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 of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator led by WHO. Over the last 10 years, through licensing originator products to generic manufacturers, MPP is making a difference in driving lower prices and improving treatment coverage. “Today, we are exploring with others how we can apply our know-how and experience to COVID-19 treatments and technologies, so that as soon as these become available, they can be scaled up rapidly,” said Charles Gore, MPP’s Executive Director.

The European Union and its partners hosted the Coronavirus Global Response pledging conference, with an aim of raising €7.5 billion in initial funding to kick-start the global cooperation.  At the end of the event already €7.4 billion has been pledged with the pledging remaining open for a further two weeks.