Bayer signs deal to ensure supply of Lampit

Bayer HealthCare has announced that it has signed a new agreement with the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the provision of 2.5 million tablets of Lampit (nifurtimox) that will ensure supply of the drug for five years.

This agreement, the third signed between Bayer HealthCare and the WHO, aims to broaden the access of this compound to sufferers of Chagas disease in Latin America, regardless of the financial status of patients.

Chagas disease, a parasitic infection, is prevalent in much of Central and South America and is spread by insects, blood transfusions and in childbirth.

Arthur J Higgins, chairman of the executive committee of Bayer HealthCare, said: “We are pleased to be a reliable partner supporting the WHO in its fight against this serious and widespread disease in the long term.”

He added that as a result of its position in the marketplace as a top speciality firm, the company felt an obligation to use its resources to attend to areas of unmet medical need.

Established in April 1948, the WHO is the specialised agency for health of the United Nations. The organisation is governed by 193 UN member states through the World Health Assembly which is charged with approving the budget and programme for the organisation and settling key policy decisions.