Novartis ranks third in Access to Medicines Index 2016 report
The Access to Medicine Index has published its 2016 ranking of the top 20 research-based pharmaceutical companies worldwide, reflecting its view of how effectively they make medicines, vaccines and diagnostics more accessible in low and middle income countries.
Novartis ranked third overall, up one place from 2014. The authors commented that all of the top four companies “show needs-orientation, matching actions to externally identified priorities in the access agenda”.
They added: “For example, they invest in R&D for urgently needed products, even where commercial incentives are lacking. Their access strategies support commercial objectives, with clear business rationales.”
Novartis came first in the categories of general access-to-medicine management and capacity building. The Novartis Access program was recognized as a Best Practice and recognition was also given to our increased company-wide focus on equitable pricing. However, the report stressed the need for further progress on market influence / compliance and patents / licensing.
Novartis Access is integrated within Novartis Social Business, a unit that includes the Novartis Malaria Initiative and the Novartis Healthy Family programs. This unit is operationally managed by Sandoz.