Mandate and objectives
The Technical Advisory Group on Therapeutics Prioritization (TAG-TP) aims to establish an independent, systematic process for advising on the selection of candidate therapeutics for further development and clinical trials. In this role, the TAG-TP:
- reviews the available evidence on therapeutics used in previous outbreaks or currently under development, including treatments across all stages of disease and prophylaxis (excluding vaccines);
- assesses new and repurposed drug candidates for inclusion in phase II/III efficacy trials;
- applies predefined criteria to evaluate and prioritize candidate therapeutics; and
- provides recommendations to WHO on which therapeutics should be prioritized for clinical evaluation.
Scope of work
The TAG-TP evaluates a broad range of evidence to inform its recommendations, including:
- in vitro data (e.g. antiviral activity in relevant laboratory systems);
- in vivo data (e.g. animal models); and
- clinical and pharmacological data from studies in humans.
The group also considers:
- novel and repurposed therapeutics;
- combination therapies;
- different treatment modalities; and
- readiness for clinical evaluation during outbreaks and health emergencies.
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All →WHO Technical Advisory Group on Therapeutics Prioritization for Bundibugyo virus disease: meeting report,...
This meeting report summarizes discussions of the WHO Research and Development (R&D) Blueprint Technical Advisory Group on Therapeutics Prioritization...
Members
Composition
The Technical Advisory Group on Therapeutics Prioritization (TAG-TP) is composed of up to 12–15 experts appointed by WHO through an open call for experts. Members serve in their personal capacities and are selected to ensure a broad range of expertise relevant to therapeutics prioritization, while also promoting geographical diversity and gender balance.
Members are appointed for a two-year term and may be eligible for reappointment. The group includes specialists in infectious diseases, clinical research, therapeutics development, regulatory science and public health, who provide independent scientific advice to WHO. All members are required to comply with WHO policies on confidentiality and conflicts of interest and must remain free from any real, potential or perceived conflicts that could affect their work.
Working methods
The TAG-TP operates as an independent advisory body to WHO and may meet virtually or in person as required. The group reviews scientific evidence, deliberates on therapeutic priorities, and develops recommendations through consensus wherever possible. Smaller working groups may be established to address specific technical issues.
TAG-TP recommendations are advisory in nature. WHO retains full authority over decisions and actions that may result from the group’s advice.
Independence and conflicts of interest
Members serve in their personal capacities and are required to maintain independence, impartiality and scientific integrity. All members must complete WHO declaration of interests processes and comply with WHO policies on conflicts of interest and confidentiality.
Secretariat
WHO provides the scientific, technical and administrative secretariat support for the TAG-TP, including the organization of meetings and preparation of supporting documentation.
Chair
Marco Cavaleri, Head of Public Health Threats, European Medicines Agency
Members
Ashish Bavdekar, KEM Hospital Research Centre, India
Sanjay Bhagani, Royal Free London NHS Trust and UCL, United Kingdom
Gavin Harris, Emory University Hospital, United States of America
Jens Lundgren, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
André Machado Siqueira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil
Julia Tree, UK Health Security Agency, United Kingdom