Access-To-Medicine: Ranking Progress and Focus on Early-Phase R&D

Ingelheim, Germany, January 26th, 2021 – For the second consecutive time, Boehringer Ingelheim has improved its ranking in the bi-annual global Access-to-Medicine Index by two positions. In the 2021 index published today, the research-driven biopharmaceutical company ranked 12 of the 20 largest pharmaceutical companies. The steady rise is a recognition of Boehringer Ingelheim’s ongoing effort to overcoming barriers to access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups and communities.

The Access-To-Medicine ranking report acknowledges the company’s solid R&D foundation, which addresses health needs in lower-to-middle income countries that are supported by high access plan coverage. For several years, Boehringer Ingelheim has made dedicated investments in Research & Development (R&D) areas that are in focus of the Access-To-Medicine Index. Through the Research Beyond Borders program, the search for new therapies is ongoing for diseases such as tuberculosis, HBV and Dengue fever as well as treating antimicrobial resistance.

“Unfortunately, this important early-stage work is not yet reflected in the Access-To-Medicine score, since the index only considers late-stage research,” commented Dr. Antonio Ruffolo, Head of Access To Healthcare and Global Health Policy at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We see our improved ranking as a strong encouragement to continue to work hard on making novel products available to lower-to-middle income countries and at affordable prices. Looking ahead, continued and substantial R&D investments in the relevant therapeutic areas, combined with a solid stream of candidates progressing towards Phase III, are expected to contribute to the progress of the late-stage portfolio over the coming years.” 

Since the last index publication in 2018, Boehringer Ingelheim particularly invested into partnerships and initiatives to strengthen health care systems in least-developed countries. This includes multilateral programs like the Defeat-NCD Partnership, a global alliance against non-communicable diseases in least-developed countries, the Covid-19 Therapeutics Accelerator of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Antimicrobial Resistance Action Fund. Country-specific collaborations include the In-Reach Africa Initiatives “Kuza Afya” and “Tiba Yako” in Kenya. Both projects are improving access to therapies for emerging cardiovascular and metabolic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.

In the field of research collaborations, the Access-To-Medicine report highlights Boehringer Ingelheim’s open innovation compound library “opnMe”, which provides free access to new molecules and their documentation for research purposes. 

Boehringer Ingelheim has been listed in the Access-To-Medicine Index since 2010, steadily advancing its efforts and commitment. The index ranks 20 of the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical companies in how they improve access to medicine, vaccines and diagnostics in 106 low- to middle-income countries. This ranking is published every two years by the Access to Medicine Foundation.

Boehringer Ingelheim
Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.

As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of 19 billion euros. Our significant investment of almost 3.5 billion euros in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life. 

We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com or in our annual report: http://annualreport.boehringer-ingelheim.com