together to address biodiversity loss across the globe.<\/p>\n
The COVID-19 pandemic has, however, highlighted flaws in the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol that greatly restrict the speed, certainty, and ease at which pathogens can be shared. The negative impact of the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on public health has been significant and could have even more serious effects. We\u2019ve seen these negative consequences in the sharing of seasonal and pandemic influenza, SARS-CoV-2, Zika, Monkeypox, Japanese Encephalitis, Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever, and bacterial isolates important for assessing antimicrobial resistance.\u00a0 The way many countries have decided to implement the Nagoya Protocol domestically has led to delays of up to 18 months in the sharing of pathogens, or stopped it altogether.<\/p>\n
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted flaws in the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol that greatly restrict the speed, certainty, and ease at which pathogens can be shared. <\/a><\/span>Tweet this<\/a><\/span><\/blockquote>\nPathogens cannot be treated in the same way as other genetic resources \u2013 delays in accessing pathogens in pre-pandemic and pandemic situations can have devastating effects on human lives as well as society at large. Ensuring immediate and unhindered pathogen sharing, through a public health exemption to access and benefit (ABS) rules, is critical for the future of public health.<\/p>\n
According to our analysis, an overwhelming majority of Parties to the Nagoya Protocol have not implemented their obligation under Article 8(b) of the Protocol, with only 12 jurisdictions out of 137 having implemented some form of public health exemption. More often than not, this exemption does not provide clarity or speed up the sharing of pathogens. This has weakened legal certainty for R&D despite the willingness and efforts of pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories and the WHO to work with national governments.<\/p>\n
\nThe need for improved global pathogen surveillance<\/h3>\n
Our ability to prepare for and respond to pandemics swiftly rests on improved global pathogen surveillance, immediate information and data sharing, and the scientific community\u2019s ability to collaborate efficiently and effectively. Fast, certain, and unencumbered access to pathogens and their genetic information \u2013 known as digital sequence information (DSI) or genetic sequence data (GSD) \u2013 is the bedrock of global health security.<\/p>\n