How investors can bolster global health equity while generating long-term value

The pharmaceutical industry has been at the forefront of science, bringing us cutting-edge drugs that tackle some of the most challenging diseases and help people all over the world.

As much as we need new, innovative medicines, the reality is that some people today still struggle to access those life-changing innovations. Billions of people living in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) are still unable to access basic, essential healthcare products — let alone the latest medicines and treatments on the market.

The need to balance people and profit has always been a challenge for the pharmaceutical industry, but companies are now under increasing pressure to recognize their responsibility in the fight for global health equity. At the same time, with the rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in investment processes, companies that don’t focus on making a positive impact on people and the planet will lose out.

The rise of ESG has not been without controversies and complexities, and ESG frameworks are still currently far from perfect. But the recalibration of value beyond financial metrics has seen more and more investors expecting pharmaceutical companies to demonstrate commitment to building sustainable business models.

Read the full op-ed on the World Economic Forum website.