4.16.2008 - 03:01pm ET

(CSRwire) WASHINGTON, DC - April 16, 2008 - /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The worldwide pharmaceutical industry today launched Global Health Progress, an initiative to bring research-based biopharmaceutical companies, global health leaders and policymakers together to build on current partnerships to improve health in the developing world.

Serving as a convening point for the industry and its partners, Global Health Progress will facilitate interaction between the private sector, NGOs and governments to share research and best practices; raise awareness of global health challenges; and build partnerships to improve global health.

"Research-based biopharmaceutical companies contribute hugely to health partnerships for the developing world, through their unique expertise in R&D, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, logistics and many other fields, but we can't work alone," said Dr. Harvey Bale, Director General of IFPMA. "The Global Health Progress initiative should help to expand the range and scope of global health partnerships supported by our industry."

Global Health Progress today unveiled its web site, www.globalhealthprogress.org, which houses a database of research-based biopharmaceutical companies' global health programs, including information on more than 300 partners, 400 programs and ongoing investments of billions of dollars annually in products and man-hours. Featuring stories of health workers on the ground, the site highlights organizations and individuals who are making a difference in global health.

"Research-based biopharmaceutical companies have a longstanding commitment to improving global health - this initiative is a recognition of our unique role and desire to accelerate progress in fighting disease and strengthening health care systems in developing countries, " said Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of PhRMA. "As individual companies and a united industry, we recognize that our efforts to address universal health challenges are best realized through partnerships with governments and NGOs that are dedicated to saving lives throughout the world."

Global Health Progress will leverage strengths in private industry to form new partnerships to further access to medicines; build capacity of health workers in developing nations; advocate for global action to address health challenges; and continue R&D to develop new tools to fight diseases that plague the developing world.

"Global Health Progress is a groundbreaking initiative to focus the expertise of the pharmaceutical industry to work with a diverse array of partners to create lasting, sustainable global health change," said Brian Ager, Director General of EFPIA. "We recognize that global health challenges are complex and we want to contribute our experience and resources to developing new solutions."

About Global Health Progress

The Global Health Progress initiative brings research-based biopharmaceutical companies and global health leaders together to improve health in the developing world. Through meaningful public-private partnerships with others in the field, including policymakers in the developed and developing world, multi-lateral institutions, non-governmental organizations, and academia, we can help shape sustainable solutions that improve the health of all people.

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations
(EFPIA) represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe.
Through its direct membership of 32 national associations and 43 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA is the voice on the EU scene of 2,100 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing to patients new medicines that improve health and the quality of life around the world.

EPFIA Internet Address: www.efpia.eu

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) is the global non-profit NGO representing the research-based pharmaceutical, biotech and vaccine sectors. Its members comprise 25 leading international companies and 45 national and regional industry associations covering developed and developing countries.

IFPMA Internet Address: www.ifpma.org

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.
PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $44.5 billion in 2007 in discovering and developing new medicines. Industry-wide research and investment reached a record $58.82 billion in 2007.

PhRMA Internet Address: www.phrma.org

PhRMA en Espanol: www.nuestraphrma.org

SOURCE Global Health Progress