![When a drug giant ties up with a non-profit](https://cdn.magzter.com/1335344221/1691155376/articles/irzxuUK1y1691574073003/WHEN-A-DRUG-GIANT-TIES-UP-WITH-A-NONPROFIT.jpg)
PUBLIC PRESSURE across the world may have prompted one of the world's biggest pharma multinationals to enter into an agreement with a non-profit organisation that will source and supply generic versions of its topline tuberculosis (TB) drug in dozens of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) fighting this disease that kills two million people annually. It is a new kind of pact that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has finally concluded with the UN-backed Stop TB Partnership, whose Global Drug Facility (GDF) purchases and makes TB drugs available at more affordable rates to a host of countries struggling with a heavy load of TB.
This is a significant development, because J&J's bedaquiline-it is on the World Health Organization (WHO)'s list of essential medicines combats the lethal multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB), which afflicts more of the poor and those with HIV than others. Over the past two years, close to half a million new cases have been registered annually. So there was a celebration of sorts when the deal was announced on July 13, allowing GDF “to tender, procure, and supply generic versions of SIRTURO® (bedaquiline) for the majority of lowand middle-income countries, including countries where patents remain in effect." But, this deal is not the best way to fight the scourge of TB, because it excludes far too many countries.
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Esta historia es de la edición August 01, 2023 de Down To Earth.
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![Look Beyond Dust](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/LUcfRhjSO1717500619374/crp_LOOK-BEYOND-DUST.jpg)
Look Beyond Dust
Reinvent National Clean Air Programme to focus on fine particulate matter and trans-boundary pollution
![PLAN THEM COOL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/7f5hMRg3Y1717501540417/PLAN-THEM-COOL.jpg)
PLAN THEM COOL
As urban India turns into a heat trap, the government must focus on improving cities' liveability
![Vision 2030](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/hxj09bnEp1717500184062/crp_VISION-2030.jpg)
Vision 2030
Economic growth must take into account needs of energy transition, climate mitigation, with action aligned as per India's 2030 climate goals
![FIX OUR FOOD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/xMK2FG_n01717502345831/FIX-OUR-FOOD.jpg)
FIX OUR FOOD
Chemical-dependent farming, lax labelling laws, rising anti-microbial resistance must top the agenda
![BATTLE THE CAR BULGE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/1rF6Iqiqk1717502158050/BATTLE-THE-CAR-BULGE.jpg)
BATTLE THE CAR BULGE
Clean, affordable, integrated and accessible public transport the only solution
![CONSERVE NOW](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/fnXeqrw561717502067483/CONSERVE-NOW.jpg)
CONSERVE NOW
Disregard for biodiversity conservation over the past two decades needs immediate redressal
![SCRAP THE DUMP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/agByyU0zV1717501748303/SCRAP-THE-DUMP.jpg)
SCRAP THE DUMP
Disincentivise garbage dumping, invest in behavioural change
![THINK LONG-TERM](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/GUd91olKI1717501199219/THINK-LONGTERM.jpg)
THINK LONG-TERM
India needs continued emphasis on flagship programmes, aligned to long-term planning that focusses on water security and circular economy in a climate-risked era
![OVERHAUL OVERDUE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/saIOJR5k01717500839449/OVERHAUL-OVERDUE.jpg)
OVERHAUL OVERDUE
Hold polluting industries accountable for public health risks, environmental hazards, climate change; provide them support for green transition
![IT'S NOW OR NEVER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/u8HQXylCV1717500436337/ITS-NOW-OR-NEVER.jpg)
IT'S NOW OR NEVER
Clean energy sectors need demand-driven markets and domestic industries that can cater to the entire value chain