Health Biotechnology in the Health Biotechnology in the MENA RegionMENA Region

. . Pr Dahmani M. FathallahPr Dahmani M. Fathallah

Institut Pasteur de Tunis-TunisiaInstitut Pasteur de Tunis-Tunisia

IDRC Workshop-Cairo 9-2004

IDRC Consultation on Biotech in MENAIDRC Consultation on Biotech in MENA

Overall Aim: Overall Aim: Explore the links between Explore the links between biotechnology development for future IDRC biotechnology development for future IDRC programmingprogramming

Specific AimsSpecific Aims ::

-Identify the issues relevant to biotech development -Identify the issues relevant to biotech development in the regionin the region

-Identify and set up priority research questions around -Identify and set up priority research questions around these issuesthese issues

-Identify active partners in these research domains-Identify active partners in these research domains

THE CONCEPT OF BIOTECH EVOLVED WITH THE CONCEPT OF BIOTECH EVOLVED WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

biobio : use of biological : use of biological processes) processes)

technologytechnology : to solve : to solve problems or make problems or make useful productsuseful products

““using living organisms using living organisms or their products for or their products for commercial purposescommercial purposes””

TechnologyTechnology

ProductProduct

Economical Economical outcomeoutcome

MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGIES & THE MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGIES & THE DISCOVERY OF DNADISCOVERY OF DNA

TheThe commercial application of commercial application of living organisms or their living organisms or their products, which involves the products, which involves the deliberate manipulation of deliberate manipulation of their DNA moleculestheir DNA molecules

The use of cellular and biomolecular processes to solve problems or make useful products

INNOVATION (R&D) NEW PRODUCT BENEFITS

Current Concept of BiotechCurrent Concept of Biotech

a collection of technologies that capitalize a collection of technologies that capitalize on the attributes of cells, such as their on the attributes of cells, such as their

manufacturing capabilities, and put manufacturing capabilities, and put biological molecules, such as DNA and biological molecules, such as DNA and

proteins at the level of marketable productsproteins at the level of marketable products

NOVEL BIOTECHNOLOGIESNOVEL BIOTECHNOLOGIES

Bioprocessing Cellular Technology Recombinant DNA Technology Protein g Engineering Biosensors Nanobiotechnology Microarrays

Applications & Health Care products Applications & Health Care products

DiagnosisDiagnosis TherapyTherapy VaccinationVaccination DNA testingDNA testing

Diagnostic kitsDiagnostic kits Drugs & novel Drugs & novel

therapies therapies VaccinesVaccines DNA fingerprintingDNA fingerprinting

Status of Health Biotechnologies Status of Health Biotechnologies in MENAin MENA

R &DR &D

Products Products developmentdevelopment

Biotech industryBiotech industry

Several efforts Several efforts throughout the region : throughout the region : Some R&D but essentially Some R&D but essentially academic researchacademic research

No development of No development of local products yetlocal products yet

Quasi absentQuasi absent

but efforts are being but efforts are being mademade

Status of Health Biotechnologies in Status of Health Biotechnologies in MENAMENA : : Access to Biotech Products Access to Biotech Products

for Health Carefor Health Care MENA = 350 millions of consumersMENA = 350 millions of consumers Uneven access : Countries variationUneven access : Countries variation Variation between social groups within each Variation between social groups within each

country : Poor & Richcountry : Poor & Rich

ISSUE OF EQUITABLE ACCESS

TO HEALTH BIOTECH PRODUCTS

& SERVICES

Why do Biotech products are expensiveWhy do Biotech products are expensive??

In the Absence of a Local Biotech In the Absence of a Local Biotech IndustryIndustry

ISSUE OF SELF CONTAINMENT & DEPENDANCY FOR STRATEGIC PRODUCTS

ISSUE OF BIOSAFETY OF BIOTECH PRODUCTS & SERVICES

MENA Health StatusMENA Health Status

Infectious diseases :Infectious diseases :

HIV HIV : : Low incidenceLow incidence

Tuberculosis Tuberculosis : : Low incidence (vaccination)Low incidence (vaccination)

Polio & MeaslesPolio & Measles : : Eradicated or Eradication is Eradicated or Eradication is underwayunderway

