Novartis to Start Chronic Disease Medication Program in Poor Nations
Novartis AG has started its new program that provides low-cost medications for people from poorer countries who are suffering from chronic health diseases.
"Novartis Access is a natural extension of two important contributions our company makes to society: developing innovative medicines that help people fight disease and working to get them to as many people as possible," said Joerg Reinhardt, Chairman of the Board of Novartis. "This program takes an novel approach to addressing the rising tide of chronic diseases in parts of the world where people often have limited access to healthcare. We know we will need to keep an open mindset and learn as we progress on this journey."
The Swiss-based drugmaker launched the program called Novartis Access in Kenya, Ethiopia and Vietnam so far. Novartis stated that they chose these three nations because they have close ties to many non-governmental organizations. The company plans on expanding the program so that they can reach up to 30 countries. The drugs will be sold to the government, aid groups and other non-profit organizations.
Novartis will be providing 15 drugs that treat diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer and other diseases for just $1 per treatment per month. The drug list includes valsartan, vildagliptin and generics that include tamoxifen. For comparison, the generic version of tamoxifen costs about $100 per month in the U.S.
This is not the first time that a pharmaceutical company has reduced prices. Roche and GlaxoSmithKline have offered life-saving drugs for a reduce price to low-income nations.
Novartis made the announcement right before the start of the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, which starts on Friday. At the summit, global leaders will be discussing the health issues that people from poorer places face.
