STAT: The global challenge of access to medicines
Gregg Alton, executive vice president of commercial and access operations ALA for corporate and medical affairs at Gilead Sciences

“Recent reports on the issue of access to medicines in developing countries are a clear reminder that biopharmaceutical companies — including Gilead Sciences — have an obligation to think about how all patients across the world can benefit from new medical advances as early as possible, regardless of economic circumstance. … A comprehensive access approach must embrace a diverse range of strategies: pilot projects to validate innovative delivery models; dedicated and transparent drug registration policies; training for nurses, doctors, and community health workers; supply chain management; and partnerships to reach vulnerable populations most in need or at risk, are all needed. For example, Gilead supports the U.S. government’s DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe women) initiative to give adolescent girls and young women in Africa access to medication to reduce their risk of HIV infection. … Innovator pharmaceutical companies, ministries of health and finance, health care professionals, non-profits, generic manufacturers, researchers, and community organizations all have important roles to play. With greater collaboration and a focus on the real-world barriers that prevent people from receiving care, the full potential of biomedical innovation can be unlocked for all those in need” (2/17).