If you build it, they will run : the role of clinical trial infrastructure in neglected disease R&D

Abstract

I investigate the role of country level clinical trial infrastructure on research and development (R&D) levels for neglected tropical diseases concentrated in those countries. Pre-existing clinical trial infrastructure in a location can affect the cost and time of clinical trials carried out there, thus influence returns on investments for diseases that are located in different places. Using a newly constructed dataset I assess the components that make up a country's clinical trial infrastructure, which varies for countries in different stages of development. Using data on neglected tropical disease global disease burdens and research levels, I find that the level of R&D into diseases concentrated in countries with poorer clinical trial infrastructure is lower than that for diseases concentrated in countries with better infrastructure. This paper suggests a need for further work into the role of research infrastructure in developing countries and its role on innovation outcomes for issues affecting the world's poorest countries.