Ongoing challenges of a global international patient assistance program

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Global Health
• Pharmaceutical Access

Background:

• Novartis Oncology established the Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP).
• GIPAP provides Glivec (imatinib), an oral therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
• The program targets patients in developing countries unable to afford treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and success of the GIPAP.
• To highlight the program's direct-to-patient approach.
• To discuss challenges and strategies for sustainable drug access in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Direct-to-patient distribution model.
• Collaboration with existing national healthcare systems and cancer control programs.
• Careful selection of healthcare institutions and physicians.
• Global standardization of quality and consistency.

Main Results:

• GIPAP successfully provides Glivec to underserved patients in 81 countries.
• The program demonstrates an efficient and sustainable model for drug access.
• Challenges related to healthcare infrastructure and prioritization were addressed.

Conclusions:

• GIPAP is an effective and sustainable patient access program for essential cancer medications.
• Collaboration within existing healthcare frameworks is key to overcoming implementation barriers.
• Novartis Oncology is committed to GIPAP and exploring similar programs for other drugs.