##  [Novartis access principles](/esg/access/novartis-access-principles "Novartis access principles") 

 The need to improve access to medicines remains one of the world’s greatest healthcare challenges. Through the Novartis Access Principles, we are committed to expanding access to our medicines to underserved patient populations across high-income and low- and middle-income countries, while addressing major global health challenges. To achieve this, we integrate access considerations into various stages of our work, from research and development to distribution and pricing strategies. We implement global access strategies for all new medicines launched.

## Learn more about each of the principles



 



 [ 

 ![Biologists at Novartis collaborating to develop new medicines](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2021-09/novartis-access-principles-research-development.jpg.webp?itok=6QrSRTLX "Biologists at Novartis collaborating to develop new medicines") 

 

###  Research & development 

We assess our R&D portfolio against the unmet needs of underserved populations, with the relevant findings integrated into our drug discovery and development processes.

 

 

 ](/esg/access/novartis-access-principles/research-development) [ 

 ![Array of medicines available at a pharmacy in Nairobi, Kenya](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2021-09/novartis-access-principles-affordability.jpg.webp?itok=3ftJkIlG "Array of medicines available at a pharmacy in Nairobi, Kenya") 

 

###  Affordability 

We use a combination of approaches to help patients across different income levels access our medicines. In pricing, we take a value-based approach which links the price of a medicine to the value it delivers to patients, healthcare systems and society while supporting continued pharmaceutical innovation.

 

 

 ](/esg/access/novartis-access-principles/affordability) [ 

 ![A man teaches a community in Myanmar about leprosy awareness and prevention ](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2021-09/novartis-access-principles-healthcare-systems.jpg.webp?itok=RGDwOjdm "A man teaches a community in Myanmar about leprosy awareness and prevention ") 

 

###  Strengthening healthcare systems 

Improving access to healthcare requires long-term investments in healthcare infrastructure. We therefore seek opportunities to lower local barriers to healthcare delivery, working in collaboration with governments and other partners.

 

 

 ](/esg/access/novartis-access-principles/strengthening-healthcare-systems) 





 

 

 



These changes will take time and it will not be easy. In order to have a maximum impact on patients’ health, we will need to join forces with others across sectors and industries.

We plan to continually measure our progress and be transparent about the results, in the hope that the learnings will inform new models and practices across our industry.

Our leaders will be held accountable and will be compensated based on our progress in meeting this commitment.

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## Resources



 



 [    Novartis Position on Access to Medicines  (140 KB)   ](https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/access-to-medicines.pdf)