Pfizer Trying To Address Drug Access In Poorer Nations With Lower Prices
Bloomberg reports on what it says is "one of the most comprehensive and ambitious drug-access programs ever" by a big manufacturer: Pfizer will sell its entire brand-name portfolio at cost in around 45 countries. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal notes big incomes from covid drugs are plateauing.
Bloomberg:
Pfizer Slashes Drug Prices for Poorest Nations, Expanding Access
Pfizer Inc. plans to sell its entire portfolio of brand-name drugs at cost in as many as 45 lower-income countries, one of the most comprehensive and ambitious drug-access programs ever announced by a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. The initiative will start in five African countries with 23 drugs for cancer, rare illnesses, inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases. It will eventually include all of the New York-based company’s future therapies or vaccines. The drugs will be sold at the cost of manufacturing, Pfizer said, typically a fraction of their price in U.S. or European markets. The company also plans to invest in local health systems to improve diagnostic capabilities, get the drugs approved and make sure doctors know how to administer them. (Armstrong, 5/25)
In related news about vaccine sales —
The Wall Street Journal:
Covid-19 Vaccine And Drug Sales, Once Booming, Plateau
The gold rush for drugmakers making Covid-19 vaccines and treatments might be over, as demand plateaus, supplies turn ample and the pandemic evolves. Merck & Co. and Johnson & Johnson are among the companies cutting sales expectations for pandemic products this year as they assess the outlook. Analysts, meantime, are lowering sales estimates for Covid-19 drugs such as Pfizer Inc.’s antiviral Paxlovid, citing softening demand and few new supply deals. (Hopkins, 5/24)
In other global news —
AP:
WHO Chief Tedros Reappointed To Second Five-Year Term
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was reappointed to a second five-year term on Tuesday by the U.N. health agency’s member countries. No other candidate challenged Tedros for the post amid the ongoing difficulties of responding to the devastating coronavirus pandemic. (Cheng, 5/24)
CIDRAP:
Canada Reports Avian Flu In Skunks As Virus Strikes More US Flocks
Following detections of avian flu in foxes in Canada and the United States, veterinary officials in Alberta have detected the virus in skunks found dead, according to CTV News. The detections in wild mammals are notable, raising concerns about the zoonotic potential of the circulating virus. (4/24)
