Engagement with pharma for accelerating translation of novel therapies globally
Information
Blinatumomab is an evidence-based intervention with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to traditional standard-of-care chemotherapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Due to multiple health system barriers global access to blinatumomab and similar emerging, complex cancer therapies is limited. Supply chain innovation and cross-sector partnerships leveraging complementary expertise from industry, global health, and implementation science have been identified as promising solutions to improve access and impact of novel therapies in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
In 2020, three organizations, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Amgen, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of blinatumomab, and Direct Relief, a non-governmental organization, formed a unique collaboration to address multi-level barriers and design implementation strategies to expand blinatumomab access for children with ALL in LMIC. This successful interdisciplinary, international partnership can serve as a model for engagement for other emerging therapies to promote transparent collaboration and activities, investigate additional implementation strategies to support sustainability and expand access beyond drug donation programs.
This session will cover how unique partnerships and thoughtful implementation of evidence-based cancer treatments can be leveraged to benefit patients in LMIC, which make up 80% of pediatric cancer diagnoses worldwide, and support broader global access to emerging, effective cancer drugs.
