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Developing new treatments for neglected tropical diseases

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We Recognize the Urgent Need for Innovative Treatment Options”

In 2012, Johnson & Johnson signed the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases, a multilateral partnership to eliminate or control 10 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by the end of the decade. As part of this commitment, Janssen is working to enhance the company’s efforts in innovation and access toward neglected diseases.

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Research and Development Efforts

We are working with partners on preclinical research against the parasites that cause lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and onchocerciasis (river blindness).

As part of our on-going commitment to addressing today’s most intractable health challenges, we signed an agreement to become a founding member of the multi-partner Macrofilaricide Drug Accelerator (MacDA) consortium.

Managed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, MacDA brings together key stakeholders from research organizations, industry, academia, and other sectors to advance progress and understanding around treatments against adult parasitic worms, including the discovery of potential safe, effective, affordable, and field-adapted treatments.

Championing Policy for NTDs

Janssen understands the central importance of sound public health policy to drive improved health outcomes worldwide. Recognizing the urgent need for innovative treatment options, particularly for neglected diseases, we are working with a coalition of stakeholders to support the United States Congress in accelerating progress in this domain.

In 2013, Janssen, at the invitation of the U.S. Congress, participated in a congressional hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations to emphasize the urgent need for action on NTDs. This testimony opened the door for greater participation with the subcommittee, which extended an invitation to help it identify and pursue opportunities to demonstrate leadership in accelerating advancements in research and development (R&D) for NTDs through legislation.

Through our stakeholder coalition, we’re working to introduce legislation in support of new research into treatments for NTDs. We formed the Janssen Neglected Disease Task Force, comprised of senior leadership throughout our organization, to inform and support this legislation. The bill is the culmination of a months-long series of meetings among coalition members and subcommittee staff and leadership.

Through a reworking of current R&D, regulatory and partnership models, we can foster an environment more conducive to innovation and investment in drug development for neglected diseases.

Our Progress

We are developing treatments for intestinal worms in younger children. As part of our London Declaration pledge, we are aiming to donate 200 million doses to reach at least 30 countries through 2020.