Advancing Medication Access: Challenges of High Drug Prices and Medication Access

The Fair Pricing Forum, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and hosted over three days, focused on the critical issues surrounding the high costs of medicines in high- and middle-income countries, medication access, and the challenges of maintaining medical supply chains during crises. This forum brought together member states and stakeholders to explore strategies for ensuring optimal access to affordable health products, addressing a pressing concern in global health care.

Judit Rius Sanjuan, the director of the Pan-American Health Organization’s (PAHO) access to medicines department, highlighted the systemic nature of medication access issues, suggesting that these problems are correctable with the right systemic designs. Sanjuan pointed out the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizing the region’s disproportionate share of global infections and deaths due to inequitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Sanjuan drew attention to the epidemic of lack of access to high-cost technologies in the region, emphasizing the rapid growth of pharmaceutical spending in Latin America and the Caribbean compared to North America and Europe. She noted the significant expenditure on biological products and the stark price disparities in cancer drugs between Latin American countries and European nations. Furthermore, Sanjuan discussed the increasing trend of litigation as a means for patients to access high-cost medicines in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the need for a pricing structure that aligns with the region’s economic realities.

Insights from Global Health Leaders on Improving Medication Access

Ellen ‘t Hoen, director of Medicines Law and Policy in the Netherlands, presented the example of the significant reduction in the price of antiretroviral (ARV) medicine for HIV treatment as an indication of the potential to lower drug prices. She outlined the factors contributing to this price reduction, including the inclusion of HIV medicines in the WHO Essential Medicines List and the establishment of WHO pre-qualification. ‘t Hoen also emphasized the importance of addressing monopolies in medicine supply to achieve fair pricing, particularly for newer medicines.

Thomas Cueni, Director General of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), advocated for voluntary licensing agreements as the best method to improve medication access. He also supported increased geographic diversity in manufacturing to enhance global access to essential medicines.

Adrian van den Hoven, chair of the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA), criticized the practice of patent ‘evergreening’ for extending monopolies artificially and obstructing medication access. He highlighted the IGBA’s role in providing a significant portion of prescription medication worldwide and identified key barriers to global access, including regulation, intellectual property rules, and the need for sustainable off-patent markets.

Global Challenges in Medication Access Discussed at Fair Pricing Forum

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Senessie, shared innovative strategies employed by his country to protect its medical supply chain during conflicts and health emergencies, such as the development of a mobile app to monitor the supply chain even in the absence of power.

The Fair Pricing Forum underscored the complex interplay between drug pricing, access to medical supplies, and the broader systemic issues that underpin these challenges. It highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to develop systemic solutions that ensure equitable essential medication access and health products worldwide, particularly in regions disproportionately affected by high drug prices and health crises.