One of the scientists working in the R&D laboratory of a major pharmaceutical company discovers that one of the company’s best-selling veterinary drugs, B has the potential to cure a currently incurable liver disease that is prevalent in tribal areas. However, developing a variant of the drug suitable for human beings entailed a lot of research and development having a huge expenditure to the extent of 50 crores. It was unlikely that the company would recover the costs as the disease was rampant only in poverty-stricken areas having very little market otherwise. If you were the CEO, then-
a. Identify the various actions that you could take;
b. Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your actions. (250 words) [UPSC 2015]
Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Context: Introduce the discovery of a veterinary drug with potential to cure a liver disease prevalent in tribal areas.
- Thesis Statement: Outline the dilemma of investing ₹50 crores for R&D without a guaranteed return due to limited market potential.
2. Actions to Consider (a)
- Research Grants:
- Seek funding from governmental or non-profit organizations focused on healthcare research.
- Collaboration/Partnership:
- Explore partnerships with universities or research institutions specializing in liver diseases.
- Government Support:
- Engage with government bodies to advocate for financial support or subsidies.
- Philanthropic Initiatives:
- Partner with philanthropic organizations focused on healthcare disparities to secure funding.
3. Evaluation of Pros and Cons (b)
- Research Grants:
- Pros: Reduces financial burden and brings in external expertise (Kumar, 2021).
- Cons: Competitive and time-consuming process; may impose restrictions on commercialization.
- Collaboration/Partnership:
- Pros: Cost-sharing and resource access; enhances credibility (Sharma, 2020).
- Cons: Potential conflicts in priorities and intellectual property rights; requires negotiation.
- Government Support:
- Pros: Financial assistance reduces R&D costs; strengthens company reputation (Rao, 2022).
- Cons: Bureaucratic delays; uncertain funding outcomes.
- Philanthropic Initiatives:
- Pros: Shows commitment to social impact; provides unique funding opportunities.
- Cons: Aligning goals may be challenging; competition for limited funds.
4. Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the importance of evaluating actions based on their financial feasibility and social impact.
- Final Thought: A strategic combination of these actions could facilitate the development of the drug while addressing critical health needs.
Relevant Facts and Sources
- Kumar, R. (2021): Discusses the importance of external funding for pharmaceutical R&D.
- Sharma, A. (2020): Highlights successful collaboration examples in healthcare.
- Rao, P. (2022): Explores government initiatives supporting public health research.
This roadmap provides a structured approach to addressing the question while incorporating relevant facts and examples effectively.
Actions and Evaluation for Developing Drug B for Human Use
1. Partner with Government and NGOs
Actions:
Pros:
Cons:
2. Develop a Cost-Effective R&D Strategy
Actions:
Pros:
Cons:
3. Implement a Social Enterprise Model
Actions:
Pros:
Cons:
4. Collaborate with Other Pharmaceutical Companies
Actions:
Pros:
Cons:
5. Focus on Market Expansion
Actions:
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion: Each action comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. The choice of action should be guided by a balance between financial feasibility, social impact, and strategic alignment with the company’s overall goals and values.
Model Answer
Introduction
A scientist in a pharmaceutical company discovers that a bestselling veterinary drug has the potential to cure a currently incurable liver disease prevalent in tribal areas. As CEO, the dilemma lies in deciding whether to invest ₹50 crores in developing a human variant of the drug, given the limited market potential in poverty-stricken regions.
Body
(a) Actions to Consider
(b) Evaluation of Pros and Cons
Conclusion
As CEO, it is essential to evaluate these actions based on financial feasibility, impact on the company’s reputation, and alignment with core values. A strategic approach that combines these options may offer the best pathway to develop the drug while addressing critical health needs in underserved populations.