Words by Jade Williams
Novartis has claimed the top spot in the 2024 Access to Medicine Index, displacing GSK after 16 consecutive years at the top.
The Index, which evaluates pharmaceutical companies’ efforts to improve healthcare access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlights Novartis’ leadership in Governance of Access, Research & Development and Product Delivery.
Speaking in a press release, Vas Narasimhan, CEO, Novartis, said that the company’s ranking reflects the company’s “fundamental commitment to ensuring breakthrough medicines reach people who need them, regardless of where they live”.
The Index has revealed both progress and significant gaps when it comes to access to medicine. A growing number of companies, including Pfizer, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi, are adopting inclusive business models targeting LMICs. However, scaling these initiatives and transparently reporting outcomes remains a challenge.
“There are significant opportunities to scale access and finally bridge the health equity gap for billions around the world,” said 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.”
Existing mechanisms that aren’t being widely used include non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreements, which have declined sharply – with only two new agreements since 2022. Technology transfer efforts are also limited, and mostly benefit upper-middle-income countries rather than underserved regions.
Clinical trial disparities also persist, the report finds, with only 43% conducted in LMICs despite them being home to 80% of the world’s population, and just 3.5% in low-income nations. This imbalance leaves vulnerable populations underrepresented in research and healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, despite individual successes, overall industry performance has declined since 2022, reflecting a loss of momentum following the pandemic. The Index urges pharmaceutical companies to expand R&D and clinical trials in LMICs, increase licensing and technology sharing efforts, improve transparency on patient reach and outcomes and build sustainable partnerships with governments and NGOs.
“While individual pharmaceutical companies have advanced their efforts to expand access, overall industry progress remains uneven in key areas,” Camille Romero, Research Programme Manager for the 2024 Index, Access to Medicine Foundation, commented. “Decisive action is now needed, with the 2024 Index highlighting clear steps companies can take to accelerate broad, impactful change.”
With further strategic action, companies can help drive global health equity even further – but the first steps need to be taken soon.
