This category reviews each company’s performance in the Access to Medicine Index (ATMI), an independent ranking of pharmaceutical companies’ efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries. We examined current standings and emerging trends, considering factors such as governance, R&D, pricing, patents and capacity building.
Lilly’s performance in the Access to Medicine Index (ATMI) shows modest improvement, but it still lags behind its peers. Although Lilly has made strides in governance and technology transfer, evidenced by its recent ranking of 19th out of 20 pharmaceutical companies, it needs to expand its access initiatives to improve its ranking. Specifically, Lilly should focus on product delivery, affordability and R&D for priority diseases to match the performance of top-tier companies like Novartis, GSK and Johnson & Johnson. These companies have more expansive access strategies covering a broader range of diseases and countries, robust voluntary licensing agreements and larger portfolios of products with access provisions.
Achieving a high ranking in the Access to Medicine Index (ATMI) requires pharmaceutical companies to excel across multiple strategic areas. Based on the 2024 ATMI findings, the following key factors have been identified as critical for superior performance:
Diverse Therapeutic Focus: Leading companies address a broad spectrum of health challenges by developing and delivering treatments for both communicable and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This comprehensive approach ensures that a wider patient population benefits from essential medicines.
Inclusive Business Models: Top performers implement sustainable business strategies tailored to reach underserved populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). For instance, Sanofi’s Global Health Unit and Pfizer’s Accord for a Healthier World are notable initiatives designed to enhance access in these regions.
Comprehensive Access Strategies: High-ranking companies integrate access considerations into their core operations, ensuring that access plans are in place for all late-stage pipeline projects. Novartis exemplifies this by having access plans for 100% of its priority late-stage pipeline candidates.
Ethical Business Practices: Maintaining robust governance structures and transparent operations is essential. GSK, for example, voluntarily discloses information about transfers of value to health care professionals, setting a standard for ethical conduct.
Health System Strengthening: Investing in local health care infrastructure and supply chains enhances the delivery and effectiveness of medical products. Johnson & Johnson demonstrates this by excelling in health system and supply chain strengthening efforts.
Transparent Public Disclosures: Providing detailed information on R&D investments, access strategies and patient reach metrics fosters accountability and continuous improvement. Companies leading in the ATMI are noted for their openness in sharing these critical data points.
GSK's consistent leadership: GSK’s long-standing leadership in the ATMI demonstrates the value of a comprehensive and sustained commitment to access to medicine, encompassing strong performance in governance, R&D, pricing, patents and capacity building.
Novartis’s rise to the top: Novartis’s steady rise to the top of the ATMI rankings highlights the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in access strategies, as the company has consistently expanded its access programs and integrated access into its core business strategy.
Sanofi’s significant jump: Sanofi’s recent jump to the top 3 in the ATMI rankings shows the potential for rapid improvement through bold strategic changes, such as the launch of its Global Health Unit and a renewed focus on access-to-medicine initiatives.
How can Lilly leverage insights from the ATMI to inform clear goals and targets for the global health equity strategy? What steps can Lilly take to systematically address key criteria and enhance its standing?