by Lee J, Cohen RM, Khan RA, Burry J, Casas EC, Chung HY, Costa LH, Ford N, Galvao D, Giron N, Jarvis JN, Mondal M, Odionyi JJ, Casas CP, Rangaraj A, Rode J, Ruffell C, Sued O, Ribeiro I. The Lancet Global Health 2024;12(9):e1552-e1559. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00225-0.
Summary: The conventional formulation of amphotericin B, used to treat many serious infectious diseases, has largely been replaced in high-income countries with a liposomal form (LAmB). LAmB’s improved toxicity profile makes it easier to use in situations with low infrastructure and workforce resources, however, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where mortality from invasive fungal infections is substantial, the conventional formulation is often used due to the small number of generic formulations and high price of the originator LAmB. The authors of this Health Policy provide a price and demand analysis and identify the main access barriers for LMICs. They conclude that entry of more suppliers to the global market could facilitate affordable and equitable access to LAmB, substantially impacting mortality.
