SSM Health, headquartered in St. Louis, is one of seven organizations, representing about 500 U.S. hospitals, that have partnered in a new not-for-profit generic drug company. Civica Rx, previously known as Project Rx, will at first focus on 14 hospital-administered generic drugs.
“We are creating a public asset with a mission to ensure that essential generic medications are accessible and affordable,” said Martin VanTrieste, CEO of Civica Rx and former chief quality officer for Amgen, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.
Since the initiative was announced in January 2018, more than 120 health organizations representing about a third of the nation’s hospitals have contacted Civica Rx and expressed a commitment or interest in participating, which “shows a great need for this initiative,” VanTrieste said.
The other initial governing members of Civica Rx include Catholic Health Initiatives, HCA Healthcare, Intermountain Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, Providence St. Joseph Health, and Trinity Health.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will also work in consultation with Civica Rx to address its particular needs.
Three major philanthropies will also join Civica Rx as governing members – the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, the Peterson Center on Healthcare, and the Gary and Mary West Foundation – “to further support and safeguard the company’s not-for-profit, social welfare mission,” VanTrieste said.
The company is organized as a Delaware nonstock, not-for-profit corporation, and will be headquartered in Utah. Civica Rx expects to have its first products on the market as early as 2019.
Civica Rx is collaborating with the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) newly formed AHA Center for Health Innovation to address inquiries about the initiative. Health systems and hospitals may call 800-242-4677 with questions or visit www.civicarx.org.
