WHO target product profiles to shape global research and development

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.