Assessment of country readiness for drug development: A qualitative study in Indonesia

Abstract

Over a 5‐year period ending in 2019, 200 pharmaceutical industries in Indonesia were encouraged to transform from generic to research‐based ones. This study aimed to assess the country's readiness for change, to predict the policy impact on drug development in Indonesia. Issues concerning the perceptions of pharmaceutical industries and government institutions on the pursuit of drug development readiness were explored in a qualitative explorative study, employing elements of key levers predicting drug development. Data from interviews and an open‐ended survey of a number of top‐level managers in pharmaceutical industries and relevant government institutions revealed that Indonesia was only partially ready to develop drugs. Drug characteristics, push and pull factors, government resources, and the national program were identified as drivers but failed to deliver any impact. Regulations, pharma capacity, market opportunities, regulatory‐pull factors, key actors, and policy value were among the commonly stated barriers to development.