#USA #Seattle #Novartis #Max Foundation #Fabhalta

Max Foundation Expands Partnership with Novartis for PNH Treatment

The Max Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to health equity, is broadening its partnership with Novartis to include access to Fabhalta® (iptacopan), an innovative treatment for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). This initiative aims to deliver this essential medication to patients in low- and middle-income countries, where access to quality healthcare is often limited.

The Impact of PNH

PNH is a rare and serious blood disorder caused by a genetic defect impacting red blood cells and platelets. The disease affects roughly 6 individuals per million annually, leading to symptoms like severe fatigue, weakness, and episodes of dark-colored urine, especially following physical exertion or infections. Without timely treatment, PNH can lead to serious conditions such as anemia, chronic kidney disease, and blood clotting disorders.

For many living with this condition in low and middle-income nations, frequent blood transfusions are a necessity. However, the lack of access to modern therapies exacerbates their already challenging situation, resulting in diminished quality of life and increased health risks.

New Horizons for Treatment Access

Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, CEO of the Max Foundation, expressed excitement about this expanded partnership: "This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to health equity by making cutting-edge treatments accessible at no cost to patients who need them the most." The program plans immediate steps to create a framework for sustainable access, starting with identification of partner physicians and establishing access pathways in 53 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia.

In addition to medication access, The Max Foundation will be collaborating with medical experts to enhance local health infrastructures by providing necessary training, identifying further collaborators, and establishing a strong support network for patients.

A Legacy of Collaboration

Since the inception of their partnership in 2001, Max Foundation and Novartis have made significant strides in improving accessibility to cancer medications. By expanding their collaboration to include PNH treatment, they aim to not only provide medications but also to uplift healthcare systems through education and community engagement.

Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health at Novartis, emphasized the importance of this ongoing partnership in making a lasting impact: "Together, we’ve already reached over 100,000 patients, and this new endeavor aims to accelerate early access for those suffering from PNH."

This announcement not only reflects a commitment to tackling healthcare inequities but also looks forward to innovative solutions that unlock potential pathways for better health outcomes worldwide.

About Max Foundation

The Max Foundation continues its efforts to bring life-saving treatments and patient-centered care to those who need it most, creating a world where everyone can access impactful medicines. Over the last 26 years, they have dedicated themselves to ensuring that geographical barriers do not dictate one’s access to health care.

By strengthening collaborations like the one with Novartis, the foundation remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that hope, dignity, and health become a universal reality for all individuals, especially those fighting against conditions like PNH.

For more information about their initiatives and to support their ongoing efforts, visit www.themaxfoundation.org.