SciDev.Net

This report publishes the results of a survey of organisations that fund genomics research throughout the world, and was produced for an international conference hosted by the Global Forum for Health Research and the World Health Organisation. It provides an analysis of funding and links it to current (at September 2000) trends that include private sector research and development funding, patent ownership and the market value of publicly traded firms.

Findings include: the private sector is a larger funder of genomics than the public sector; the majority of genomics funding goes to the United States; ownership of patents and other intellectual property is heavily concentrated in the United States.

The report concludes that the focus in genomics research has been to create valubale data rather than to consider a balanced distribution of benefits among the world's population. This lack of focus at the international level has meant that the initial technological fruits of genomics are likely to consist primarily of therapeutic and diagnostic applications for conditions affecting rich countries.

This major report was produced by the WHO's Advisory Committee on Health Research - after wide consultation - to highlight the relevance of genomics for global healthcare, with a particular focus on the implications for developing countries. It aims to ensure that genome technology is used to reduce rather than exacerbate global inequalities in health status.

The report focuses on human and pathogen genomics but also acknowledges the potential benefits of plant and animal genomics. Some of the issues surrounding the impact of genomics in developing countries are highlighted, for example, the high cost of genomic research, intellectual property rights and the way in which the pharmaceutical industry operates.

The report concludes with a series of recommendations for genomics and health in WHO member states, focusing in particular on the ways in which international cooperation may provide greater universal benefit of genomics research and technologies. The report is a useful resource, overviewing many aspects of genomics and the implications for healthcare in the future.