Ensuring acceptance

The MMV Access team works in partnership with the WHO and other normative bodies to assist and expedite the adoption of new quality medicines. This effort begins prior to the launch of a new MMV medicine, and involves mapping out drug approval procedures, country-level registration, and processes to ensure uptake in disease-endemic countries. Our work in this area includes:

1. Supporting WHO’s 'Better Medicines for Children' programme

Very few medicines exist in formulations developed specifically for children and those that do often do not reach children that need them most. MMV works within the larger framework of the WHO-led ‘Make Medicines Child Size’ campaign to ensure that: (a) manufacturers keep focused on the unique treatment requirements of children; and (b) country decision-makers recognize the importance of prioritizing paediatric friendly treatments in their national treatment guidelines.

2. Positioning new products for country registration

Country acceptance is a critical stepping stone in order to ensure patient access to treatment and to deliver widespread health impact. Once MMV-backed products are approved by stringent regulators (e.g. EMA, FDA) and/or receive WHO Prequalification, MMV works closely with normative bodies, financing entities, manufacturers and national / international implementing partners to ensure appropriate product introduction and acceptance in malaria endemic countries.

3. Supporting policy reviews and revisions in response to new and improved medicines

Making improved medicines for malaria does not always guarantee they will be readily reviewed by countries and where appropriate, recommended in national treatment guidelines. MMV works with partners to ensure that countries have the necessary information to consider the benefits and costs of introducing new improved therapies for malaria in their health systems.

4. Developing and testing training materials and packaging to ensure correct dispensing and use

Correct prescribing, dispensing and adherence to treatment remains a serious challenge to effective malaria case management. MMV’s Access team is working with its pharmaceutical partners to develop appropriate, patient-friendly packaging and communications materials for new products emerging from its pipeline.