WIPO/MPP host presentation of study: Voluntary Licensing: Right for Health, Smart for Business

WIPO and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) jointly organised the presentation of a new study on 29 May 2024, that demonstrates how voluntary licensing can advance access to medical technologies, while being commercially viable for biopharmaceutical companies. The study, conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), presents evidence that voluntary licensing is an effective mechanism to address global health disparities, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using both qualitative and quantitative analyses, the study illustrates how voluntary licensing advances access to medical products across multiple geographies while offering economic benefits for biopharmaceutical companies.

The study provides solid evidence that voluntary licensing can increase revenues for both innovator and generic companies, enhance access and encourage employee retention, leading to significant cost savings, with minimum costs and risks to companies. The study also demonstrates the advantages of voluntary licensing as a mechanism to support global partnerships, local manufacturing, and equitable access to healthcare solutions.