Expanding Access to Life-Saving Cancer Medicines in LMICs: The Role of the Medicines Patent Pool

The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a United Nations-backed public health organization, plays a critical role in improving access to essential cancer medicines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). MPP's work focuses on addressing significant public health challenges by reducing barriers to access through its innovative prioritization framework for in-licensing medicines. This framework ensures that the most impactful treatments are made available in regions where they are needed most.

MPP’s efforts are further strengthened through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) coalition, which aims to enhance the availability of quality-assured cancer treatments in LMICs. Through voluntary licensing agreements, MPP facilitates the production and distribution of affordable, high-quality generic versions of these critical medicines, significantly improving access to life-saving treatments in underserved areas.

In 2022, MPP marked a significant milestone by signing its first-ever public health-oriented voluntary license for a cancer medicine with Novartis. The licensed product, nilotinib, used in the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, is included in the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines (WHO EML). This agreement enables MPP to sublicense nilotinib to generic manufacturers, who are now developing and registering affordable, quality-assured versions for distribution in LMICs.