Review of the biotechnology research and development (R and D) in OECD countries concerning biological drugs

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry is among high technology industries that needs considerable attention in research and development. Overall, the processes that a drug must go through from its production in the laboratory, to clinical trials on certain groups, to the drug being licensed and finally planning for its marketing makes it different to any other product. Boosting research and development capability in this industry as well as saving patients’ lives is also essential in controlling the costs of importing drugs. According to this point of view, having suitable R and D strategies in the pharmaceutical sector becomes very important for every country. In this study, we aimed to review several studies concerning biological drugs R and D in selected countries. Since the discussions in relation to the R and D within the pharmaceutical sector about biological drugs come under the umbrella of innovation system of each country. By reviewing the pharmaceutical innovation system studies of selected OECD countries including Norway, Germany and Japan, we aimed to look at the main factors in national R and D system, the trading system conditions, R and D co-operations, human resources, financial matters, entrepreneurship, the market, R and D policy making and coordination of different organizations and main support policies within the biological drugs system.

Key words: R and D, biotechnology, biological drugs.