Geneva, 18 May 2020 - The COVID-19 crisis has drawn major international attention to the need to ensure access to new technologies that will likely play a central role in overcoming the pandemic. It is essential to prepare for access while some of these technologies relating to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments are still being developed, so that these become available and affordable as quickly and widely as possible. Licensing under public health-oriented terms and patent pooling is a proven way for making patented health technologies rapidly available at affordable prices for all those in need. It is a strategy that has worked very well in HIV, where millions of people today are getting access to affordable new treatments shortly after they are developed. It’s the strategy that Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) has been implementing, with the support of Unitaid and together with our partners in industry, governments and civil society. On March 31st, MPP announced the expansion of its mandate to include an...

Geneva, 4 May 2020 - The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) welcomes the Coronavirus Global Response, where countries and organisations around the world are joining forces to accelerate the development, production and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. The solidarity and generosity of countries is an exceptional show of commitment towards a coordinated global response to leave no one behind. “We know that all too often access to treatments and technologies in low- and middle-income countries lags behind. We cannot afford this time lag in the fight against COVID-19,” said Marie-Paule Kieny, Chair of the MPP Board. “Voluntary licensing, as provided through MPP, is a transparent, equitable and affordable way to supply medicines for whoever and wherever they are needed.” MPP strongly supports the multilateral response put forth by the different Heads of States. We will assist Unitaid as it co-convenes the therapeutic partnership, and stand ready to engage, as needed, in all areas...