Numerous investors already work with the Access to Medicine Foundation to improve their knowledge of how pharmaceutical companies manage risks and opportunities related to access-to-medicine and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As of January 2021, 100+ investors – together managing assets of more than USD 18 trillion – have signed the Access to Medicine Index Investor Statement and committed to using the research of the Access to Medicine Foundation in their investment analysis and engagements with companies.
How we analyse ESG issues
Access to medicine and AMR are material issues for the pharmaceutical industry and the scope of the Foundation's research includes a broad range of value drivers within the pharmaceutical business, including pricing models, R&D, governance, supply chain management and compliance.
Our research covers the most common communicable diseases, such as TB, malaria and HIV/AIDS, as well as lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. We compare the performances of individual companies across these issues, identify best practices and evaluate the current industry standard and direction of travel.
By working systematically to improve access to medicine in low- and middle-income countries, pharmaceutical companies can realise the following benefits:
- Unlock growth potential in emerging markets by reaching new populations.
It is estimated that emerging markets could see a doubling of pharma revenues for the top 20 markets in the next ten years. This is in large part driven by limited growth potential in developed markets. - Enhance corporate reputations.
The long-term sustainability of pharmaceutical companies is closely bound to their capacity to build trust among the different parties active in the healthcare system. High trust is known to enhance companies’ capacities to attract top talent, encourage patients to participate in clinical trials, and obtain premium prices for innovative products.
- Mitigate the risk of unethical conduct.
Companies need strict policies and strong compliance systems in place to avoid unethical practices such as corruption to anti-competitive measures. These can lead to fines and reputational damage. - Contribute to the creation of healthy societies.
Improving access to medicine in low- and middle-income countries contributes to the creation of healthier, more productive and more innovative societies. It prevents disease outbreaks that can negatively affect the global economy.
Related reads:
Responsible Investor: Pharmaceutical companies, access to medicine and SDG 3: What role for investors? - by Bowen Gu, Access to Medicine Foundation.
Antibiotics: preserving the miracle cure - by Matt Crossman, Rathbone Greenbank
A healthy pharmaceutical company is worth more - by Rogier Snijdewind, PGGM.
Pharma: Access to success in the developing world - by Yo Takatsuki.
How investors and analysts use our research
Investors and analysts use the Access to Medicine Index and the AMR Benchmark in multiple ways:
- Integrate companies' scores and ranking positions into quantitative stock valuation models and/or proprietary sustainability frameworks.
- Use the methodology of our research programmes to identify quantitative indicators ("red flags" or "positive signals") which can be integrated into the systematic analysis of the whole pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
- Interact regularly with the Foundation to obtain unique and tailored analysis deemed material to the long-term profitability of individual pharmaceutical companies.
- Exchange insights with the Foundation’s analysts to design a customised framework for measuring companies’ contribution to SDGs, including SDG3.
Investors frequently ask the Foundation's analysts:
- Which companies have board-level responsibility for access to medicine and/or provide long-term incentives to board members and senior management?
- What are the most innovative business models across the industry, delivering social and financial impact?
- What actions do companies take in order to avoid cases of corruption, bribery or unethical marketing?
- Which access initiatives do companies focus on to increase access to cancer products?
- Which socio-economic factors do they take into account when tailoring pricing strategies for different markets?
- Under which terms and in which countries do companies license patented products in emerging markets?
- How do companies strengthen supply chains in low- and middle-income countries?
Leading investors support the Access to Medicine Index
More than 100 investors have already pledged their support to our independent research by signing the Access to Medicine Index Investor Statement. Together, these investors manage assets in excess of USD 18 trillion.
Become an Access to Medicine Index signatory investor
By becoming a signatory to the Investor Statement, your organisation will:
- Gain direct access to our 10+ analysts who track companies on a daily basis. This can take the form of calls in support of stock valuation or engagement dialogues, or training workshops for your analysts and engagement teams.
- Receive regular updates on our newest insights and thematic studies.
- Be invited to join collective engagement initiatives where we see common interests from different investors regarding material ESG issues in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Be invited to participate in all investor events and roundtables.
- Be invited to take part in our multi-stakeholder consultation process to develop the new methodology of the Access to Medicine Index.
For more information please contact Investor Engagement Manager Mara Lilley.
