Contribution of research institutions to the development of the pharmaceutical industry: case of scientific works carried out at the faculty of pharmacy of Abidjan

Abstract

Introduction: Works produced within universities and research institutes aim to provide high innovative technological or sociocultural solutions to society's challenges. Pharmaceutical industrialization is a socio-health issue in Côte d'Ivoire. Indeed the pharmaceutical production, although essential, is still in its infancy. Our objective is to take stock of the works carried out on this activity within the faculty of Pharmacy in Côte d'Ivoire in order to assess the contribution of this unit of research to its boom. Methodology: We’ve listed the theses and dissertations defended on the pharmaceutical production since the opening of the faculty, have described them and then we’ve analysed the results and recommendations of the authors of works. Results: During this preliminary study, out of the 25 documents available, 18 (72.0%) of the works focused on the development of galenic and cosmetic formulations, including 08 (32.0%) based on natural substances, in terms of development and evaluation of formulation parameters; 04 (16,0%) focused on the difficulties of the industrial process and 03 (12.0%) on the political and regulatory aspects. The works on the regulation of the activity, which was more transversal, presented the legal,   institutional and political framework as harmonious, but highlighted other factors that need to be legislated. Conclusion: The preponderance of works on technical aspects that take into account our local realities confirms the expected contribution of universities through basic and applied research. The regulation remains an essential point also to implementate and organize. State support and public-private partnerships are still needed for the pharmaceutical industrialization.