Challenges in pediatric drug development: a pharmaceutical industry perspective

Abstract

A paradigm change is taking place from protecting children against clinical research to protecting them through research. It is based on a better scientific understanding of the child's physiology, on the increasing potential of biomedical interventions, and on an evolving conviction of children's right to benefit from scientific and pharmaceutical progress. The WHO campaign 'Make medicines child size' is contributing to expand this to a global vision of the health of all children. Research-based pharmaceutical industry develops innovative new medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. It has built up competency in pediatric drug development and has welcomed US and EU pediatric legislation as well as the WHO campaign. More diseases without effective therapy in the past will become treatable conditions. Eventually these advances will also be reflected in the medical care in developing countries. Research-based pharmaceutical industry can support specific pediatric aspects of drug development in neglected diseases by sharing its learning. The way forward will be a constructive dialog among the key stakeholders to ensure continuing improvement in worldwide child healthcare.