Workshop on expanding access to generic medicine – Meeting Report

Participants from eight multinational generic medicine manufacturers joined the virtual workshop; other participants included experts from global health organisations, procurement agencies, and government bodies.

The workshop was held under the Chatham House Rule, in order to encourage a free and open exchange of ideas. It was chaired by the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Jayasree K. Iyer, and to get the discussion underway, three representatives from the generics industry were invited to speak:

• Amalia Adler-Waxman, Vice President Global Head, Environment, Social & Governance, Teva Pharmaceuticals 

• Vinay Singh, Vice President Business Development Emerging Markets, Sun Pharma 

• Erika Satterwhite, Head of Global Policy, Viatris

Overarching themes:

1. Defining the changing roles of generic medicine manufacturers in scaling up access 

2. Identifying viable business models to expand access 

3. Toolkit of approaches for expanding access in LMICs

Key takeaways:

1. Generic medicine manufacturers have more opportunities in ensuring access to medicine, beyond their conventional role

2. Viable business models that build in access to medicine can, and should, be developed

3. Generic medicine manufacturers can build on their strengths to overcome challenges specific to LMICs