New pharmaceutical labels are likely to be needed over the next few years after 13 firms in the sector confirmed they are joining forces in order to tackle tropical diseases.
The companies want to step up efforts to eliminate or manage the control of ten of the most neglected conditions.
This will be supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the governments of the United Arab Emirates, the US and Britain.
Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder, commented: "We have joined together to increase the impact of our investments and build on the tremendous progress made to date."
International development minister Stephen O'Brien added that the most neglected tropical diseases are "horrific" conditions which are often fatal or debilitating.
He said the UK and its partners are "leading the way to provide critical treatments" to millions of the poorest people in the world.
This comes after the UK Coalition against Neglected Tropical Diseases backed the British government's pledge to increase investment in tackling these conditions.
Spokeswoman Caroline Harper described this as a "landmark" commitment.
Denny Bros Ltd, 01 February 2012
