The Max Foundation (Max) and its Partners Unveil Breakthrough Cancer Care Commitment to Double Their Impact and Reach 100,000 Patients Annually by 2030

• Building on two decades of progress, Max’s ambitious goal will expand its proven, patient-centered model that has already helped more than 100,000 people access treatment
• Commitment will enhance local health system capabilities to deliver innovative and generic medicines, diagnostics, and treatment in more than 80 low- and middle-income countries
• Alongside this commitment, Max and Novartis sign landmark 5-year agreement to improve care and support services for people living with cancer and rare diseases
• Increasing global burden of cancer, marked by rising incidence and mortality rates, presents significant threat to economic development and health worldwide

New York City, New York – September 24, 2025 – The Max Foundation (Max), a leading global nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating health equity by delivering medication, technology, and supportive services to patients worldwide, today announced a bold commitment at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting to deliver breakthrough cancer care to 100,000 patients annually by 2030. The organization currently enables access to treatment, care, and support to approximately 40,000 people annually.

“Even with our success in helping more than 100,000 people in the last two decades, today there are hundreds of thousands more that suffer in silence without dignity or hope as they cannot access the diagnostics, medicines, and care that could extend their lives,” said Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, co-founder and CEO of The Max Foundation. “We believe all human life has equal value, and regardless of where they live, all people deserve access to treatment for cancer and other critical illnesses so they can spend more time with loved ones, support their families, and build their communities. We can alleviate suffering and prevent premature death today, and because we can, we must.”

The Max Foundation currently collaborates with more than 900 partners to provide innovative medicines, diagnostics, and comprehensive care to patients across more than 80 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These partners include professional, nonprofit, and commercial organizations and nearly 500 local physicians and their institutions. Max aims to reach the goal of supporting 100,000 patients annually by growing its network of partners, expanding its portfolio of therapies and diagnostics, scaling its partner healthcare provider network, and addressing a broader range of cancers. The initiative will seek to strengthen national oncology systems through investments in provider training, pathology services, and patient navigation and support.

As part of this wider effort, Novartis is extending its long-standing collaboration with Max to continue broadening cancer care in LMICs. Over the next five years, the collaboration will deliver treatment and support services for patients living with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), metastatic breast cancer, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and rare cancers such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). It also aims to strengthen local healthcare systems by engaging with governments, hospitals, and healthcare professionals.

“Together with our partners we believe it is essential to create long term partnerships to change the lives of people diagnosed with cancer in LMICs over the next five years. We are thrilled that our long-term partner and key collaborator, Novartis, once again leads the global community by stepping forward and supporting our mission to improving the lives of people living with cancer around the world,” said Garcia-Gonzalez. “We hope many more organizations and individuals will recognize the tremendous opportunity to alleviate human suffering, strengthen health systems, and create a sustainable system of cancer care for patients in the future.”

“Partnerships are essential to making progress on complex health challenges. For more than two decades, we have worked alongside The Max Foundation to help improve cancer care in low‑ and middle‑income countries. We are pleased to continue this collaboration and support efforts to strengthen local systems so more people can benefit from timely diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr Lutz Hegemann, President, Global Health and Swiss Country Affairs, Novartis.

Cancer is a leading cause of premature death globally, disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income countries, which accounted for more than 70% of cancer deaths. In these areas, patients experience severe disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and survival compared to those in high-income countries. By 2040, lower- and middle-income countries are projected to see most of the new cancer cases, yet today, only 15% of these countries have access to comprehensive cancer care services. Cancer imposes a significant economic burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries. A comprehensive study estimated that the global economic cost of 29 cancers from 2020 to 2050 will reach approximately $25.2 trillion.

“Women are often the backbone of their families, communities, and workplaces, yet those diagnosed with breast cancer routinely lack access to essential care and social support,” said Dr. Fatima Cardoso, medical oncologist and President, ABC (Advanced Breast Cancer) Global Alliance. “The challenge is even greater in low- and middle-income countries, where more than half of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, highlighting the urgent need for timely diagnosis and treatment. To help close this gap in access to quality healthcare, the ABC Global Alliance is committed to supporting The Max Foundation in its mission to reach 100,000 patients each year.”

About The Max Foundation

The Max Foundation is a leading global health nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating health equity. For 28 years, Max has pioneered practical, scalable, high-quality solutions to bring lifesaving treatments and patient-centered health care to more than 110,000 people living with cancer and critical illness in low- and middle-income countries. Max believes in a world where all people can access high-impact medicines, where geography is not destiny, and where everyone can strive for health with dignity and with hope. Learn more at www.themaxfoundation.org.

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