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McDougall ARA, Tuttle A, Goldstein M, Ammerdorffer A, Aboud L, Gülmezoglu AM, Vogel JP. Expert consensus on novel medicines to prevent preterm birth and manage preterm labour: Target product profiles. BJOG 2024; 131:71-80. [PMID: 36209501 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop target product profiles (TPPs) for new medicines for preterm birth prevention and preterm labour management that address the real-world need of women and healthcare providers, informed by views and agreement amongst globally diverse stakeholders. DESIGN Mixed methods. SETTING Global (with a focus on low- and middle-income countries, LMICs). SAMPLE Global stakeholders with diverse expertise in preterm labour/birth and drug development. METHODS Following an initial literature review, diverse stakeholders were invited to participate in an online international survey and in-depth interviews. The level of stakeholder agreement with TPPs was assessed, and findings from interviews were synthesised to inform the final TPPs. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Level of stakeholder agreement on the minimum and preferred requirements for preterm labour/birth medicines. RESULTS We performed 21 interviews. Interview participants demonstrated strong agreement on room temperature stability, no additional drug-specific clinical monitoring, and affordability in LMICs being the minimal acceptable requirements. Points of discussion were raised around the target population. Survey respondents included clinicians, researchers, funding agency staff, international public organisation staff, programme implementers, policymakers, representatives of consumer advocacy organisations and other relevant stakeholders from maternal health systems. Survey results indicated strong agreement amongst stakeholders, with only one variable in each TPP not reaching consensus (i.e. 25% disagree or strongly disagree). CONCLUSIONS There is strong consensus within the preterm labour/birth community on the characteristics that new medicines for preterm birth prevention and preterm labour management must achieve. These TPPs provide necessary guidance to evaluate new candidates and their potential for implementation in a range of settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie R A McDougall
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Tuttle
- Policy Cures Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maya Goldstein
- Policy Cures Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Lily Aboud
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Joshua P Vogel
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Bachmann TT, Mitsakakis K, Hays JP, van Belkum A, Russom A, Luedke G, Simonsen GS, Abel G, Peter H, Goossens H, Moran-Gilad J, Vila J, Becker K, Moons P, Sampath R, Peeling RW, Luz S, van Staa T, Di Gregori V. Expert guidance on target product profile development for AMR diagnostic tests. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012319. [PMID: 38114235 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnostics are widely considered crucial in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is expected to kill 10 million people annually by 2030. Nevertheless, there remains a substantial gap between the need for AMR diagnostics versus their development and implementation. To help address this problem, target product profiles (TPP) have been developed to focus developers' attention on the key aspects of AMR diagnostic tests. However, during discussion between a multisectoral working group of 51 international experts from industry, academia and healthcare, it was noted that specific AMR-related TPPs could be extended by incorporating the interdependencies between the key characteristics associated with the development of such TPPs. Subsequently, the working group identified 46 characteristics associated with six main categories (ie, Intended Use, Diagnostic Question, Test Description, Assay Protocol, Performance and Commercial). The interdependencies of these characteristics were then identified and mapped against each other to generate new insights for use by stakeholders. Specifically, it may not be possible for diagnostics developers to achieve all of the recommendations in every category of a TPP and this publication indicates how prioritising specific TPP characteristics during diagnostics development may influence (or not) a range of other TPP characteristics associated with the diagnostic. The use of such guidance, in conjunction with specific TPPs, could lead to more efficient AMR diagnostics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till T Bachmann
- Center for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Konstantinos Mitsakakis
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Hahn-Schickard, Freiburg, Germany
| | - John P Hays
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre (Erasmus MC), Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alex van Belkum
- BioMérieux Open Innovation & Partnerships, La Balme Les Grottes, France
| | - Aman Russom
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gunnar Skov Simonsen
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gyorgy Abel
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Harald Peter
- Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Herman Goossens
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jacob Moran-Gilad
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jordi Vila
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Biomedical Diagnostic Centre (CDB), Hospital Clínic, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Pieter Moons
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Saturnino Luz
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tjeerd van Staa
- Health eResearch Centre, Farr Institute for Health Informatics Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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McDougall ARA, Hastie R, Goldstein M, Tuttle A, Ammerdorffer A, Gülmezoglu AM, Vogel JP. New medicines for spontaneous preterm birth prevention and preterm labour management: landscape analysis of the medicine development pipeline. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:525. [PMID: 37464260 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05842-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few medicines in clinical use for managing preterm labor or preventing spontaneous preterm birth from occurring. We previously developed two target product profiles (TPPs) for medicines to prevent spontaneous preterm birth and manage preterm labor. The objectives of this study were to 1) analyse the research and development pipeline of medicines for preterm birth and 2) compare these medicines to target product profiles for spontaneous preterm birth to identify the most promising candidates. METHODS Adis Insight, Pharmaprojects, WHO international clinical trials registry platform (ICTRP), PubMed and grant databases were searched to identify candidate medicines (including drugs, dietary supplements and biologics) and populate the Accelerating Innovations for Mothers (AIM) database. This database was screened for all candidates that have been investigated for preterm birth. Candidates in clinical development were ranked against criteria from TPPs, and classified as high, medium or low potential. Preclinical candidates were categorised by product type, archetype and medicine subclass. RESULTS The AIM database identified 178 candidates. Of the 71 candidates in clinical development, ten were deemed high potential (Prevention: Omega-3 fatty acid, aspirin, vaginal progesterone, oral progesterone, L-arginine, and selenium; Treatment: nicorandil, isosorbide dinitrate, nicardipine and celecoxib) and seven were medium potential (Prevention: pravastatin and lactoferrin; Treatment: glyceryl trinitrate, retosiban, relcovaptan, human chorionic gonadotropin and Bryophyllum pinnatum extract). 107 candidates were in preclinical development. CONCLUSIONS This analysis provides a drug-agnostic approach to assessing the potential of candidate medicines for spontaneous preterm birth. Research should be prioritised for high-potential candidates that are most likely to meet the real world needs of women, babies, and health care professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie R A McDougall
