While neglected diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis infect millions of people every year and kill hundreds of thousands, their concentration in low-income countries that have little ability to pay means the drugs industry has long turned its research efforts to more lucrative ailments in the developed world. That is starting to change. [refers to partnerships between drug companies, non-profits & governments to research neglected diseases] [refers to GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Roche, Ranbaxy, Sanofi-Aventis] One reason for such recent activity is a change of heart towards corporate social responsibility by the drug companies, which have come under growing criticism for generating large profits while many people cannot afford treatments...Nevertheless, the new interest in neglected diseases is in its infancy. Paul Herrling, head of corporate research at Novartis, warns that even if new drugs emerge from the laboratory, "the crunch will come" in the cost and regulatory issues surrounding clinical trials and in the distribution of drugs. Much more money, patience, political commitment and luck will be required.