24 September 2015 - Novartis today announced the launch of Novartis Access, a portfolio of 15 medicines to treat chronic diseases in low- and low-middle-income countries. The portfolio addresses cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and breast cancer and will be offered to governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other public-sector healthcare providers for USD 1 per treatment, per month.

"Novartis Access is a natural extension of two important contributions our company makes to society: developing innovative medicines that help people fight disease and working to get them to as many people as possible," said Joerg Reinhardt, Chairman of the Board of Novartis. "This program takes an novel approach to addressing the rising tide of chronic diseases in parts of the world where people often have limited access to healthcare. We know we will need to keep an open mindset and learn as we progress on this journey."

The Novartis Access portfolio includes patented and generic Novartis medicines. It will be launched first in Kenya, Ethiopia and Vietnam. Over the coming years, Novartis plans to roll out Novartis Access to 30 countries, depending on demand.

The products included in the Novartis Access product portfolio have been selected based on the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List and are among the most commonly prescribed medicines in these countries. Novartis expects this new approach to be commercially sustainable over the long term, enabling continuous support in those regions.

For more details, go to: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-launches-novartis-access-portfolio-affordable-medicines-treat-chronic