Novartis Commits $7.5 Million to ZERO Prostate Cancer Initiative

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As the healthcare industry is able to collect more data from a wider group of sources, it’s becoming increasingly clear that huge disparities exist in patient outcomes for different ethnic groups. ZERO Prostate Cancer, an advocacy and support foundation, announced a new initiative to combat some of these disparities among prostate cancer patients.¹ The initiative is named Blitz the Barriers and has a target funding goal of $20 million.

According to ZERO Prostate Cancer, Novartis has committed $7.5 million to the initiative.

In a press release, ZERO Prostate Cancer president and CEO Courtney Bugler said, “The challenges posed by prostate cancer are too significant to ignore, especially in communities where mistrust, stigma, or limited resources have hindered access to life-saving education and care. Access to reliable experts, information, and a strong support network can transform an individual's cancer journey, breaking down barriers to early detection, treatment, and survival. That's what Blitz the Barriers aims to provide. Together with Novartis and other Lead Partners, we're ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or zip code, receives the care and support they deserve."

Dr. Matthew Knowles, CEO of Music World Entertainment, has been named as ZERO’s global ambassador. In the same press release, he said, “I understand the importance of prioritizing my health as a male breast cancer survivor and BRCA gene carrier. I lost my grandfather and four of my five uncles to prostate cancer, and a recent health scare of my own reinforced why regular screenings are essential. I'm proud to partner with ZERO Prostate Cancer's Blitz the Barriers initiative to foster conversations, break down barriers, and raise awareness that early detection can save lives."

Novartis’ senior vice president and therapeutic area head of US Oncology Rodney Gillespie added, “Together with ZERO, we aim to transform the prostate cancer landscape where screenings and care are available to all. This partnership is a bold step toward a shared vision, and we look forward to embarking on this journey to drive real, lasting change in prostate cancer outcomes at a national and local level."

ZERO also just recently announced that a bipartisan bill targeting prostate cancer screening cost-sharing had been introduced in the US House of Representatives.²

In a press release announcing the bill, Bugler explained, “For ZERO and our partners, it has always been about increasing access to life-saving prostate cancer screenings, and the PSA for HIM ACT does just that. We are thankful to Rep. Dunn and Rep. Clarke for picking up the mantle to reduce these financial barriers that will make early detection more accessible and affordable, ultimately saving lives."

The chair of the American Urological Association’s public policy council Mark Edney, MD, added, “The PSA Screening for HIM Act is a vital step toward improving access to life-saving prostate cancer screenings for those at the highest risk. By removing financial barriers, this legislation will help ensure that prostate cancer is detected early when it is most treatable. The AUA strongly supports this bipartisan effort and commends Congress for prioritizing a policy that will save lives."

Sources

1. ZERO Prostate Cancer Launches Bold $20 Million 'Blitz The Barriers' Initiative to Close Gaps in Prostate Cancer Survival in Highest-Risk Communities. ZERO Prostate Cancer. February 18, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zero-prostate-cancer-launches-bold-20-million-blitz-the-barriers-initiative-to-close-gaps-in-prostate-cancer-survival-in-highest-risk-communities-302378490.html
2. Legislation Aimed at Eliminating Financial Barriers to Prostate Cancer Screening Introduced in U.S. Congress. ZERO Prostate Cancer. February 14, 2025. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/legislation-aimed-at-eliminating-financial-barriers-to-prostate-cancer-screening-introduced-in-us-congress-302376996.html