1 Global Health Research How the private sector contribute Bergen, 22. September 2004 Birger Sørensen, Adm.dir. Bionor Immuno AS

2 Private sector – a summary Norway has a number of exciting and promising SMEs –Strong scientific basis –R&D can be directed to diseases that are a priority for developing countries –If public capital is invested private capital is likely to follow SMEs are capable of taking new products and services through clinical trials to the market The typical ”market” for Norwegian SMEs is –In-Licensing companies – normally this will be international pharmaceutical or biotechnological companies Down payment Annual royalty

3 Private sector – added value SMEs have greater flexibility than the large international pharmaceutical companies –Private-Public Partnerships (PPP) can be formed on R&D, production and implementation of technology, and services to support the fight against poverty related diseases Improved aid and aid capacity –A better and more constructive aid can be provided to developing countries by utilizing the resources that are available within the Norwegian scientific community and SMEs A number of new and exiting job opportunities can be created in the SME sector

4 Private sector; incentives Financing and implementation of PPPs –Projects must have a realistic time horizon –SMEs must be give a more active role –Implementation / clinical trials in developing countries must be fully financed SMEs access to equity for GHR require –Grants –Limited restrictions on patents –Acceptable Rate of Return on Equity An alternative ”in-licensing partner” must be defined

5 Bionor Immuno – an example Combining immunotherapy and highly active anti retroviral therapy (HAART) allows for prolonged safe HAART-free periods for an average of 9 months that can Minimize HAART side effects Reduce the development of resistant viruses Prolong the stability and efficacy of HAART regimens Alleviate the financial burden on health care services Improve the quality of life for infected individuals Immunotherapies will give a valuable insight that can provide a basis for the development of a successful preventative vaccine

6 Bionor Immuno – an example Results as of August 2004 Vacc-4x –Safe –Immunogenic (proliferation, DTH) –Those with high DTH responses have improved CD4 counts and lower viral load compared those with low DTH responses –Significant HAART-free periods attained for the majority of patients (>12 months) As of August 2004, 26 of 40 patients remain off HAART –Those that have resumed HAART were HAART-free for an average of 8 months (3 -14 months) –Patients that remain off HAART have been off HAART for an average of 17 months ( months)