31 July 2024
The commentary “Access to highly effective long-acting RSV-monoclonal antibodies for children in LMICs—reducing global inequity” published in The Lancet Global Health, highlights the significant impact of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on child health, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). It emphasises the need for strategies to prevent severe RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants, given the high disease burden, associated mortality, and limited healthcare access in these regions.
The commentary underscores the urgent need to bridge the gap in healthcare equity. As we strive to advance child health, it is imperative that we ensure the availability of long-acting RSV-monoclonal antibodies to children in LMICs. By prioritising access, we can significantly reduce the burden of severe RSV lower respiratory tract infections and associated mortality.
Access the commentary (full access)
Manuele Piccolis explains:
Press and Media
The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations.
To date, MPP has signed agreements with 22 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies.
MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP’s main funder. MPP’s work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government of Canada, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Flanders. MPP’s activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and SDC.