Open partnerships within the oncology community, as well as with governments, international agencies such as the World Health Organization, foundations and nongovernmental organizations help us achieve a common goal: developing innovative cancer medicines and improving access to treatment.
Novartis Oncology Access
Novartis Oncology Access (NOA) is a sustainable access solution through which Novartis shares the cost of its medicines with government healthcare systems, charities and other payers, or directly with patients without healthcare coverage who are unable to pay for the full cost of their medication. We believe that through this partnership-based approach, we can extend affordable access to a broader number of patients in a sustainable manner.
It is an ongoing mission of Novartis to improve access to medicines within our resources. We have access and donation programs for medicines in many life-threatening diseases, such as malaria, leprosy, and tuberculosis, as well as leukemia and other cancers.
At Novartis Oncology, we are committed to developing innovative cancer medicines and improving access to treatment through our patient assistance and cancer resource programs. We are continually exploring new commercial and access models to best meet the needs of cancer patients and adapt to changing healthcare environments.
Features of the NOA program
NOA offers a unique patient access approach that encompasses different critical features to provide the best patient-centric solutions based on local needs and structure/environment.
- Physician Network – NOA provides a broader network of physicians and treatment centers so that more patients can connect with, and benefit from, the program.
- Patient Engagement – Patients are directly involved and play an active role in the successful implementation of the program, ensuring greater compliance.
- Tracking System – The global tracking system allows Novartis to provide an uninterrupted flow of medicines to patients in need, as well as to avoid abuse or misappropriation of assets.
NOA in action
NOA is designed to improve access in countries with very limited healthcare reimbursement systems. Today, NOA offers assistance to emerging nations in Asia, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America that have challenging healthcare environments.
NOA takes a partnership-based approach through three locally tailored, patient-centric models:
- Shared contribution, in which national or provincial governments and other entities share the cost of treatment with Novartis.
- Co-pay, in which the patient shares the cost of treatment with Novartis.
- Full donation of certain products.
The Glivec International Patient Assistance Program
Recognizing from the beginning the critical importance of breakthrough cancer therapy, Novartis Oncology immediately mobilized efforts globally to ensure access to medicines for patients in need. We also developed patient and healthcare professional education and personal support programs that are valuable in maximizing treatment success.
In 2002, Novartis Oncology introduced the Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAPTM), providing medicines by full donation to properly diagnosed patients in countries around the world without government or private reimbursement and who are unable to pay for the medication.
Novartis Oncology donated USD 923 million worth of medicines to patients and governments in 2010. Well over USD 1 billion worth since the inception of the program in 2002 has been donated.