Novartis takes the top spot in 2024 Access to Medicine Index

In an article for European Medical Journal, Jade Williams covers the release of the new Access to Medicine Index, spotlighting first-time Novartis’ top ranking, while underlining the need for the pharmaceutical industry to regain momentum on access-to-medicine efforts, capturing a key theme of the report.

The article highlights positive findings from the report, such as the increasing number of companies, including Pfizer, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi, that are employing inclusive business models aimed at low- and middle-income countries.

However, it also notes that “despite individual successes, overall industry performance has declined since 2022,” acknowledging the general loss of momentum by large pharmaceutical companies in their access-to-medicine efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are significant opportunities to scale access and finally bridge the health equity gap for billions around the world,” the articles quoted Jayasree K. Iyer, CEO, Access to Medicine Foundation. “By using tried-and-tested mechanisms and new and innovative approaches, as well as leveraging their local partnerships, companies can meet their full potential in delivering their lifesaving treatments to patients, wherever they are needed.”