Novartis’ generics arm Sandoz has launched the second Healthcare Access Challenge (HACk), which is looking to support digital solutions to local healthcare access challenges.
The competition is open to digital technology entrepreneurs and innovators with ideas with the potential to complement or drive new approaches to improving access to healthcare.
Explaining the rationale behind the competition, Sandoz noted that universal access to healthcare “is still arguably the largest unmet medical need and, while great strides continue to be made globally, access challenges vary hugely across geographies and communities”.
It says digital innovation could provide cost-effective and practical solutions with the power to transform access to healthcare.
“There are still two billion people in this world not getting the medicines they need. This is why we are launching Sandoz HACk as we aim to inspire and embrace the brave and innovative thinking of entrepreneurs and visionaries to improve access to healthcare around the world”, said Richard Francis, division head and chief executive of the firm.
The three shortlisted entrants – which will be announced in January next year – will receive support from Sandoz experts to develop their ideas.
By: Seline Mc Kee
Source: Pharma Times
Johnson Matthey Plc (JM; London) announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell 100% of its Medical Device Components business (MDC) to Montagu Private Equity (Montagu) for cash consideration of US$700 million (£550 million) on a cash free debt free basis.
Lonza AG (Basel, Switzerland) announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the Genentech large-scale biologics manufacturing site in Vacaville, Calif. from Roche (Basel, Switzerland) for $1.2 billion. The acquisition will significantly increase Lonza’s large-scale biologics manufacturing capacity.
Roquette plans to acquire International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) Pharma Solutions for an enterprise value of up to €2.85 billion (US$3.09 billion). With the acquisition set to close in the first half of 2025, the plant-based ingredient and pharmaceutical excipients supplier aims to reinforce its position in the pharmaceutical industry.