Pharmaceutical Innovation and Global Health Equity: Rethinking the Link Between Parasitic Diseases and Cancer

AbstractThis paper explores global inequities in health innovation, emphasizing the imbalance between significant investments in cancer research and the persistent neglect of parasitic diseases—some of which are recognized as carcinogenic. It argues that equitable pharmaceutical innovation, supported by inclusive global policies and ethical industry strategies, can reduce health disparities while strengthening innovation ecosystems in both developed and developing countries. The analysis highlights the importance of repositioning pharmaceutical research within a framework of global justice, sustainability, and preventive medicine. Keywords: Pharmaceutical innovation; Global health; Neglected tropical diseases; Cancer; Equity; Public health. Citation:Campos, L. F. (2025). Pharmaceutical Innovation and Global Health Equity: Rethinking the Link Between Parasitic Diseases and Cancer. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17344674 Author:Lucinéia Futia Campos — Pharmacist, Independent Researcher (Brazil)ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9336-5183 License: CC BY 4.0 InternationalCopyright: © 2025 Lucinéia Futia Campos