February 17, 2014
In the 2012 iteration of the Access to Medicine Index (ATM Index), a biennial report published by the Netherlands-based nonprofit organization, the Access to Medicine Foundation, Eisai was listed as the highest-ranking Japanese pharmaceutical company and placed 15th overall among the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies surveyed.
The ATM Index is the product of a two-year evaluation process that focuses on 20 global pharmaceutical companies and their efforts to improve access to medicines, particularly in developing countries. The methodology used for the ranking includes a comprehensive evaluation of four “strategic pillars”—Commitments, Transparency, Performance and Innovation—in each of seven areas of focus, or “technical areas”: General Access to Medicine Management, Public Policy & Market Influence, Research & Development, Pricing, Manufacturing & Distribution, Patents & Licensing, Capability Advancement in Product Development & Distribution, and Product Donations & Philanthropic Activities.
In the 2012 report, Eisai was particularly highly evaluated for its proactive engagement in R&D initiatives aimed at developing new drugs for neglected tropical diseases, the introduction of its affordable-pricing scheme in India, and its ongoing commitment to supplying DEC tablets (a drug for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis) free of charge to the World Health Organization for use in disease elimination programs.
Eisai believes that its efforts to improve access to medicines and contribute to the health and well-being of people in developing countries will lead to local mid- and long-term expansion of the middle-income population. Based on its human health care (hhc) philosophy, Eisai will continue to contribute to patients and their families worldwide through its pursuit and adoption of a sustainable business model that can further facilitate increased access to medicines and proactive engagement in related hhc activities.