Access to essential medicines in least developed countries (LDCs) could be facilitated through local production, according to a report released today by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development...[M]ajor players in developed countries[are] facing the expiration of patents on some high-revenue drugs, and a shortage of new drugs to replace them...pushing those companies to seek partnerships with prominent generic manufacturers both in developed and in developing countries...[S]ome caution needs to be exercised, the report said...“[I]nvestors will need assurances by governments” that the basic prerequisites for the manufacture of high-quality medicines at low cost are present in the countries...The choice of medicines to be produced locally... needs to follow a public health perspective...technology transfer needs to be part of any investment in the local production or pharmaceuticals...