Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition

A UICC-led initiative pioneering access solutions for cancer medicines

ATOM Coalition: Medicines being dispensed to patient

Progress through partnerships

Partnerships are key to achieving the ambition of improving the availability, affordability and access to cancer medicines. In line with this, the ATOM Coalition aims to support and expand current access programmes as well as establish new initiatives through fostering new connections, facilitating coordination among partners and providing opportunities for knowledge exchange between partners. By working together, it is possible to ensure that life-saving cancer medicines reach those who need them most.

ATOM Coalition team meets with government leaders at the Ministry of Health El Salvador

A spirit of collaboration

The ATOM Coalition is based on a spirit of collaboration where all stakeholders can work together to co-create solutions.

Creating links that build synergy

ATOM Coalition partners work to generate synergies across existing global and country-level health initiatives through creating connections to complement, enhance and amplify impact across cancer-care access projects in LLMICs.

Encouraging industry commitment and action

The biopharmaceutical and biotech industry is an essential stakeholder. As a partner of the Coalition, biopharmaceutical companies are committing to engage their medicines portfolio to deliver tangible, impactful change, including:

extending their donation programmes to ATOM Coalition countries
exploring pricing options for ATOM Coalition countries 
and/or considering a Voluntary Licence pathway through Medicines Patent Pool

This initiative can really be a game changer in bridging the unacceptable inequity in access to cancer care for people in low-income countries. We at the Access to Medicine Foundation have been identifying several specific opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry and their partners to expand access to cancer treatments, and this coalition seeks to solve exactly that.

Jayasree K. Iyer, CEO, Access to Medicine Foundation

The American Cancer Society global team is excited to join the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) coalition, a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Complementing the work the ACS global team does to support patients and their caregivers, access to timely diagnostics and appropriate treatments are vital to advance progress in comprehensive cancer care. We firmly believe that where you live should not determine if you live and the ATOM coalition strives to make that belief a reality.

Anu Agrawal, MD, Vice President, Global Cancer Support, American Cancer Society

We are excited to be a partner in this global effort to boost access to essential cancer medicines along with developing processes for ensuring drug quality, safe delivery, and optimal utilisation.

Julie R. Gralow, MD, FACP, FASCO, Chief Medical Officer, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

The patient is at the centre of all that we do as pathologists and medical laboratory professionals. Through this initiative, cancer patients will benefit from access to the best treatments for their specific cancer without fiscal or geographic barriers.

E. Blair Holladay, PhD, MASCP, SCT(ASCP) CM, CEO, American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

We are committed to working together with the ATOM Coalition and all partners involved to build more sustainable, resilient health systems by prioritising access to diagnosis and treatment for patients living with cancer.

Beth Hamilton, Global Vice President Oncology Market Access & Pricing, AstraZeneca

As part of our mission to drive affordable access to cancer therapies around the world, BeiGene is pleased to join this collaboration alongside other global stakeholders. Collaborations like these are key to creating a more equitable world for cancer care, and we’re excited to get to work.

John V. Oyler, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO,  BeiGene

We are proud to partner with the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), as part of our work to help strengthen health systems capacity, expand access to medical innovation and drive health equity globally.

Amadou Diarra, Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Advocacy and Government Affairs, Bristol Myers Squibb

We are proud to be a partner and look forward to synergizing our oncology access and training programs, sharing best practices, and accelerating equitable access to high-quality cancer care.

Jennifer Dent, President and CEO, BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH)

We welcome the new partnership model established by the ATOM Coalition and we look forward to working with Coalition partners to deliver meaningful impact for people living with cancer in LLMICs, their families and communities.

Mike Boyd, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Policy, Gilead Sciences and Chair, Global Health and Access Committee at IFPMA.

IGBA is pleased to join the ATOM Coalition alongside many other global stakeholders. We believe that we can assist this important initiative by providing advice on off-patent medicines policies as well as on functioning frameworks for access to medicines, and support in streamlining regulatory processes.

Vivian Frittelli, Chair, International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA)

We need to push ourselves to share ideas and expertise, inspire new thinking, and co-create new types of solutions for LMICs. We applaud the ATOM Coalition’s efforts to define a multi-stakeholder model that encourages global and local collaborations to positively impact the lives of people living with cancer.

Thomas Cueni, Director General, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA)

We have witnessed the power of collaborative partnerships to erase the gap in patient outcomes in certain cancers in low- and lower middle-income countries and we believe the launch of the ATOM Coalition is an important milestone on the journey to expand access to cancer medicines for all in need.

Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, CEO, The Max Foundation (Max)

The ATOM Coalition will show that sustainable access for people in low- and lower middle-income countries is eminently feasible and we will no longer have excuses for failing to deliver that access.

Charles Gore, Executive Director, Medicines Patent Pool

Pain and suffering from cancer is felt everywhere on earth; we have to work together in order to advance cancer care for all. NCCN is proud to be part of the ATOM Coalition and everything UICC does to improve cancer outcomes worldwide.

Robert W. Carlson, MD, CEO, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

The Defeat-NCD Partnership is committed to practically collaborating with the ATOM Coalition by making its Essential NCD Supplies Facility available, to ATOM Coalition members, their partner institutions, and programme countries, as the practical pooled procurement mechanism for countries and institutions to benefit from quality-assured, and fairer-priced cancer supplies.

Mukul Bhola, CEO, The Defeat-NCD Partnership

As part of Novartis' commitment to address the needs of underserved populations and bring our medicines to patients, no matter where they live, we are proud to be the first pharmaceutical company to contribute a targeted therapy to this Coalition, which we hope will provide a new model for the sector to help close the gaps in access to life-changing medicines.

Dr Lutz Hegemann, President, Global Health and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Novartis

Too often, whether or not someone is able to receive quality cancer care depends on where they live, their income or the colour of their skin. With our ATOM Coalition partners we will go even further, using the ECHO Model to create more equitable access to cancer screening and treatment for people around the world.

Dr Sanjeev Arora, Founder and Director, Project ECHO

At Sanofi, we are delighted to be part of the ATOM Coalition’s initiative and shine a light on cancer care by helping strengthen healthcare systems in LMICs including improving access to essential cancer medicines.

Josep Catlla, Senior Vice President, Head of Corporate Affairs, Sanofi

Improving global access to quality cancer care is a core commitment at Roche. We recognise that a challenge of this scale and scope cannot be overcome alone. This is why we have been early supporters of the ATOM Coalition, working closely with our coalition partners to find the best ways to combine our expertise and strengths in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals to make a real difference for patients.

Teresa Graham, Head of Global Product Strategy, Roche Pharma

Too many people have their lives cut short because they cannot access quality cancer medicines as part of comprehensive care. WHO is pleased to work with UICC and partners across sectors in the ATOM Coalition to change this reality towards health for all.

Bente Mikkelsen, Director NCD Department, World Health Organization

Led by

Founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, UICC has over 1150 member organisations in 172 countries and territories. The membership base includes the world’s major cancer leagues and societies, research institutes, treatment centres, hospitals, ministries of health, public health agencies and patient support groups. UICC’s mission is to both unite and support the cancer community in its efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the global health and development agenda.

In collaboration with ATOM Coalition partners

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 25 percent decline in the cancer death rate in the U.S. since 1991, driven by less smoking, better treatments, and earlier detection. The American Cancer Society is finding cures as the United States largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. The Society’s global outreach efforts promote prevention and healthy living, reduce pain and suffering from cancer and help support cancer organizations in low and middle income countries, and provide a platform for advocacy and patient support in nearly 30 countries.

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The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the world’s largest professional membership organisation for pathologists and laboratory professionals. In addition to their educational and certification missions around the world, they maintain a very active global health delivery program focused on laboratory strengthening in all aspects. Through their 10 year + work with PEPFAR, they have improved HIV-related testing and access in ~20 countries, trained more than 3000 individuals, and continue to deliver innovated diagnostics their partners. The Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment in Africa Initiative, created and led by ASCP, aims for 100% access to diagnostics for patients with cancer through on-site assessment, implementation planning, and, ultimately, connectivity to experts around the world through telepathology. With more than 100,000 members, the society’s influence has guided the application and evolution of the pathology and laboratory medicine specialty since 1922. ASCP is leading the way in global health pathology.

Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) is committed to making a world of difference in cancer care. As the world’s leading organisation of its kind, ASCO represents more than 40,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of the highest-quality patient care, ASCO works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. ASCO is supported by its affiliate organisation, the Conquer Cancer Foundation.

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology. Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three main therapy areas - Oncology, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases and Respiratory. The Company also is selectively active in the areas of autoimmunity, neuroscience and infection. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

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Bayer is a Life Science company with a more than 150-year history and core competencies in the areas of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen.

