Health technologies gaps and strengthening research and development systems: WHO Product Development Partnerships Forum, meeting report, 2-3 October 2023

This meeting report summarizes discussions held during the WHO Product Development Partnerships (PDP) Forum on 2–3 October 2023, which examined persistent gaps in health technologies for poverty-related diseases and explored strategies to strengthen research and development (R&D) systems. Participants reviewed unmet needs and ongoing innovation efforts in areas including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, malaria and antimicrobial resistance. The report highlights challenges related to the development, testing, regulation and access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and emphasizes the importance of target product profiles, preferred product characteristics and coordinated priority-setting to guide innovation.

The document also examines the role of PDPs, WHO and funders in advancing health technology development, strengthening clinical research capacity, supporting local manufacturing and fostering sustainable R&D ecosystems. Discussions addressed regulatory pathways, WHO prequalification and guideline processes, funding constraints, capacity-building, technology transfer and collaboration mechanisms. The report identifies opportunities to improve coordination among stakeholders, align research priorities with public health needs, accelerate product development and access, and promote long-term investment in end-to-end innovation pathways that support equitable access to health technologies.