Novartis, GARDP Join Forces To Reduce Child Deaths From Antimicrobial Resistance

Novartis and the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) have announced that they are “joining forces” to reduce child deaths from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by accelerating “the development and availability of generic antibiotic treatments for children in low- and middle-income countries,” according to a GARDP press release.

“The strategic partnership responds to the call from the World Health Organization for affordable, improved and adapted antibiotic formulations and regimens for this vulnerable population, for which treatment options are limited. The agreement will leverage knowledge and expertise sharing between Sandoz, the Novartis generics division, and GARDP to drive incremental product innovation,” according to the release.

“This partnership not only has the potential to reduce the number of preventable deaths in children, but also to help tackle AMR through addressing the over-use and misuse of antibiotics,” Manica Balasegaram, director of GARDP, said in the release.

The core aspects of this new partnership, highlighted in the press release, are to:

  • Focus “on further enhancing generic antibiotics and increasing access for children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)”
  • Develop “heat-stable, pediatric formulations such as dispersible tablets against bacterial infections – a leading cause of death in under-fives”
  • “Leverage knowledge and share expertise between Sandoz, the Novartis generics division, and GARDP”

GARDP is a not-for-profit research and development organization that addresses global public health needs by developing and delivering new or improved antibiotic treatments, while endeavouring to ensure their sustainable access,” according to the release.

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care,” the release states.

 

Image Credits: GARDP.

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