Abstract

Since the world’s response to COVID-19 began, we have all worked to outrun a virus that has so far proven faster than we have been. Industry, governments, hospitals, providers, suppliers, researchers indeed entire countries found themselves on their heels for much of 2020. The significant efforts and associated learnings accumulated since early 2020 enable meaningful early insights to inform the current crisis and the future course. Swift pathogen surveillance and sharing, an enabling innovation ecosystem built on strong intellectual property protections, global voluntary partnerships supporting an unprecedented manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, are part of the lessons learned. It is also clear however that collective efforts are needed to achieve health equity, while ensuring health systems and delivery infrastructure are strengthened. The biopharmaceutical industry, having played a critical role in the response against COVID-19, is committed to working with stakeholders and is contributing game changing solutions to equitable access to ensure vulnerable populations are prioritized.

Keywords: Vaccine equity, Innovation, Biopharmaceutical industry