Local pharmaceutical research and development capacity in a developing country: a qualitative exploration of perspectives from key stakeholders in Ethiopia.

Purpose: Despite its importance in ensuring sustainable healthcare, there are huge challenges with pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) especially for developing countries mainly due to the high investment costs naturally associated with such activities. In this regard, the pharmaceutical sector in Ethiopia, the most populous nation in East Africa, faces numerous challenges. The current study aimed at assessing the R&D capacity of the local pharmaceutical manufacturers from the perspectives of key informants working in the companies and supporting government offices and education institutions.