Evaluation of R&D activities and the perspectives of the participants of pharmaceutical companies on r&d in Turkey;

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate both R&D activities and investments of pharmaceutical companies and the views of of participants on R&D. For this research, pharmaceutical companies who were the members of Association of Research based Pharmaceutical Companies (AIFD), Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Turkey (IEIS) and Pharmaceutical Industry Association of Turkey (TISD) and who met the screening criteria were identified as universe. In order to address many issues in the study, the questionnaire included 50 questions. After validating the questions, the survey was rolled out online. Fifty one pharmaceutical companies participated in this research with a 63% participation rate. Two departments from each company were included in this online survey. If the company has an R&D department, one R&D specialist, if not, one specialist from Medical or Clinical Research department participated. The marketing department was selected as a second group for the study and one professional from this department completed the online survey. Ninety six respondents completed the survey with the expectations of two professionals from each company. For the statistical analysis of the data, SPSS 22 program was used. Results indicate that R&D activities as well as investments in Turkish pharmaceutical industry were not sufficient. The major reasons for the insufficiency were the “Lack of vision”, “Lack of financial incentives”, and “Lack of government and industry cooperation” reported by the participants of both companies. Additionally, “Patent problem and Intellectual Property Rights”, and “Lack of infrastructure” were also chosen by the respondents of international pharmaceutical companies. The important reasons for international pharmaceutical companies for not establishing their R&D centers in Turkey were “Not to choose Turkey strategically” and “Pricing policies”. Additionally, “Patent problem” and “Lack of Government support” were selected as other important reasons by the participants of international companies. International pharmaceutical companies as part of their R&D efforts only conduct clinical trials in Turkey. © 2019, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy. All rights reserved.