Dive Brief:
- Novartis' generic drugs unit, Sandoz, is donating up to $10 million worth of drugs annually to Americares, a global humanitarian-aid organization, in a collaboration aimed at increasing access to high-quality generic medicines for people affected by poverty or disaster, the company said before the Thanksgiving holiday.
- The initial donation will include more than 25 Sandoz products to treat infections, cardiovascular conditions, eyecare, skin conditions and musculoskeletal pain, the Princeton, N.J.-based company said.
- The initiative is part of its global commitment to use its broad portfolio to improve access to medicines. The firm will make product donations available to Americares throughout the year, with the number and selection of products varying based on specific needs.
Dive Insight:
Sandoz said it has revitalized its collaboration with Americares, which the generics drugmaker has supported since 1989, to reach remote communities and communities in crisis around the world. Over the years, Novartis and Sandoz combined have donated more than $230 million worth of medicine to Americares. In addition, Sandoz sponsors a range of philanthropic ventures and runs two of Novartis's access-to-medicines programs.
Sandoz President Peter Goldschmidt said the venture is expected to help thousands of people get treatments otherwise unavailable to them. "At Sandoz, we are passionate about helping people around the world access high-quality medicine with a particular emphasis on meeting specific health needs in underprivileged communities," he said.
Americares President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis said the collaboration will allow the aid group "to increase deliveries of some of the most essential and desperately needed medications to partner hospitals and health clinics in over 90 countries."