Parasitic DiseasesParasitic Diseases: : Leishmania, Bilharzias: Leishmania, Bilharzias: Endemic , Health ProblemEndemic , Health Problem

RabiesRabies: : Controlled through vaccinationControlled through vaccination

Number of people affected by tuberculosis

EpidemiologicalEpidemiological TrendsTrends

A shift in the epidemiological profile has A shift in the epidemiological profile has brought chronic diseases such as :brought chronic diseases such as :

- - Cardiovascular diseasesCardiovascular diseases

- Cancer - Cancer - Diabetes- Diabetes- Neurodegenerative disorders - Neurodegenerative disorders

- Genetically transmitted diseases- Genetically transmitted diseases

to the status of health concernsto the status of health concerns

Main Issues for Health Biotech Main Issues for Health Biotech Development in MENADevelopment in MENA  

KBE & National system of innovation Policy and strategy planning New Institutions and bodies Regulatory framework Financing of R &D (Innovation) Human resources Ethical & Societal issues Local traditions and values Public perception of Biotech

The Knowledge-Based Economy (KBE), the National system of innovation & Biotechnology

An institutional regime An institutional regime An educated and entrepreneurial population An educated and entrepreneurial population A dynamique information infrastructure A dynamique information infrastructure An efficient system of innovation An efficient system of innovation

The Four components of KBE:

System of InnovationSystem of Innovation

Implementation of R&D activities in health Implementation of R&D activities in health biotech field in some MENA countriesbiotech field in some MENA countries

Egypt : Egypt : Bilharzia institute, several universitiesBilharzia institute, several universities

Morocco : Morocco : Institute Pasteur and universitiesInstitute Pasteur and universities

Jordan : Jordan : Private sector (Hekma, Dar Eddawa, Arab Pharma company ….)Private sector (Hekma, Dar Eddawa, Arab Pharma company ….) Algeria : Algeria : Institute Pasteur and universitiesInstitute Pasteur and universities

Tunisia : Tunisia : Institute Pasteur , Institute de neurology, center biotechnology Sfax and Institute Pasteur , Institute de neurology, center biotechnology Sfax and

universitiesuniversities

Indicators of the Effectiveness of the Indicators of the Effectiveness of the

Innovation System in MENAInnovation System in MENA

Number of Registered PatentsNumber of Registered Patents : : Algeria Algeria :(1966-1986) total number =7930 :(1966-1986) total number =7930

397per year but 97% held by foreign companies397per year but 97% held by foreign companies Egypt : 410 patents registered per year since 1951 Egypt : 410 patents registered per year since 1951

with 43 from Egyptians (10.5%)with 43 from Egyptians (10.5%) Tunisia: 141 in 1995, 257 in 2000, 178 in 2001Tunisia: 141 in 1995, 257 in 2000, 178 in 2001 Morocco: 325 in 1996Morocco: 325 in 1996

Average of 2% in the health field: Poor yield Average of 2% in the health field: Poor yield and overall weaknessand overall weakness

Intellectual property protectionIntellectual property protection The Intellectual property rights index The Intellectual property rights index (IPRI ((IPRI (

Egypt : 5Egypt : 5 Jordan : 4Jordan : 4 Morocco: 4Morocco: 4 Tunisia : 3Tunisia : 3 Algeria : 3Algeria : 3 Lebanon: 2Lebanon: 2

IP rights and Institutions are underdeveloped within IP rights and Institutions are underdeveloped within the MENA regionthe MENA region

Scientific publications in MENAScientific publications in MENA

Steady 10% annual rate increase in the last two decadesSteady 10% annual rate increase in the last two decades Total number went up from 460 in 1967 to 7,000 in 1995 Total number went up from 460 in 1967 to 7,000 in 1995

with one 1/3 approximately from the health fieldwith one 1/3 approximately from the health field

Ratio of publication to population : Ratio of publication to population : – 20.4 for the Maghreb and 26 for the Arab world 20.4 for the Maghreb and 26 for the Arab world – 42 in Brazil and 144 in South Korea42 in Brazil and 144 in South Korea

Publications in international S&T journals Publications in international S&T journals – 0.32% for MENA 0.32% for MENA – 0.96% for Latin America and 2.9%for Asia 0.96% for Latin America and 2.9%for Asia

Presence in scientific Presence in scientific

conferencesconferences [1990-1994][1990-1994] presence of scientists from the presence of scientists from the

MENA countries in international conferences MENA countries in international conferences as reflected by the number of contributed as reflected by the number of contributed papers (1%) was very low. papers (1%) was very low.

