Humanosphere: Drug companies test out new strategies for improving access in poor countries
David J. Olson, a global development communications and social marketing consultant, highlights how pharmaceutical company Novartis is trying to improve access to drugs for noncommunicable diseases in developing countries. The company has launched “Novartis Access, which is trying to find a commercial solution to the inherent tension between the need to get affordable medications to the poor and for drug companies to protect their bottom line, and intellectual property. It is also trying to address the need for training and health system strengthening…” (11/25).