Roche expands global access program beyond HIV

A Swiss pharma giant is expanding its global access program beyond HIV to also include diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV) for low and middle income country programs where the disease burden is the highest.

Roche (ROG: SIX) first announced the program in 2014 for increased access to HIV diagnostics, and has partnered with national governments, local healthcare facilities, communities and international agencies to improve detection and help save lives.

"Access to cutting-edge, best-in-class diagnostic test results means more patients being appropriately diagnosed and well treated, resulting in lives saved," said David Ripin, chief science officer of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).