Novartis hopes to continue to play an important role in developing treatments for COVID-19 with ongoing research for a pill that could work widely against coronaviruses, not just the one that causes COVID-19, stated CEO Vas Narasimhan.
In an interview, the head of the Swiss pharmaceutical company pointed to Novartis’ support for the manufacture of vaccines for COVID-19 and drug producers when asked if the company had been on the sidelines during the pandemic.
“I would have loved if some of our own clinical trials had worked, but they didn’t. I mean, that’s part of the business”, Indicated Narasimhan.
“I believe that we, as a sector, have collaborated to be, ultimately, the industry that allowed this pandemic to eventually come under control.”.
Many drug makers, including AstraZeneca, sold treatments at cost during the pandemic, but are now looking to start making a profit as some parts of the world return to normal.
“I believe that for companies to invest long-term in pandemic preparedness, there has to be a reasonable financial return. I think that should be clear and understood by everyone involved.“, said Narasimhan.
Novartis last year signed an agreement with Molecular Partners to develop two DARPin-based therapies as potential treatments for COVID-19. A new reading of the studies of one of those treatments is expected in January, and companies will decide what steps to take in the coming months based on that data, Narasimhan said.
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