Tenth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB)

On 16 July 2024, IFPMA delivered a statement at the tenth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) in Geneva, Switzerland.

IFPMA strongly supports the development of a balanced and effective Pandemic Agreement that addresses the needs of all parties. We support the INB objectives and remain committed to contributing constructively to the process. To ensure a robust and effective agreement, the inclusion of the private sector is critical.

The biopharmaceutical industry clearly demonstrated its willingness and ability to rapidly develop and scale up diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies, on a voluntary basis during the COVID-19 pandemic. To further harness the strengths of the industry, and better prepare our global community for the next pandemic, future INB meetings should include formal consultation with industry experts.

Improved modalities for stakeholder inclusion, emphasizing transparency and engagement, will enhance the breadth of expertise contributing to the agreement. This will facilitate the creation of a practical and equitable framework for pandemic preparedness and response.

IFPMA remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with the INB, advocating for measures to improve equity, a workable Access-Benefit-Sharing scheme, and a system that incentivizes innovation.