The 72nd World Health Assembly, held in Geneva, Switzerland, is debating a draft resolution filed by Italy urging the World Health Organization (WHO) and governments to increase transparency in a number of areas, including global drug pricing, research and development costs, clinical trial data and patent information. The resolution is scheduled for deliberation during the meeting ending May 28.

Switzerland shares a keen interest in the debate as it is host to the headquarters of some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Supporters of the initiative posit that transparency is essential to ensure fair drug pricing and make medicines more affordable.

According to a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the pharmaceutical industry, “R&D costs and pricing structures are opaque, raising legitimate questions about the value offered by some increasingly expensive new treatments.” Many developing countries consider that there is an urgent need for reform due to the high costs of treatments for diseases such as cancer.