Big pharmaceutical’s humanitarian efforts

On the issues of HIV, AIDS and malaria in developing countries large pharmaceutical companies have programs to help.

In April GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer created a completely new business to focus on HIV drugs. While the primary concern seemed to be getting back into the HIV drug market as Gilead, a U.S. pharma company had become the leader, this means that research and development for much needed drugs is getting attention and funds.

“GSK chief executive, Andrew Witty said the “clear focus” of the joint venture would be in delivering new drugs to build on what he described as the drugs industry’s remarkable success in tackling HIV over the last two decades,” reported the Guardian. “He pledged that the new company would adopt “enlightened mindsets” towards the pricing and availability of HIV drugs in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing countries.” As of March, Merck donated an anti-malarial drug to the non-profit Medicines for Malaria Venture.  It is hoped that the “royalty-free license” for development will speed the process along, according to Reuters. For an impact on conflict related health problems medical supplies were donated to those in Gaza conflict earlier this year. “Vitamins, blood packs, sutures, exam tables, wound care supplies, antibiotics, asthma supplies, beds, skin cares supplies, and other high priority products and pharmaceuticals” were sent through the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations which includes companies like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer and GSK. For some these donations may make the difference in dealing with widespread disease or trauma.

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Elizabeth Ulion is a graduate student at Northwestern University.

Photo courtesy of Rennett Stowe/Flickr