Collaboration between Janssen and USAID to Expand Access to Anti-Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Compound

15-Dec-2014 - USA

Johnson & Johnson announced that its affiliate Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP (Janssen), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) representing the intention of the Company along with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to step up the fight against the health threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antimicrobial resistance – and specifically that seen in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) – is one of the world's most serious public health threats. MDR-TB is resistant to at least two of the four most commonly used medicines in today's standard treatment regimen. Treatment is typically lengthy and complex,] with an average 48 percent treatment success rate.

Under the MOU, Janssen would contribute an estimated $30 million worth of its anti-MDR-TB treatment, about 30,000 courses. USAID will work with their implementing partners, national TB programs and with Janssen to ensure responsible access and appropriate use of the treatment. This commitment builds upon and strengthens the Company's agreement with the Stop TB Partnership's Global Drug Facility to facilitate access to quality-assured medicines in more than 100 countries worldwide. Over the coming months, Janssen and USAID will engage with the global TB community to solicit support, develop eligibility criteria and engage others to help address this public health crisis.

"Our work to combat the scourge of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is far from over," said Dr. Paul Stoffels, chief scientific officer and worldwide chairman, Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson. "With nearly half a million people affected worldwide and approximately 210,000 losing their lives to this disease in 2013, we are engaging in pioneering partnerships with likeminded stakeholders invested in global public health. Collaborating with USAID improves access to potentially lifesaving medicines for people living with MDR-TB."

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/150905/collaboration-between-janssen-and-usaid-to-expand-access-to-anti-multidrug-resistant-tuberculosis-compound.html