[1990-1994][1990-1994] The region hosted only 0.1% of The region hosted only 0.1% of the world’s conferences the world’s conferences

Policy and Strategy PlanningPolicy and Strategy Planning

Successful policies have taken measures:Successful policies have taken measures:

New institutions and bodies. New institutions and bodies. Regulatory frameworks.Regulatory frameworks. Strategic planning & priorities setting. Strategic planning & priorities setting. Mobilization of human resources.Mobilization of human resources. New incentives schemes New incentives schemes

New institutions and bodiesNew institutions and bodies

Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan have Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan have developed in the early nineties :developed in the early nineties :

– Ministries or ministerial delegates Ministries or ministerial delegates – R&D coordinating institutions R&D coordinating institutions – New specialized institutions New specialized institutions

Algeria : MDRST in 1998,CNRST, DRC,ANDRS, ANDS and ANDRUAlgeria : MDRST in 1998,CNRST, DRC,ANDRS, ANDS and ANDRUTunisia : SERST (1990), CMNT,DMT, INNORPI, INRST, APITunisia : SERST (1990), CMNT,DMT, INNORPI, INRST, API

Similar architecture in Morocco, Egypt and JordanSimilar architecture in Morocco, Egypt and Jordan

Regulatory frameworksRegulatory frameworks

In most of the MENA countries promulgation of sets of laws in favor of the In most of the MENA countries promulgation of sets of laws in favor of the development of S&T with direct links to R&D:development of S&T with direct links to R&D:

[1][1] Law of orientation of scientific research and technological Law of orientation of scientific research and technological

development, decree n°94-536 of March 10, 1994 and decree n°96-6 development, decree n°94-536 of March 10, 1994 and decree n°96-6 of January, 1996 and decree n°99-11 of January 1999. Official Journal of January, 1996 and decree n°99-11 of January 1999. Official Journal of Tunisiaof Tunisia

[2][2]Loi n°98-11, d’orientation et de programme a projection Loi n°98-11, d’orientation et de programme a projection quinquennale sur la recherche scientifique et le développement quinquennale sur la recherche scientifique et le développement technologique : Algeria, 1998-2002technologique : Algeria, 1998-2002

In Egypt and Morocco, strong patents, trademarks and copyright In Egypt and Morocco, strong patents, trademarks and copyright protection legal system was set up to encourage innovation by protection legal system was set up to encourage innovation by attracting foreign direct investment and joint venture.attracting foreign direct investment and joint venture.

Strategic planning and priorities Strategic planning and priorities settingsetting::

Technology development plans covering Technology development plans covering periods of four to five years periods of four to five years

Past policies have been characterized by a Past policies have been characterized by a total lack of focus and absence of clear total lack of focus and absence of clear perception of priority areas perception of priority areas

Mobilization of human Mobilization of human

resources:resources:

Centers of excellence planned in several Centers of excellence planned in several MENA countries MENA countries – 10 in Morocco, 6 in Algeria and 5 in Tunisia, 10 in Morocco, 6 in Algeria and 5 in Tunisia,

with at least one specializing in life sciences with at least one specializing in life sciences

Mobility of people from the public to the Mobility of people from the public to the private sector or vice versaprivate sector or vice versa

Mobilize scientists from the diaspora Mobilize scientists from the diaspora

New incentives schemesNew incentives schemes

Taxes exemptions, reduction of custom duties and Taxes exemptions, reduction of custom duties and tax reduction for re-invested profits tax reduction for re-invested profits

In Tunisia: In Tunisia: – A new law promulgated in the year 2000 gives the possibility and the priority for an A new law promulgated in the year 2000 gives the possibility and the priority for an

employee to valorize the invention themselves. employee to valorize the invention themselves. – PIRD [prime pour les investissements en R&D] which is a grant that can go up to 400k PIRD [prime pour les investissements en R&D] which is a grant that can go up to 400k

USD to promote and encourage R&D in the private and public sectorsUSD to promote and encourage R&D in the private and public sectors

Several Several MENA countries set up prizes and MENA countries set up prizes and awardsawards

– in Jordan, the El Hassan Bin Tallal award for scientific excellence, the Hisham Hijjawi in Jordan, the El Hassan Bin Tallal award for scientific excellence, the Hisham Hijjawi prize for applied Sciences, and the Abdul Hameed Shoman prize for young Arab prize for applied Sciences, and the Abdul Hameed Shoman prize for young Arab researchers.researchers.

