Best Practices in Clinical Drug Development: Engaging Patient Advocacy Groups - Case Studies

Snigdha Santra
August 2, 2023

Post: Best Practices in Clinical Drug Development: Engaging Patient Advocacy Groups – Case Studies

In the intricate world of clinical drug development, an empathetic and patient-centered approach is essential. **Patient engagement in early-stage clinical drug development** significantly influences the outcomes. Today, we’ll share some best practices for patient advocacy group engagement, illustrated through real-world case studies.

Respect and Empathy in Clinical Drug Development: Eli Lilly, renowned for its cancer treatments, showcases respect and empathy through its active collaborations. Partnering with Susan G. Komen, a leading breast cancer organization, they address health disparities for Black women in the U.S. with breast cancer. This collaboration expands resources for direct support, catering to their psychosocial needs and providing access to credible health information and local resources [1].

Transparency and Honesty in Drug Development: Roche offers a commendable example of transparency with patient advocacy groups during the development of Ocrevus, a treatment for multiple sclerosis. Roche collaborated closely with MS advocacy groups, sharing clinical trial results, potential risks, and benefits, thereby fostering trust within the patient community.

Building Long-Term Relationships in Pharma: Sanofi, known for its diabetes therapies, has a sustained partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA). They support the ADA’s Therapeutic Inertia program, promoting the adoption of evidence-based practices that address barriers in diabetes care, aiming for improved treatment modification and outcomes [2].

Inclusivity in Clinical Drug Development: Gilead Sciences displays inclusivity through their engagement with diverse HIV advocacy groups. Key initiatives include the Gilead COMPASS Initiative, addressing HIV in the U.S. South [3], and the RADIAN partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, targeting new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths in Eastern Europe & Central Asia [3].

Pharmaceutical manufacturers, by adopting these best practices, can build robust relationships, enhancing the drug development process and boosting patient trust and satisfaction. Prioritizing patient voices in early-stage clinical drug development ensures a comprehensive, patient-centered approach.

In summary, engaging patient advocacy groups early in the drug development process is crucial, informing the process with genuine patient needs and experiences. These case studies show how respect, empathy, transparency, honesty, long-term relationship building, and inclusivity can foster strong relationships between pharmaceutical manufacturers and patient advocacy groups.

References:

1. Susan G. Komen. (2021, September 29). Lilly and Susan G. Komen® Partner to Address Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes Experienced By Black Women. Retrieved from https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-and-susan-g-komenr-partner-address-disparities-breast

2. American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). About Therapeutic Inertia. Retrieved from https://therapeuticinertia.diabetes.org/about-therapeutic-inertia

3. Gilead Sciences. (n.d.). COMPASS Initiative®. Retrieved from https://www.gilead.com/purpose/partnerships-and-community/compass

Snigdha Santra

Director and Head of Business Insights and Strategy at Chugai Pharmaceuticals, brings over a decade of diverse experience in the healthcare industry.

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Snigdha Santra

Director and Head of Business Insights and Strategy at Chugai Pharmaceuticals, brings over a decade of diverse experience in the healthcare industry. With a focus on transformative impacts and equitable access to medicines, Snigdha develops insights for early-stage products in rare diseases. Through collaboration with patient advocacy groups and a commitment to patient education, Snigdha strives to improve outcomes and shape the future of healthcare.