Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

The patent on the groundbreaking tuberculosis drug, bedaquiline, has recently expired, raising concerns about access to this life-saving medication. However, a transformative collaboration between pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson and nonprofit organization Global Drug Facility promises to revolutionize the availability and affordability of bedaquiline, potentially benefiting millions worldwide.

Tuberculosis remains the deadliest infectious disease globally, infecting around 10 million individuals annually and claiming the lives of 1.5 million people. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses an additional challenge, with half a million people acquiring this drug-resistant strain each year. Bedaquiline has emerged as a vital treatment option, significantly improving patient outcomes by reducing the risk of death by approximately 10%.

Johnson & Johnson had initially planned to enforce a secondary patent on a slightly modified version of bedaquiline in several lower and middle income countries. Secondary patents enable pharmaceutical companies to extend their exclusive rights to a drug beyond its original patent expiration. While this strategy allowed Johnson & Johnson to maintain exclusivity, it resulted in high drug prices that limited access for many patients.

Many low- and middle-income countries struggle to afford bedaquiline due to its exorbitant cost. Consequently, they are compelled to rely on older, less effective drugs, perpetuating the epidemic. Studies by Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) and Stop TB Partnership reveal that several countries, including Vietnam, Sierra Leone, and Brazil, lack widespread access to bedaquiline for vulnerable populations such as children with uncomplicated drug-resistant TB. Furthermore, limitations on the routine use of bedaquiline in over 24 countries underscore the urgent need for change.

A groundbreaking agreement between Johnson & Johnson and Global Drug Facility has emerged as a game-changer in the battle against tuberculosis. The collaboration, announced after a successful social media campaign led by renowned author John Green, aims to enable the sale and production of generic bedaquiline in most lower and middle income countries. The Global Drug Facility, founded in 2001 and primarily funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), plays a crucial role in negotiating lower drug prices with pharmaceutical companies on behalf of these countries.

The partnership between Johnson & Johnson and Global Drug Facility represents an unprecedented collaboration between a pharmaceutical company and a nonprofit organization. While deals between pharmaceutical companies and generic suppliers are not uncommon, this unique arrangement with a large negotiating entity such as the Global Drug Facility is a significant step toward expanding access to vital medications.

With the impending call for bids from companies interested in supplying bedaquiline, Global Drug Facility aims to secure the drug at a lower price, subsequently widening its availability across lower and middle income countries. While Johnson & Johnson and two generic manufacturers are expected to participate in the bidding process, the ultimate goal is to ensure affordability and accessibility for those in need of this life-saving treatment.

Author John Green’s passionate plea, backed by a growing chorus of activists, doctors, and public health experts, played a vital role in amplifying the message of universal access to bedaquiline. The unwavering demand for justice and equity catalyzed this groundbreaking collaboration, demonstrating the power of collective action in effecting positive change.

The battle against tuberculosis extends far beyond individual countries. If left untreated, tuberculosis poses a significant global health threat, with the potential to escalate into a pandemic that could affect people worldwide. Ensuring robust access to bedaquiline and other tuberculosis diagnosis tools in lower and middle income countries not only saves lives but also serves the long-term interests of developed nations.