PIF member Versus Arthritis has published a report outlining how to improve relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and patient organisations.
In 2022 the charity started a project to understand the relationship, how this manifested across the medicines development process, and how it could develop in future.
The aim was to support not only its plans to work with industry, but also others in the sector.
The project involved a literature review, survey of pharmaceutical companies and a workshop.
It was overseen by a steering group consisting of patient organisations, people living with health conditions and representatives from the pharmaceutical industry.
It culminated in a report and recommendations for future, launched earlier this summer.
Recommendations to move from a transactional to 'truly collaborative' relationship include:
- Building understanding between companies and patient organisations
- Encouraging companies to engage with patient organisations earlier
- Building an understanding of the Codes of Conduct among patient organisations
The project was funded by Versus Arthritis with contributions from fellow PIF members Parkinson’s UK and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Download the full report from the Versus Arthritis website here.