Lilly and EVA Pharma Partner to Improve Access to Baricitinib in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Overview
Eli Lilly and Company and EVA Pharma have announced a partnership to expand access to baricitinib in 49 low- and middle-income countries across Africa.
About Baricitinib
Baricitinib (Olumiant) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat adults with severe alopecia areata and moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
While effective, the drug carries serious risks, including the potential for serious infections like tuberculosis (TB), increased cancer risk, cardiovascular issues, and blood clots.
Users should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects include respiratory infections, headaches, and increased cholesterol levels. It is important to follow medical advice and report any unusual symptoms while taking baricitinib.
Goal for the Medication
The goal is to provide the medication to an estimated 20,000 people by 2030.
Baricitinib, discovered by Incyte and licensed to Lilly, is used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and COVID-19.
This initiative is part of Lilly’s 30x30 campaign, which aims to improve healthcare access for 30 million people living in resource-limited areas annually by 2030.
Voluntary Licensing Agreement for Baricitinib
The importance of expanding access to essential medicines in low-income regions.
This is Lilly’s first voluntary licensing agreement for baricitinib, which will allow EVA Pharma to manufacture and supply the drug across Africa.
The entire production process for baricitinib, from the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to addressing complex manufacturing challenges. EVA Pharma plans to begin local sales of baricitinib by 2026 through its high-containment facility.
Collaboration Based on Previous Partnership
This collaboration builds on EVA Pharma's existing partnership with Lilly, which has been in place since 2021 to ensure a sustainable supply of life-saving medicines.
The companies are also working together to increase access to affordable insulin in 56 low- and middle-income countries, as previously announced in 2022.