US drugmaker Lilly has refused to disclose the amount it is giving as part of a dementia deal with the WHO Foundation.
The company announced a tie-up with the WHO Foundation – a fundraising organisation with a mandate to support the aims of the WHO – on Monday (13 October) to financially support the objectives of the WHO’s global dementia action plan.
The deal comes as the WHO seeks to widen its pool of funders after the US announced earlier this year it would withdraw funding for the organisation.
A spokesperson for Lilly said: “Financial support is being provided by Lilly, and Lilly is unable to disclose the amount of the contribution.
“Lilly shares insights and reach, offers space and logistics for joint side events at major international forums to discuss disease awareness, and leverage its networks to promote cross-sector collaboration.”
As of 2021, 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia, with more than 60 per cent in low- and middle-income countries, Lilly and the WHO Foundation said in a joint press release.
Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug donanemab was approved in the US last year for people in the early stages of the disease.
A spokesperson for WHO Foundation said: “Through this collaboration, the Foundation helps connect WHO’s technical expertise with Lilly’s commitment to advancing awareness and fostering cross-sector dialogue on dementia.
“Further details on the collaboration will be shared at a later time.”