People with cancer deserve hope and better tomorrows. BeOne is advancing a broad and deep pipeline, accelerating development through rigorous science to deliver transformative medicines to more people around the world. BeOne Medicines is creating the world’s next-generation cancer treatments through relentless innovation and delivering them to more people around the globe faster, more equitably and affordably. Cancer has no borders—and neither do we.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global BioPharma company firmly focused on its mission to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines to patients with serious diseases.

Hologic, Inc. is a global medical technology innovator primarily focused on improving women’s health and well-being through early detection and treatment. Its advancements include leadership in providing diagnostic solutions for cervical cancer screening, sexually transmitted infections, respiratory illnesses, and the virus that causes COVID-19; invention of the world’s first commercial 3D mammography system to fight breast cancer; and minimally invasive surgical technologies for uterine fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding. The company champions women through the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index, which provides a science-backed data roadmap for improving women’s well-being, and Project Health Equality, which elevates awareness, research insights and access to quality care for underserved women.

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For more than a century, MSD, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bring forward medicines and vaccines for the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA. Through their prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products, they work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. MSD also demonstrates their commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world - including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola.

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Novartis Oncology is a global leader in transforming outcomes for people with cancer. We offer a wide range of innovative therapies to help meet patient needs and have one of the strongest, most productive pipelines in the industry. Our research is driven by a distinctive scientific and clinical strategy focused on precision oncology – understanding how cancer develops on a genomic level and developing drugs that hone in on those targets.

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives through the discovery, development and manufacture of healthcare products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines, as well as many of the world’s best-known consumer healthcare products. We work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. We collaborate with healthcare providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable healthcare around the world.

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Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.

Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims for improving patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Twenty-nine medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines.

The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2016 employed more than 94,000 people worldwide.

Sanofi is a global life sciences company committed to improving access to healthcare and supporting the people we serve throughout the continuum of care. From prevention to treatment, Sanofi transforms scientific innovation into healthcare solutions, in human vaccines, rare diseases, multiple sclerosis, oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular solutions and consumer healthcare. More than 110,000 people at Sanofi are dedicated to make a difference on patients’ daily life, wherever they live and enable them to enjoy a healthier life.

Servier Group is dedicated to advancing therapeutic progress to meet patient needs. The organisation values its independence, which allows it to make strategic decisions and adopt a long-term vision. This independence supports its mission to serve patient needs through therapeutic advancements. The focus is on addressing the needs of patients and healthcare professionals, collaborating closely on innovative solutions while considering the impact on society and the environment. The research efforts are concentrated on cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, immune-inflammatory, and neuropsychiatric diseases.

Sylvester comprehensive cancer center supports research and outreach in the cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship. Such efforts primarily target culturally-diverse communities throughout South Florida, including those characterized by health disparity and lack of access to the formal healthcare system. Much of our work is grounded in the principles of stakeholder engagement, where patients, religious leaders, and community activists work collaboratively with our scientists and clinicians to ensure that our cancer control initiatives match community need.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is a leading global pharmaceutical company that delivers high-quality, patient-centric healthcare solutions used by approximately 200 million patients in 100 markets every day. Headquartered in Israel, Teva is the world’s largest generic medicines producer, leveraging its portfolio of more than 1,800 molecules to produce a wide range of generic products in nearly every therapeutic area. In specialty medicines, Teva has the world-leading innovative treatment for multiple sclerosis as well as late-stage development programs for other disorders of the central nervous system, including movement disorders, migraine, pain and neurodegenerative conditions, as well as a broad portfolio of respiratory products. Teva is leveraging its generics and specialty capabilities in order to seek new ways of addressing unmet patient needs by combining drug development with devices, services and technologies. Teva's net revenues in 2016 were $21.9 billion.

Vital Strategies helps governments strengthen their public health systems to contend with the most important and difficult health challenges. Vital Strategies design solutions that can scale rapidly and improve the lives of millions of people. Vital Strategies' mission is to work in partnership to reimagine evidence-based, locally driven policies and practices to advance public health.

Supported by ATOM Coalition official observers

Join the ATOM Coalition

Be part of the UICC-led efforts to reduce suffering and deaths caused by cancer in low- and lower-middle income countries through improved access to and use of essential cancer medicines.

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Tags ATOM ATOM Coalition Access to Medicines