Pharma still ‘falling short’ in providing access to low- and middle-income countries, analysis finds

The article emphasises that although pharmaceutical companies have made some progress in expanding access to essential healthcare products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), their overall efforts remain limited.  

Specifically, despite companies tailoring their business models to focus on low –income countries, progress has slowed in reaching licensing deals that are designed to make lower-cost generic drugs available in LMICs. Additionally, only a small number of companies have engaged in technology transfer agreements, and most clinical trials continue to be conducted outside of LMICs, despite these countries being home to the majority of the global population. 

The article also highlights that GSK and Novartis ranked at the top of the three areas measured by the Foundation for the report, including Governance of Access, Research & Development and Product Delivery. However, overall, there has been “uneven progress” among companies for implementation. 

“Since we began measuring these companies, we expected the pace of progress would pick up, but it’s falling short — and not a little bit short, but a lot short,” the article quotes Jayasree K. Iyer, CEO of the Foundation. “The big concern is how do we keep momentum going if, in fact, it’s dropping down?”