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Joshua P Vogel
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Charnaud SC, Moorthy V, Reeder J, Ross AL. WHO target product profiles to shape global research and development. Bull World Health Organ 2023; 101:326-330. [PMID: 37131943 PMCID: PMC10140686 DOI: 10.2471/blt.22.289521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Research and development leading to new and improved health products is essential for achieving healthier lives for populations worldwide. However, new products in development do not always match the global need for products for neglected diseases and populations. To promote research, provide an incentive for investment and align products with the needs of end-users, research needs to be better coordinated and prioritized. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed target product profiles that define the characteristics required in new health products to address the greatest public health needs. A WHO target product profile document presents a need and provides guidance on what to include to consider access and equity as part of the research and development plan from the outset. WHO has also set up the Target Product Profile Directory, a free-to-use online database of characteristics used to describe desired health products, including medicines, vaccines, diagnostic tools and medical equipment. Here we describe the process of developing a WHO target product profile, and the benefits of this type of guidance. We urge product developers to share product profiles addressing unmet needs in public health, to help in progress towards global targets for better health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Charnaud
- Research for Health Department, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Vasee Moorthy
- Research for Health Department, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - John Reeder
- Research for Health Department, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Anna Laura Ross
- Research for Health Department, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
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Khumalo F, Passmore JS, Manhanzva M, Meyer B, Duyver M, Lurie M, Tanko RF, Masson L. Shifting the power: scale-up of access to point-of-care and self-testing for sexually transmitted infections in low-income and middle-income settings. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2023; 36:49-56. [PMID: 36753705 DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Point-of-care (POC) testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can provide complementary coverage to existing HIV testing services in LMICs. This review summarizes current and emerging technologies for detecting STIs in LMICs, with an emphasis on women, discharge-causing infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis), true POC, self-testing, ethics, and economic considerations related to equitable access. RECENT FINDINGS The WHO have recently adapted guidelines for treatment of STIs in women that advise the use of true-POC or near-POC tests to improve case finding. The number of rapid, sensitive, and specific POC diagnostics for STIs has increased significantly over the past 10 years, although adoption of these in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. Barriers to POC adoption by patients include the cost of tests, the inconvenience of lengthy clinic visits, low perceived risk, stigma, lack of partner notification, and lack of trust in healthcare providers. Lowering the cost of true POC lateral flow devices, interfacing these with digital or eHealth technologies, and enabling self-testing/self-sampling will overcome some of these barriers in LMICs. Ensuring linkage of diagnostic tests to subsequent care remains one of the major concerns about self-testing, irrespective of geography, although available evidence from HIV self-testing suggests that linkage to care is similar to that for facility-based testing. SUMMARY Increasing access to sensitive STI true POC tests will strengthen reproductive healthcare in LMICs. Although HIV self-testing is demonstrably useful in LMICs, there is an urgent need for randomized trials evaluating the utility and cost-effectiveness of similar tests for other sexually transmitted infections.
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McDougall ARA, Hastie R, Goldstein M, Tuttle A, Tong S, Ammerdorffer A, Gülmezoglu AM, Vogel JP. Systematic evaluation of the pre-eclampsia drugs, dietary supplements and biologicals pipeline using target product profiles. BMC Med 2022; 20:393. [PMID: 36329468 PMCID: PMC9635102 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Accelerating Innovation for Mothers (AIM) project established a database of candidate medicines in research and development (R&D) between 2000 and 2021 for five pregnancy-related conditions, including pre-eclampsia. In parallel, we published target product profiles (TPPs) that describe optimal characteristics of medicines for use in preventing/treating pre-eclampsia. The study objective was to use systematic double screening and extraction to identify all candidate medicines being investigated for pre-eclampsia prevention/treatment and rank their potential based on the TPPs. METHODS Adis Insight, Pharmaprojects, WHO international clinical trials registry platform (ICTRP), PubMed and grant databases were searched (Jan-May 2021). The AIM database was screened for all candidates being investigated for pre-eclampsia. Candidates in clinical development were evaluated against nine prespecified criteria from TPPs identified as key for wide-scale implementation, and classified as high, medium or low potential based on matching to the TPPs. Preclinical candidates were categorised by product type, archetype and medicine subclass. RESULTS The AIM database identified 153 candidates for pre-eclampsia. Of the 87 candidates in clinical development, seven were classified as high potential (prevention: esomeprazole, L-arginine, chloroquine, vitamin D and metformin; treatment: sulfasalazine and metformin) and eight as medium potential (prevention: probiotic lactobacilli, dalteparin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acid; treatment: sulforaphane, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and vitamin B3). Sixty-six candidates were in preclinical development, the most common being amino acid/peptides, siRNA-based medicines and polyphenols. CONCLUSIONS This is a novel, evidence-informed approach to identifying promising candidates for pre-eclampsia prevention and treatment - a vital step in stimulating R&D of new medicines for pre-eclampsia suitable for real-world implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie R A McDougall
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | | | | | - Stephen Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | | | | | - Joshua P Vogel
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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