"Initiated in 2009, the access program enables disadvantaged patients to get anti-cancer therapies meeting international standards.This program helped over 1,500 patients yearly to benefit from Roche innovative therapies," said a statement by the Lalla Salma Foundation.

The renewal of the draft agreement was inked by secretary general of the said Foundation Latifa El Abida, Dr. Peter Hug, Roche director for eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Dr. Bart Vanhauwere, director general for Morocco and north Africa and Sanaa Sayagh, pharmaceutical director for Morocco.

"We are glad of this sustainable partnership which will enable Roche Maroc to contribute to the development of oncology and facilitate the access of Moroccan patients to our innovative products against breast cancer and other types of cancer," said Peter Hug.

"We hope to continue bringing our support, under the national anti-cancer plan, in the fields of clinical research, training of health professional, diagnosis and awareness-raising," he added.

Following the signing ceremony, HRH Princess Lalla Salma visited, along with Peter Hug, Bart Vanhauwere and Sanaa Sayagh, the pharmacy of the Sheikha Fatma Center and the central unit for chemotherapy drugs. HRH Princess Lalla Salma also visited cancer inpatients.