– In Algeria, presidential prize for Arab medicine,In Algeria, presidential prize for Arab medicine,– In Egypt, the Academy of scientific research and technology gives several prizes and In Egypt, the Academy of scientific research and technology gives several prizes and

awards awards

Financing the Innovation in Financing the Innovation in MENAMENA

CountryCountryEvolution of the average expenditure in R&D as a Evolution of the average expenditure in R&D as a % of GNP between 1994 and 2002% of GNP between 1994 and 2002

MauritaniaMauritania0.26-ND0.26-ND

MoroccoMorocco0.2 to 0.450.2 to 0.45

AlgeriaAlgeria0.3 to 0.700.3 to 0.70

TunisiaTunisia0.3 to 0.820.3 to 0.82

EgyptEgypt0.22 to 0.600.22 to 0.60

JordanJordan0.28 to 0.640.28 to 0.64

Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia0.12 to ND0.12 to ND

UAEUAE0.04 to ND0.04 to ND

KuwaitKuwait0.22 to 0.40.22 to 0.4

QatarQatar0.06-ND0.06-ND

OmanOman0.05 to ND0.05 to ND

BahrainBahrain0.04 to ND0.04 to ND

JapanJapan3.05 to 3.783.05 to 3.78

GermanyGermany2.66 to 3.122.66 to 3.12

FranceFrance2.25 to 2.722.25 to 2.72

Human resourcesHuman resources Training of graduates with the belief that higher education level is central to skills Training of graduates with the belief that higher education level is central to skills

formation and creativity, both necessary ingredients for innovation. formation and creativity, both necessary ingredients for innovation.

Most of the countries in the region have been spending a high percentage of their Most of the countries in the region have been spending a high percentage of their GNP in education.GNP in education.

Compared to Europe, the rate of graduates per thousand in MENA is half as much, Compared to Europe, the rate of graduates per thousand in MENA is half as much,

and yet the number of people involved in R&D is on average 10 to 20 times less than and yet the number of people involved in R&D is on average 10 to 20 times less than in Europein Europe

Less than 400 engineers per million inhabitants are involved in R&D, while Europe Less than 400 engineers per million inhabitants are involved in R&D, while Europe

has 1750.has 1750. Vocational training has long been neglected in most MENA countriesVocational training has long been neglected in most MENA countries Brain Drain but Also Brain WasteBrain Drain but Also Brain Waste : 50% is the proportion of university professors : 50% is the proportion of university professors

that have been permanently lost over the last two decades to the brain drain or to that have been permanently lost over the last two decades to the brain drain or to obsolescence. obsolescence.

Brain GainBrain Gain : NGO called Nosstia, attempts to bring Syrian innovators back to Syria for : NGO called Nosstia, attempts to bring Syrian innovators back to Syria for short-term involvement. short-term involvement.

Ethical and societal issuesEthical and societal issues

MENA countries belong to the Islamic world.MENA countries belong to the Islamic world. The novel technologies are often considered with regard to Islamic beliefsThe novel technologies are often considered with regard to Islamic beliefs

interpretation usually vary from religious subgroups to another.interpretation usually vary from religious subgroups to another.

