MIHMEPIANS learn the challenges of introducing new products in LMICS markets

MIHMEP students were shown a case study at the intersection of health care management, pharmaceutical development and global health with Ingrid Etoke, Senior Program Officer at the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Master of International Healthcare Management, Economics and Policy (MIHMEP) at the SDA Bocconi School of Management hosted Ingrid Etoke, an expert on products that prevent of malaria, particularly in Africa. As Senior Program Officer at the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation, she is responsible for the introduction of new products and market dynamics of the Malaria product pipeline.

Ingrid presented a case study on the PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, INTRODUCTION & Scaleup in malaria of the NEW NET interceptor g2. Her presentation underlined how the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN), the primary method for preventing malaria in Africa, is developed through evolution and the spread of pyrethroid resistance.

This is why the Gates Foundation has invested in new insecticides with novel modes of action. Interceptor® G2 LN (IG2) is an insecticide-mixture LLIN, which combines wash-resistant formulations of chlorfenapyr and the pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin. Ingrid presented the various phases of this new product development, including the research process, clinical trials, and prequalification steps.

The case study provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges of the market dynamics and the price adaptation of pharmaceutical products in Low- or Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), examining policy as well as financial barriers that influence market access. The discussion of this specific example of product development – and the related implementation plan – showed the audience the many perspectives of stakeholders, such as manufacturers, international organizations, governments, etc. which must be balanced and combined while shaping and implementing an access plan.

A lively discussion with students emphasized the complexity, in the context of LMICs, of the ecosystem supporting product development and the co-financing mechanisms of multiple financial stakeholders, like the Global Fund, President Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the Private Sector which are supporting the recipient countries in effectively launching and adopting the new product. Moreover, the importance of sound and informative evidence that can measure the intrinsic, economic, and social value of healthcare solutions was emphasized.

This seminar is a perfect example of the interconnection and synergy between 3 key areas of the health sector: Health Care Management, Pharma and Global Health & Development. These areas are at the core of the MIHMEP program, and are the focus of the Master’s 3 specialization tracks, which should not be seen as silos but as streams of the health sector that are intrinsically related and should be tackled holistically to effectively respond to the challenges of the modern healthcare landscape. Future healthcare leaders trained in MIHMEP will be equipped with the necessary tools to understand this global vision and will be well prepared for the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry, health care management or at global health institutions.

SDA Bocconi School of Management