Many patients, family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers often ask, "How can you provide access to medications that aren't approved in my home country?" The answer is simpler than it might seem. We utilize an existing program called the Named Patient Program (NPP), which allows easy access to these medicines.
In the healthcare industry, patients must have access to the best treatments available, even if they aren't yet approved in their country. This is where the NPP comes into play. It's an essential way for patients to receive medicines that might otherwise be out of reach. In this article, we'll review everything you need to know about this program and our role in it.
What is the Named Patient Program (NPP)?
Named Patient Program (NPP), also known as Named Patient Import, Named Patient Compassionate Use, Named Patient Supply, Expanded Access Program (EAP), or Individual Patient Program (IPP) is a special system that allows patients to access medicines that are not available in their home country. This might include medicines that are still being tested in clinical trials or those that are approved in other countries but not yet approved by local authorities.
For instance, a medicine that is available in the USA or Europe might not yet be approved in India. Through the NPP, doctors in India can request these medicines on behalf of their patients if they believe it's the best option for treatment.
Significance of the Named Patient Program (NPP):
Access to New Treatments: The program gives patients easy access to new and potentially life-saving treatments that aren't yet available in their country. This is especially important for patients with rare diseases or conditions that have limited treatment options.
Bridging the Gap: The program helps bridge the gap between drug development and availability. Sometimes, it can take years for a medicine to be approved and launched in a new country. This program provides access in the meantime.
Global Healthcare Equality: By allowing access to treatments from other countries, Named Patient Import promotes global healthcare equality. Patients in developing countries can receive the same level of care as those in more developed regions.
Encourages Innovation: The program also encourages pharmaceutical companies to innovate and explore new treatment options. Knowing there is a pathway for new drugs to reach patients quickly can motivate companies to invest in cutting-edge research.
Benefits of the Named Patient Program (NPP):
Named Patient Programs (NPPs) are a valuable resource for patients and healthcare providers. They help patients access new treatments that aren't yet fully approved or available in their country. This can be important for individuals with serious or urgent health conditions, where waiting for months or even years for a drug to become available can be too long. Here’s a simple breakdown of the main benefits of NPPs: Here's a list of the significant benefits of NPPs:
Access to New/Unapproved Treatments: NPP allows patients to receive medicines that are still in the development phase or are approved in other countries but not yet available locally. This is especially important for patients with conditions that have no other treatment options available.
Flexibility in Treatment Options: NPPs allow clinicians to explore additional potential treatment options for those who have exhausted all other authorized/approved therapies.
Faster Access to Treatment: Through NPPs, patients and healthcare providers can faster access to treatment than they would be able to in case waiting for formal approval or local availability. For some conditions, this opportunity can be life-saving.
Data Collection for Pharmaceutical Companies: Individual Patient Programs enable pharma companies to collect real-world data on medicine efficacy and safety, aiding future regulatory submissions.
Improved Patient Outcomes: For patients with severe or terminal illnesses, the NPP can be a lifeline. Access to innovative therapies can improve outcomes and, in some cases, save lives.
Early Access Program in India: In India, the program is often referred to as the Early Access Program or Named Patient Import. It allows for the import of medicines before they are officially launched in the country, giving patients early access to critical drugs.
Support for Rare Diseases: Patients with rare diseases often have fewer treatment options. The Named Patient Program allows access to international drugs that might be their best or only treatment option.
How Does It Work?
Doctor’s Role: A doctor identifies a requirement for a specific therapeutic drug that is not available locally. They then apply to obtain it through the NPP, usually by working with a specialized pharmaceutical supplier/provider.
Approval Process: The application typically requires approval from regulatory authorities to ensure that the therapeutic drug is safe and suitable for the patient.
Supply Chain: Once approved, the medicinal product is imported and supplied to the patient. This often involves collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory bodies.
How does Ikris Pharma Network (IPN) support you with the Named Patient Program?
We know that getting the medicine you need from another country can be complicated and stressful. That’s why we’re here to help you and your doctor with the process of importing medicines for individual patients, known as the Named Patient Program.
When you request the medicine through our platform, our Medicine Access experts will help you with all the paperwork and guide you through every step. We will find a reliable supplier that offers the best price for your medicine and make sure it gets delivered safely and securely to your home or to a hospital.
In simple terms, Ikris Pharma Network (IPN) takes care of the entire process for you. We handle everything from finding the medicine to shipping it and dealing with customs, so you and your doctor can focus on your treatment. Throughout the process, we stay in close contact with you to make sure you know what’s happening every step of the way.
If you want to learn more about how we can help, feel free to reach out to us via Call/WhatsApp at +91 9310090915 or dial TOLL-FREE: 1800-889-1064. You can also write us at info@ikrispharmanetwork.com.
Conclusion:
Named Patient Programs (NPPs) are designed to help patients and doctors find the best treatment for their health needs. Sometimes, there might be a treatment available in your area that could work just as well. However, for patients who have tried all local options or have a rare disease waiting for medicine approval "waiting room", it's good to know there's more you can do.
Whether it's called the Named Patient Program, Early Access Program in India, Germany, Brazil, Europe Bulgaria or Named Patient Import, its impact on patients' lives is significant and transformative.
If you and your doctor decide to explore NPPs, our team at Ikris Pharma Network (IPN) is here to help you. We aim to offer customized support to each patient and treating doctor. This way, you don’t have to worry about how you will receive the therapeutic drug you need. At the end of the day, our only goal is for everybody, no matter who they are or where they live, to have equal, quick, and fair access to the latest and best healthcare.