Medical Privacy and Genetic Discrimination : Gene Therapy, Cloning, and Medical Privacy and Genetic Discrimination : Gene Therapy, Cloning, and DNA testing DNA testing

The Arabic language The Arabic language

Local traditions and valuesLocal traditions and values::

– Oral cultureOral culture– Patriarchal attitudePatriarchal attitude– Rent seeking behaviorRent seeking behavior– Mercantile attitudeMercantile attitude

Public Perception of BiotechPublic Perception of Biotech

The issue of general public awareness is The issue of general public awareness is linked to the information and education linked to the information and education levelslevels

Genetic diseases and acceptance of DNA Genetic diseases and acceptance of DNA testingtesting

Lack of a social debate about biotech in Lack of a social debate about biotech in MENAMENA

MENA Foresight Experience in MENA Foresight Experience in Science and TechnologyScience and Technology

Foresight allows us to think, debate and Foresight allows us to think, debate and shape the future in the complex context of shape the future in the complex context of science, technology and society science, technology and society interrelationshipsinterrelationships

Foresight studies in MENA :Foresight studies in MENA :

Tunisia : Institute of Strategic Studies 2003-2004 project Tunisia 2030Tunisia : Institute of Strategic Studies 2003-2004 project Tunisia 2030Egypt : “Healthy Egyptians for the horizon 2010” CDC’s national Egypt : “Healthy Egyptians for the horizon 2010” CDC’s national

center for health statistics programcenter for health statistics program

Potential research questions that Potential research questions that need to be Addressedneed to be Addressed

How to assess the shortfall of the policies followed by the How to assess the shortfall of the policies followed by the MENA countries to develop biotech?MENA countries to develop biotech?

What are the real obstacles to the development of the What are the real obstacles to the development of the culture of innovation In MENA?culture of innovation In MENA?

What economical, political, social approach should MENA What economical, political, social approach should MENA adopt to reach equitable access to biotech products and adopt to reach equitable access to biotech products and services throughout the region and within social groups in a services throughout the region and within social groups in a given country?given country?

What is the impact of local culture on the innovation What is the impact of local culture on the innovation process?process?

Potential research questions that Potential research questions that need to be addressed need to be addressed (continued)(continued)

How would the local culture be used to promote How would the local culture be used to promote innovation?innovation?

How to improve the participation of human resources from How to improve the participation of human resources from the diaspora in the biotech development effort?the diaspora in the biotech development effort?

How to strengthen IP protection in the region? How to strengthen IP protection in the region?

Define the needs for legislation to implement medical Define the needs for legislation to implement medical privacy and prevent social discrimination? privacy and prevent social discrimination?

How to improve public awareness of the impact of biotech How to improve public awareness of the impact of biotech on individuals and societies?on individuals and societies?

Suggested immediate actions to help Suggested immediate actions to help biotech development in the MENA regionbiotech development in the MENA region Extend to the rest of the MENA region, the Extend to the rest of the MENA region, the

Tunisian experience of assessing the psycho-Tunisian experience of assessing the psycho-social perception of genetic diseases and evaluate social perception of genetic diseases and evaluate the success of prevention programs based on the success of prevention programs based on DNA prenatal testing and preventive abortion.DNA prenatal testing and preventive abortion.

Contribute in capacity building in genetic Contribute in capacity building in genetic counseling, by developing channels and providing counseling, by developing channels and providing tools [ grants and fellowships] through which a tools [ grants and fellowships] through which a number of genetic counselors can receive high number of genetic counselors can receive high training training

Suggested Immediate actions to help Suggested Immediate actions to help biotech development in the MENA regionbiotech development in the MENA region Promoting information's on different aspects of Promoting information's on different aspects of

biotech to MENA general public and MENA biotech to MENA general public and MENA scientists : scientists :

– the general public, IDRC can contribute in providing specific the general public, IDRC can contribute in providing specific information on the real possibilities that biotech can offer in health information on the real possibilities that biotech can offer in health care as well as the issues that it raisescare as well as the issues that it raises

– For scientists, IDRC could facilitate the access to specialized For scientists, IDRC could facilitate the access to specialized scientific literature, especially to relevant data banks via the WEBscientific literature, especially to relevant data banks via the WEB

Building a WEB site on biotech resources in Building a WEB site on biotech resources in MENA : MENA : Public institutions bodies, Private sector, human resources, universities, links etcPublic institutions bodies, Private sector, human resources, universities, links etc

Potential PartnersPotential Partners

Different official institutions and body Different official institutions and body throughout the regionthroughout the region

ALECSO, WHO, NGOs (Nosstia)ALECSO, WHO, NGOs (Nosstia) UniversitiesUniversities Biotech associationsBiotech associations