WHO-IGBA Meeting: Working Together To Support Global Access To Generic And Biosimilar Medicines

Generic and biosimilar medicines are critical to healthcare systems worldwide, supplying around 80% of medicines globally at about 25% of the cost of reference medicines¹. However – paradoxical though it may seem in the context of tightening healthcare budgets – access to many of these medicines has become even more challenging.

Last Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Generic and Biosimilars Medicines Association (IGBA) met to discuss critical issues that impact patient access to quality-assured generic and biosimilar medicines around the world.

“The meeting marked a meaningful step in enhancing dialogue and engagement between representatives from the generics and biosimilars industry and the WHO,” said Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor, the inaugural Chair of IGBA’s CEO Advisory Committee. “This collaboration allows the groups to converge efforts towards improving patient care and supporting sustainable healthcare systems through access to affordable, effective, high-quality medicines.”

The WHO has outlined 2023 Triple Billion targets to achieve increased healthcare coverage as well as better health and well-being. The WHO and IGBA agree that expanded access to generic and biosimilar medicines will support these targets, further solidifying the role that generic and biosimilar medicine manufacturers can play in improving global health through affordable treatment options.

As the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, the Purpose of Sandoz is to pioneer access for patients. We aim to be valued for the positive impact we have on society, including our role in supporting greater healthcare system sustainability. Our medicines serve about 500 million people every year, improving healthcare by freeing up resources and resulting in a total social impact estimated at more than USD 180 billion per year worldwide.

We look forward to ongoing collaboration across the public and private sector to create greater efficiencies and alleviate pressures to ensure patients continue to receive the medicine they need, when and where they need it.

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^1. Based on Company analysis using IQVIA Analytics Link MAT12-2022 data in LCUSD at gross price, excludes certain sizeable markets with no or limited Sandoz operations; 2022-2031 CAGR for Biocomparable, Early Entry Generics and Generics as defined by IQVIA and includes all ATC and NFC forms.