Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and EVA Pharma have announced a new partnership aimed at increasing access to baricitinib for an estimated 20,000 individuals across 49 low- and middle-income countries in Africa by 2030. Developed by Incyte and licensed to Lilly, baricitinib is used to treat conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and COVID-19.
This initiative is part of Lilly’s 30×30 program, which targets enhancing healthcare access for 30 million people in resource-limited settings annually by 2030.
Ilya Yuffa, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly International, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable and innovative medicines. He noted, “Following our collaboration with EVA Pharma on insulin production, we are now launching a pioneering voluntary licensing agreement. This will allow EVA Pharma to manufacture and distribute baricitinib in 49 African countries.”
EVA Pharma’s CEO, Riad Armanious, expressed pride in localizing the entire production process of this essential medication. “From producing the high-potency baricitinib active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to overcoming complex manufacturing challenges, we are dedicated to meeting global standards,” he said.
EVA Pharma’s advanced high-containment facility is expected to start selling locally manufactured baricitinib by 2026. This partnership leverages EVA’s extensive pan-African network and robust local manufacturing capabilities, allowing Lilly to extend its reach to more people in low- and middle-income countries.
Since 2021, EVA Pharma has been collaborating with Lilly to secure a sustainable supply of crucial medicines across several African nations. The two companies are also working together to enhance access to affordable insulin in 56 countries, most of which are low- and middle-income, as announced in 2022.
Indications and Safety Summary for Olumiant® (Baricitinib)
Olumiant® is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor prescribed for:
- Adults with severe alopecia areata.
- Adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded adequately to one or more TNF blocker treatments.
Warnings and Precautions
Olumiant may cause severe side effects, including:
- Infections: Risk of serious infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) and shingles. Monitor for symptoms and consult your doctor if an infection occurs.
- Cancer: Increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers. Regular skin checks are recommended.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, particularly in those over 50 with heart disease risk factors. Seek immediate medical help if symptoms of a heart attack or stroke arise.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Potential for tears in the stomach or intestines, especially if taking NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or methotrexate.
- Allergic Reactions: Serious reactions such as rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling may require stopping the medication and seeking emergency care.
