Investors Commend Gilead Sciences for Increasing Access to Life-Saving HIV/AIDS Drug Via Medicines Patent Pool
Company’s licensing agreement with MPP for generic production of tenofovir alafenamide shows leadership and innovation in delivering HIV/AIDS medicines where they are most needed.
New York, NY, Thursday, July 24, 2014 – Members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) today applaud Gilead Sciences for successfully negotiating an agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) for generic production of its drug tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).
ICCR members are shareholders who have been encouraging global pharmaceutical companies to share their patents for HIV/AIDS medications through the Pool as a way to make them more accessible and affordable for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
TAF is poised to play a key role in global efforts to scale up HIV treatment. The new agreement will allow for the manufacture of the drug by generics manufacturers in China and India for sale in 112 countries, covering more than 92% of people living with HIV in the developing world.
“The Gilead-MPP agreement aims to fast-track the production of low-cost versions of TAF for low- and middle-income countries soon after its approval in the United States,” said Greg Perry, Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool. “This continues MPP’s novel approach of licensing promising new medicines in advanced stages of development or soon after registration to speed delivery to countries most affected by the HIV epidemic.”
“Over three years ago, in response to investor encouragement, Gilead Sciences became the first company to join the MPP, sharing licenses with generics manufacturers for its vital HIV and Hepatitis B drugs,” said Judy Byron of the Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment. “Today, we commend them for once again demonstrating tremendous leadership in promoting access to health for all.”
“In order for us to achieve the UNAIDS vision of ‘Getting to Zero’ new HIV infections and eradicating AIDS, companies must increase collaboration and share their knowledge and resources within the pharmaceutical industry,” said Sr. Barabara Aires of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, NJ, “The MPP is an excellent vehicle for accelerating the goal of providing universal access to these life-saving medicines.”
Continued Byron, “We strongly encourage companies that haven’t participated in the Pool to do so. While Gilead has taken a leadership role in terms of the number of licenses they have shared, we will need much broader and deeper commitments from the industry to save the lives of those already infected and to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
About the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)
Currently celebrating its 43rd year, ICCR is the pioneer coalition of active shareholders who view the management of their investments as a catalyst for change. Its 300 member organizations with over $100 billion in AUM have an enduring record of corporate engagement that has demonstrated influence on policies promoting justice and sustainability in the world. www.iccr.org