Novartis affirms commitment to sustain efforts toward final elimination of leprosy
- At a ceremony at the WHO's headquarters in Geneva, Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, and Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to continue their collaboration toward a world free of leprosy.
- Under the terms of the MoU, Novartis continues to provide free multidrug therapy (MDT) medicines to all countries worldwide. The donation to the WHO, valued at about USD 26 million, will treat an estimated 1.1 million leprosy patients over the next five years, through 2015. In addition, Novartis will provide up to USD 2.5 million over the same period to cover costs incurred by the WHO for handling the donation and logistics.
- "Over the past 10 years, we have worked with the WHO to provide free treatment to leprosy patients globally. We have made tremendous progress, but the battle has not yet been completely won," said Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis. "We are committed to ensuring that patients receive the medications they need and we intend to contribute to this program until the final elimination of this debilitating disease."
- Novartis and the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development (NFSD) have a long-term commitment to leprosy treatment and control. Since 2000, Novartis has donated more than 45 million MDT blister packs, the treatment recommended by the WHO, helping to cure approximately 5 million leprosy patients worldwide. The Novartis Foundation, active in the fight against leprosy for more than 25 years, has been instrumental in supporting the leprosy drug donation, contributing to reducing the stigma attached to the disease and helping patients reintegrate into society.
- "The collaboration between Novartis and the WHO has been highly productive in eliminating leprosy as a public health problem. A key feature of this success has been the deep commitment of both parties," said Dr Margaret Chan at the signing ceremony.
- Since 1985, more than 14 million people have been cured of leprosy thanks to MDT, shrinking the worldwide prevalence by approximately 95%. In 2009, less than 250 000 new cases were reported, from more than 140 countries worldwide. Despite these successes, leprosy control remains at a critical juncture and knowledge of the disease is becoming less common. Moving forward, early detection and continued availability of free treatment are essential.
- The development of MDT changed the face of leprosy dramatically. MDT consists of three drugs (rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone), two of which (rifampicin and clofazimine) were developed in the research laboratories of Novartis in the 1980s. Multidrug therapy has made it possible to cure patients, interrupt the transmission of leprosy and prevent disabilities. Even patients with the severest form of the disease show visible clinical improvement within weeks of starting treatment.
- The new MoU (effective from January 2011 through to December 2015) follows two MoUs signed in 2000 and 2005 for the free provision of MDT drugs for patients globally.
- About the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development
Results from a national survey of Alzheimer's Disease
- Results announced from a national survey of Alzheimer's disease (AD) caregivers found that memory loss and confusion, which are cognitive symptoms, in addition to personal safety, are the greatest concerns related to the progression of their loved one's AD. In fact, 67 percent of AD caregivers surveyed said changes in cognitive symptoms were among their main concerns. The survey of 524 non-professional caregivers, which was conducted by Harris Interactive in September 2010 for Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) in partnership with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), provides insight into the current state of caring for a loved one with AD in the United States.
- "These survey results reveal that changes in cognition as the disease progresses were an important concern among caregivers," said Eric J. Hall, president and Chief Executive Officer of AFA. "We encourage caregivers and health care professionals to discuss these changes and any others during regular visits."
- As AD - a progressive brain disease typically characterized by three stages: mild, moderate and severe - changes over time, caregivers and their healthcare professionals may wish to regularly discuss modifications in lifestyle and treatment. According to the survey, the majority of AD caregivers are proactive participants in the dialogue and decision-making around their loved one's disease, and 75 percent of those surveyed were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the communication they have with their loved one's health care professional. For the remaining 25 percent (who are either "somewhat" or "not at all satisfied"), there may be room for improvement in this dialogue.
- "AD caregivers are typically the first to notice when their loved one's symptoms are becoming worse and whether the disease may be progressing to the next stage, which is why caregivers are essential partners in disease management discussions," said Barry W. Rovner, M.D., director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and professor in the departments of Neurology and Psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. "In the face of this devastating chronic and progressive disease, it is important for AD caregivers to know about the available educational resources, support networks and treatments in order to enhance these discussions at all stages of the disease."
